
To become a loan officer in California, you'll need to obtain a mortgage loan originator (MLO) license from the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). This license requires a background check and a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing education.
The NMLS is a national database that tracks the licenses of mortgage loan originators across the country. To register for an MLO license, you'll need to create an account on the NMLS website and pay a fee.
In California, loan officers must also comply with the California Finance Lenders Law, which requires them to register with the California Department of Financial Institutions. This registration process involves submitting an application and paying a fee.
To get started, you'll need to meet the basic requirements for an MLO license, including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent.
Licensing Requirements
To become a loan officer in California, you'll need to get licensed as a mortgage loan originator (MLO). This requires following a series of steps.
First, you need to apply for an NMLS account and ID number. This is the system used by all states to track MLO licensing. You'll need to complete your California mortgage Pre-license Education (PE) next.
To prepare for the licensing exam, review the MLO Testing Handbook by the NMLS, which contains a comprehensive topic outline that will be tested over. OnlineEd's courses come with test prep study tools and an exam simulator to help you get ready.
To become licensed, you'll need to pass a licensing exam. You'll also need to apply for your California mortgage license through the NMLS. Background checks and paying all fees are also required.
Here are the steps to get a mortgage license in California:
- Apply for an NMLS account and ID number.
- Complete California mortgage Pre-license Education (PE).
- Pass a licensing exam.
- Apply for your California mortgage license through the NMLS.
- Complete background checks and pay all fees.
- Associate your NMLS account with an employer.
Pre-Licensure Education
To become a loan officer in California, you'll need to complete pre-licensure education. This typically involves 20 hours of coursework, with a focus on mortgage industry fundamentals, ethics, and professional conduct.
You'll need to choose a provider that offers NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, such as Oncourse Learning or OnlineEd. Both of these providers offer a range of courses that meet the state's requirements.
The state of California has two licensing NMLS agencies, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the Department of Real Estate (DRE), each with slightly different sets of pre-licensure education requirements. Here's a breakdown of the requirements for each agency:
Keep in mind that these requirements are subject to change, so be sure to check with the relevant agencies for the most up-to-date information.
Complete NMLS Pre-Licensure Education
You'll need to complete 20 hours of coursework to meet the education requirements in California. This coursework covers a range of topics from mortgage industry fundamentals to ethics and professional conduct.
To get started, you'll need to choose a pre-licensing education provider. Some recommended providers include Oncourse Learning and OnlineEd, which offer a range of courses and packages.
In California, you'll need to complete 20 hours of coursework, which includes 3 hours of Federal Law, 3 hours of Ethics, 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending, and 10 or 12 hours of Electives, depending on the agency you're working with.
Here's a breakdown of the specific education requirements for the two agencies in California:
You'll also need to complete 2 hours of California-specific education. Some courses, like the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive - Mortgage Pre-License Course, include test-taking strategy videos to help you prepare for the NMLS exam.
OnlineEd offers a range of courses and packages, including a 20-hour bundle that includes exam prep and a test simulator. They also offer live instructor sessions and a free EPUB/PDF course book.
The Importance of Higher Education
Higher education is crucial for a successful career in mortgage lending. It sets you up for success and opens doors to new opportunities.
To become a mortgage loan originator in California, you'll need to complete mortgage training courses. This education will give you the knowledge and skills needed to pass the national exam.
California's housing market is one of the strongest in the nation, making it a great place to start a career in mortgage lending. With a strong education, you'll be well-prepared to take advantage of this growing market.
Obtaining your mortgage license requires a combination of determination, a willingness to learn, business sense, and a strong work ethic.
Application and Sponsorship
To submit your California mortgage license application, you'll need to complete your Individual Form (MU4) and pay the required fees through the NMLS portal, which costs $30 for the NMLS application fee, $300 for the California state application fee, and $15 for a credit report.
The total cost for the application in California is $105, which includes the NMLS processing fee. You can check the California MLO license application checklist for more information on pricing.
After submitting your application, you'll need to get employer sponsorship through the NMLS portal, which will verify your employment details with your sponsoring employer.
Employment and Compensation
To get hired as a loan officer, you'll need to have your NMLS record associated with your employer. This is a crucial step before you can start doing business. To sponsor your NMLS record, you'll need to follow the necessary steps.
The exam to become a loan officer is 190 minutes long and contains 120 questions. You'll need to score 75% or greater to pass, and your results will be shown to you on a computer screen immediately after completing the exam.
Get Hired
To get hired in the mortgage industry, you'll need to associate your NMLS record with your employer. This is a crucial step before you can receive a mortgage loan license and start doing business.
The NMLS exam is 190 minutes long and contains 120 questions. You'll need to score 75% or greater to pass.
Your NMLS record will be associated with your employer, allowing you to start working and receiving a mortgage loan license.
Loanees' Compensation
In California, mortgage loan officers get paid a base salary of $183,484 per year, according to Indeed.com. This figure likely represents top earners, as actual salaries can vary significantly.
Some mortgage loan officers in California may earn as little as $41,000 per year, highlighting the wide range of compensation in this field.
Becoming a Commissioned Officer
Mortgage loan officers in California can earn an annual commission of $56,000 on average. This is based on data from Indeed.com.
To give you a better idea of how commissions work, let's look at an example: a loan officer in California earns a commission of 1.25% for a $400,000 home loan, which translates to a $5,000 commission per loan.
Even inexperienced loan officers can realistically make two of these types of loans per month, which equates to a monthly commission earning of roughly $10,000.
Costs and Permits
Getting your loan officer license in California is a straightforward process, but it does come with some costs. You'll need to pay an application fee of $30 through the NMLS licensing portal.
The California portion of the licensing fee is $300, which is a separate cost from the application fee. This fee is required to obtain your loan officer license.
You'll also need to submit a credit report, which costs $15. This is a one-time fee that's necessary for the licensing process.
Mortgage Educators and Compliance is a resource you can reach out to for any additional questions you may have about your California mortgage license. You can call them at (801) 676-2520 or email them at [email protected].
Licensing and Certification
To become a loan officer in California, you'll need to obtain the right license. A mortgage broker is a company that employs a team of loan officers.
In California, a mortgage loan originator and a loan officer are often used interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same thing. A loan officer originates mortgage loans for new home buyers.
To work in real estate, you must receive a real estate license and apply through the CA-DRE.
License Removal

If you're a mortgage loan originator (MLO) in California, you may need to remove your license at some point. To do this, you'll need to follow the steps outlined by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
You'll need to log in to your NMLS account and submit a request to remove your license. This will initiate the process of canceling your license.
Keep in mind that you'll need to complete any outstanding requirements, such as paying any outstanding fees, before your license can be removed. This will ensure that your account is up to date and accurate.
Here are the steps to remove your mortgage license through the NMLS:
- Log in to your NMLS account.
- Submit a request to remove your license.
- Complete any outstanding requirements, such as paying outstanding fees.
Becoming a Loan Specialist
To prepare for the mortgage licensing exam, review the MLO Testing Handbook by the NMLS, which contains a comprehensive topic outline that will be tested over.
OnlineEd's courses come with test prep study tools and an exam simulator to help you get ready for the exam.
To become a loan specialist, you'll need to obtain the correct license for your role. In California, a mortgage loan originator or loan officer license is required, not a broker license.
The main difference between a mortgage broker and a loan officer is that a broker is a company that employs a team of loan officers, while a loan officer originates mortgage loans for new home buyers.
CA-DBO vs. CA-DFPI vs. CA-DRE
The licensing landscape in California can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to the different agencies involved. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (CA-DFPI) replaced the California Department of Business Oversight (CA-DBO).
There are two separate licensing divisions in California: CA-DFPI and the California Department of Real Estate (CA-DRE). These two agencies differ in how much mortgage pre-license education you need to receive before you can get licensed as an MLO. Mortgage Educators & Compliance provides course bundles that satisfy the mortgage pre-license education requirements in California, regardless of which license you will be applying for.
Active CA real estate licensees or those who are looking to work in both real estate and residential mortgage loan origination will select the CA-DRE. Those who are not CA real estate licensees or who are not looking to obtain a real estate license should select the CA-DFPI.
The NMLS Policy Committee created the PE Expiration policy, which requires individuals to retake 20 hours of pre-licensure education if they fail to acquire a valid mortgage license within three years from the last date of licensure as a mortgage loan originator. However, this policy is currently pending enactment and not enforced yet.
NMLS and Licensing Process
To get licensed as a loan officer in California, you'll need to navigate the NMLS and licensing process. You can start by applying for an NMLS account and ID number, which is a requirement for doing business as a mortgage loan originator in any state.
The NMLS is a system used by all states to track MLO licensing, and it's where you'll complete the necessary steps to get your California mortgage license. To do this, you'll need to complete your California mortgage Pre-license Education (PE) and pass a licensing exam.
The NMLS application fee is $30, and you'll also need to pay $300 for the California portion of the licensing fee, as well as a credit report fee of $15. The total cost for the California application is $105, which includes the cost of NMLS Processing.
Here's a breakdown of the steps to get licensed:
- Apply for an NMLS account and ID number
- Complete California mortgage Pre-license Education (PE)
- Pass a licensing exam
- Apply for your California mortgage license through the NMLS
- Complete background checks and pay all fees
- Associate your NMLS account with an employer
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to getting your loan officer license in California.
Regulations and Compliance
As a Loan Officer CA, you must comply with the California Financing Law, which requires you to disclose all terms and conditions of a loan to your client.
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) regulates loan officers in California and requires them to register with the department.
To become a licensed Loan Officer CA, you need to complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education, which includes 3 hours of California-specific law and regulations.
You must also pass the SAFE Act test and submit fingerprints for a background check.
The California Financing Law requires loan officers to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) to borrowers within 3 business days of loan application.
A GFE outlines the estimated costs and terms of the loan, including the annual percentage rate (APR) and fees.
Loan officers in California are also required to provide a Truth-in-Lending Disclosure (TIL) within 3 business days of loan application.
The TIL includes information on the APR, finance charges, and other loan terms.
As a Loan Officer CA, you must also comply with the California Consumer Finance Lending Act, which requires you to provide clear and concise disclosure of loan terms and conditions.
You must also maintain records of all loan transactions and provide them to the DFPI upon request.
The DFPI can impose fines and penalties on loan officers who fail to comply with California regulations.
Professional Development
As a loan officer in California, staying up-to-date with industry developments is crucial to success.
California requires loan officers to complete 8 hours of continuing education every year to maintain their licenses.
Staying current with industry trends and regulations can help loan officers provide better service to their clients.
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation requires loan officers to complete courses on topics such as fair lending practices and consumer protection.
Loan officers can also benefit from attending industry conferences and seminars to network with other professionals and learn about new products and services.
California loan officers must also complete a 20-hour pre-licensing education course to obtain their licenses in the first place.
Many loan officers find that joining professional associations, such as the California Mortgage Bankers Association, can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get loan officer license in California?
To become a California-licensed loan officer, 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 may vary depending on your schedule and the course provider.
Sources
- https://www.morty.com/resources/loan-officers/becoming-a-loan-officer-in-california
- https://www.onlineed.com/catalog/California/mortgage/pre-license
- https://www.theceshop.com/mortgage/california/nmls-mortgage-loan-originator-license/how-to-become-california-loan-officer
- https://www.mpamag.com/us/mortgage-industry/guides/how-to-become-a-loan-officer-in-california/453463
- https://mortgageeducators.com/17-products/150-California-Mortgage-License
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