How to Get a Loan Officer License and Become a Mortgage Professional

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To become a mortgage professional, you'll need to obtain a loan officer license. This typically requires completing a pre-licensing course that covers topics such as federal and state laws, ethics, and mortgage regulations.

The pre-licensing course is usually 20 hours long and must be taken from an approved education provider. Some states also require additional education hours.

You'll also need to pass a licensing exam, which is administered by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). The exam tests your knowledge of mortgage regulations and practices.

The NMLS is a central registry for mortgage loan originators, and it's responsible for tracking and monitoring loan officers across the country.

Pre-License Education

To get a loan officer license, you'll need to complete the required pre-license education. This typically involves taking a specific number of hours of coursework through an accredited organization.

In Illinois, you must complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved coursework. Fortunately, Illinois does not require state-specific pre-license education, making it a bit easier to get started.

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The Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course is a required 20-hour course for mortgage loan originators. If you're planning to work in Florida, make sure to bring your NMLS ID Number to class to receive completion credit.

Texas has a slightly different requirement, with a 23-Hour SAFE Comprehensive Course being the standard. This course includes additional hours of education on Texas law and practice.

You'll also need to prepare for the National Exam by taking a Loan Originator Exam Prep course. Some courses offer free retakes for a year, so be sure to look for that option.

Here's a breakdown of the typical pre-license education requirements:

National Requirements

To get a loan officer license, you'll need to meet the national requirements set by the SAFE Act. These requirements are the same across the country, so you'll need to pass the National NMLS Test with a score of 75% or better. This test is a two-part nationwide exam that's developed by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS).

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You'll also need to complete 20 hours of prelicensing education, which can be done before or after taking the test. It's recommended to take the test within 10 days of completing the pre-licensing course. Some states may have additional requirements, but these national requirements are a good starting point.

Here are the key national requirements to keep in mind:

  • Pass the National NMLS Test with a score of 75% or better
  • Complete 20 hours of prelicensing education
  • Agree to a criminal background check
  • Commit to continuing mortgage education each year
  • Agree to a credit check

Obtain Your ID Number

Obtaining your Unique Identification Number with NMLS is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.

Creating an account with NMLS is a simple online process.

After creating your account, NMLS will notify you by email with your Unique Identification Number.

This is an important step in the process, so be sure to keep an eye out for that email.

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Pass the National Test

Passing the National Test is a crucial step in becoming a licensed mortgage loan originator. You'll need to take the SAFE Act National NMLS Test with Uniform State Test (UST).

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The test is divided into two parts, and you must score a minimum of 75% to pass. You can take the test within 10 days after completing your 20-hour pre-licensing course. This will give you a head start on getting licensed.

To enroll in the test, you'll need to create a TEST ENROLLMENT on the NMLS website. You'll pay a $110 fee for the National Test with Uniform State Test (UST) upon enrollment. This fee must be paid before you can schedule a test date.

The test is available online, but if you need accommodations, you may be eligible for Online Proctored Testing (OPT). However, this option is only available to candidates who qualify for Testing Accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Here are the steps to pass the National Test:

  • Create a TEST ENROLLMENT on the NMLS website
  • Pay the $110 fee for the National Test with Uniform State Test (UST)
  • Schedule a test date
  • Take the test and score at least 75%

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to passing the National Test and becoming a licensed mortgage loan originator.

State-Specific Requirements

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To get a loan officer license, you'll need to familiarize yourself with state-specific requirements. In Illinois, for example, you'll need to apply for your mortgage license.

You'll need to use a checklist to ensure you don't miss or forget any steps in the process. This can help you stay organized and on track.

In Illinois, you'll need to complete the application process for your mortgage license, which involves several steps.

Complete Florida Comprehensive Course

To complete the Florida Comprehensive Course, you'll need to take a 20-hour course as mandated by the 2008 SAFE Act.

The course is specifically designed for Mortgage Loan Originators, and it's available in Fort Myers and Naples.

You'll need to bring your NMLS ID Number with you to class so that you can receive completion credit.

The course is a requirement for getting licensed in Florida, and it's a crucial step in your career as a Mortgage Loan Originator.

Here are the details you'll need to know about the course:

You'll need to complete the course to meet the state-specific requirements for Florida.

Illinois License Application

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To apply for your Illinois Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license, you'll need to navigate a series of steps.

First, you'll need to use a checklist to ensure you don't miss or forget anything in the process of getting your Illinois MLO license.

Montana Originators

Montana is one of the few states that allows out-of-state producers to originate loans, but they must be registered with the Montana Department of Administration.

To originate loans in Montana, you'll need to meet the state's requirements, which include having a physical office in the state and being supervised by a licensed Montana mortgage broker.

23-Hour Texas RMLO License Program

The 23-Hour Texas RMLO License Program is a comprehensive education requirement for aspiring loan originators in Texas. This program typically includes a 20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive Course.

Students who apply for their LO License with NMLS will be required to complete this course, as well as a 3-Hour TX-SML SAFE: Texas Law and Practice course, and pass the National Exam. Our ChampionsLive virtual classrooms offer live instruction from the comfort of your home.

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The 23-HourRMLO Texas License Program is a specific package that includes everything necessary to satisfy these requirements. This package includes free books and PDFs, as well as free exam prep retakes for one year.

Here's a breakdown of the courses included in the 23-HourRMLO Texas License Program:

  • 20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive
  • 3-Hour TX-SML SAFE: Texas Law and Practice
  • National Exam Prep Course

This program provides 23 NMLS Credit Hours, making it a valuable investment for those looking to pursue a career in loan origination. By completing this program, students can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to make it as a loan officer?

Becoming a loan officer requires dedication and education, but it's not extremely challenging. With the right skills and training, you can succeed in this rewarding career.

How long does it take to become a loan officer in California?

To become a loan officer in California, you'll need to complete a 20-hour pre-licensing course and any additional required coursework, which can take several weeks to a few months to complete. The exact timeframe will depend on your schedule and the pace at which you complete the necessary courses and requirements.

Sean Dooley

Lead Writer

Sean Dooley is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a strong background in research and analysis, Sean has developed a keen eye for detail and a talent for distilling complex information into clear, concise language. Sean's portfolio includes a wide range of articles on topics such as accounting services, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial concepts and a ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

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