
To become a mortgage loan officer, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course and obtain state licensure. The pre-licensing course typically takes 20-40 hours to complete and covers topics such as federal and state laws, ethics, and mortgage products.
The cost of the pre-licensing course varies by state, but it can range from $200 to $1,000. Some states also require a background check and a credit report as part of the licensure process.
You'll need to choose a state-approved pre-licensing course provider and complete the course within the required timeframe. Some states also offer online courses, which can be more convenient for those with busy schedules.
The state licensure process typically involves passing a licensing exam and paying a licensing fee, which can range from $100 to $500.
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Mortgage Loan Officer Pre-Licensing Course
The 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive course is the required pre-licensing education for Mortgage Loan Originators as mandated by the 2008 SAFE Act.
You can complete this course in as little as 4 days, but the license application process takes most of the time, usually around 6 weeks.
The course covers key skills that every professional can benefit from, regardless of industry or career stage, and is available in video format through the 7-Day OIL Video option.
You'll need to check the NMLS state requirements page to see if state-specific content is needed, as the 20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive Principles of Mortgage Lending course does not include any state-specific requirements.
To get a mortgage license in multiple states, you'll need a separate license in each state, and it's best to create an NMLS account to get an account ID first.
The course does not include the NMLS filing fee of $1.50 per credit, nor any applicable shipping charges, and fees will be added during checkout.
Classes for the 20 Hour Florida SAFE Comprehensive Course are available in Fort Myers and Naples, and you should bring your NMLS ID Number with you to class for completion credit.
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National Packages
The 20 Hour National Pre-Licensing Package is a comprehensive course that covers mortgage knowledge and exam preparation.
This 7-Day OIL Course is designed to take your mortgage lending career to the next level and is geared towards key skills that every professional can benefit from.
You'll need to complete 20 hours of Pre-Licensure education to prepare for the next step towards getting your license.
The Professional Development Package includes courses that are customized to help you advance your own career and are beneficial regardless of your industry, profession, or career stage.
To get started with your 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive course, you'll need to create an NMLS account to get an account ID.
Once you've created your account, you're ready to take your 20 hours of Pre-Licensure education, which will prepare you for the SAFE MLO Test.
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Preparation and Study
To prepare for the mortgage licensing exam, you can start by reviewing the MLO Testing Handbook by the NMLS, which contains a comprehensive topic outline that will be tested over.
The handbook is a valuable resource that will help you understand what to expect on the exam. OnlineEd's courses also come with test prep study tools and an exam simulator to help you get ready for the exam.
You can also consider taking a course like the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Applying Mortgage Knowledge to Exam Preparation, which includes a 14-Day OIL Course with video instruction.
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Applying Knowledge to Exam Prep (7-Day Course) (Video)
The 7-Day OIL Course is a great option for those who want to prepare for the mortgage licensing exam. This course meets all federal pre-licensing requirements.
You can choose from various formats, including video, to suit your learning style. The 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Applying Mortgage Knowledge to Exam Preparation (7-Day OIL Course) is a popular choice, which comes with an online instructor-led course.
To get the most out of your course, make sure to review the MLO Testing Handbook by the NMLS. This comprehensive topic outline will be tested over, and it's a great resource to have in your study arsenal.
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Here are some key benefits of the 7-Day OIL Course:
- Online instructor-led course
- Meets all federal pre-licensing requirements
- Flexible learning format to suit your needs
Remember, passing the mortgage licensing exam requires dedication and hard work. According to the NMLS, the first-time pass rate is 55%, so it's essential to take your study seriously and review all the topic outlines provided for free.
By investing in a test-prep or test-review product, you can reinforce the concepts you'll be tested over and increase your chances of passing the exam.
State-Specific Pre-Education Requirements
State-Specific Pre-Education Requirements can seem overwhelming, but it's actually quite straightforward. Each state has its own pre-education requirements for mortgage licensing, and the SAFE Act requires a minimum of 20 hours of pre-license education.
The total hours required for pre-education vary from state to state, ranging from 20 to 35 hours. For example, in Nevada, you need 30 hours of pre-education, while in Utah, you need 35 hours (15 of which are state-specific).
Some states require additional hours of state-specific education, which can range from 2 to 5 hours. For instance, in California, you need 2 hours of state-specific education, while in Maryland, you need 5 hours.
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Here's a breakdown of the pre-education requirements for each state:
Remember to check the NMLS website for a complete list of state requirements, as this information is subject to change.
NMLS and Licensing
The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, or NMLS, is a national organization that tracks all mortgage activity in the US.
To get an NMLS license, you'll need to take required pre-license education and pass a licensing exam, and then apply for a state mortgage license through the NMLS website.
The NMLS handles various mortgage license and registration functions, including licensing, tracking, testing, record keeping, and communication.
You'll need to have a unique NMLS ID number to have your course completions recorded in NMLS, which you can obtain and find more information about in the NMLS resource center.
The NMLS is a national organization that tracks all mortgage activity in the US, regardless of licensing status, and all MLOs require an NMLS ID, regardless of license status.
To pass the National NMLS Test, you'll need to score at least 75% or better, and it's recommended to take the test within 10 days after completing the 20-hour pre-licensing course.
The NMLS has a new and improved login experience that requires action the first time you login, and you should log in to NMLS before November 1st to ensure your account is up to date when you start the renewals process.
Licensure Process
To get a mortgage license, you'll need to follow a series of steps. First, apply for an NMLS account and ID number.
The steps to getting a mortgage license in New York are relatively straightforward. You'll need to complete your New York mortgage Pre-license Education, pass a licensing exam, and apply for your New York mortgage license through the NMLS.
Here are the specific steps to getting a mortgage license in New York:
- Apply for an NMLS account and ID number.
- Complete your New York mortgage Pre-license Education ("PE").
- Pass a licensing exam.
- Apply for your New York mortgage license though the NMLS.
- Complete background checks and pay all fees.
- Associate your NMLS account with an employer.
If you plan to work with customers from multiple states, you'll need a separate mortgage license in each state. This can take some time, typically around 6 weeks, but can vary depending on the state agency.
State-Specific Requirements
To get a mortgage license in multiple states, you'll need a separate license for each state you do business in. This is because each state provides its own mortgage license.
The process can take around 6 weeks, although this can vary depending on the state agency. You can complete the pre-license education in as little as 4 days, but the license application process takes up most of the time.
You'll need to review the MLO Testing Handbook by the NMLS to study for the mortgage licensing exam. This handbook contains a comprehensive topic outline that will be tested over.
The NMLS requires Mortgage Loan Originators to register and obtain a unique ID number.
Difficulty of Licensing Exam
The first-time pass rate for the licensing exam is 55%, which might be a bit lower than you'd expect.
The National Mortgage Lending Association (NMLS) updates these numbers regularly, so keep an eye out for any changes.
To increase your chances of passing, make sure to review all of the topic outlines that the NMLS provides for free.
We strongly recommend getting a test-prep or test-review product along with your pre-license education to reinforce concepts you'll be tested over.
Apply for
To apply for a mortgage loan origination license, you'll need to complete and submit an application via the NMLS website. This is a crucial step in the licensure process.
The mortgage company you plan to work for may fill out your application for you, so be sure to check with them before submitting any paperwork.
You'll need to visit the NMLS state requirements page to see if state-specific content is needed.
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Background Checks
As part of your licensure process, you'll need to undergo a background check. Some states require you to get a criminal background check and submit fingerprints.
You'll also need to submit to a credit report. The NMLS Checklist Compiler can help you determine if you need to comply with this requirement.
The exam is 190 minutes long and contains 120 questions. To pass, you'll need to score 75% or greater.
Do I Need to Sell?
You'll need to carefully consider whether you need to sell or not, and what that means for your licensure process.
If you're planning to work for an independent mortgage company, you'll definitely need to sell mortgages.
You won't need to sell mortgages if you're working for a bank, credit union, or government organization, but you'll still need to register with the NMLS.
Can I Work Independently as a Loan Originator?
As a loan originator, you may wonder if you can work independently, but the reality is that you must be supervised by a licensed broker.
To work independently, you would need to be licensed as a broker, which is a different type of license than the one required for a loan originator.
Your license must be associated with a particular mortgage company, which means you won't be able to work independently as a loan originator.
This requirement is in place to ensure that loan originators are working under the guidance of a licensed professional, which provides an added layer of protection for consumers.
You can still work independently to some extent as a loan originator, but it's not the same as running your own mortgage company.
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Licensure Quick Facts
To become a licensed mortgage loan originator in Texas, you'll need to register with the NMLS and obtain a unique ID number. This is a mandatory step for all existing and new MLOs.
You'll also need to successfully complete a 20-hour pre-license course, which includes 3 hours of Texas state-specific training for the TX-SML. This course is approved by the NMLS.
To qualify for licensure, you'll need to pass an NMLS-administered national exam. This is a crucial step in the licensure process.
If you work for a non-depository institution, such as an independent mortgage company, you'll need to be licensed to sell mortgages. However, if you work for a bank, credit union, or government organization, you may not need to be licensed.
You don't need a college degree to become a mortgage loan originator, but you will need to take pre-license education as prescribed by the SAFE Act, which is about 20 hours.
Career and Requirements
To become a mortgage loan officer, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course that meets the state's requirements. These courses typically cover topics such as mortgage laws and regulations, ethics, and mortgage products.
The course duration varies by state, but most pre-licensing courses take around 20-30 hours to complete. Some states may also require additional hours of education or training.
To pass the course, you'll need to demonstrate a good understanding of mortgage concepts and laws, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Many states also require a minimum passing score on a final exam.
Difference Between a Loan Originator and a Loan Processor
A mortgage loan originator is a salesperson that works with customers and must be licensed or registered. They are the face of the loan process, helping customers navigate their options and find the right loan for their needs.
A loan processor, on the other hand, reviews customer paperwork and does research to determine the customer's qualifications for the loan. They are the behind-the-scenes experts who make sure everything is in order before the loan is approved.
In many cases, a loan processor is supervised and does not need to be licensed, which can be a big advantage for those who want to get into the industry without a lot of upfront requirements.
Do I Need a College Degree to Become a ______?

To become a mortgage loan originator, you don't need a college degree. Instead, you must take pre-license education as prescribed by the SAFE Act, which is about 20 hours.
To become a mortgage loan originator, you must pass a licensing exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NMLS mortgage licensing exam hard?
The NMLS mortgage licensing exam is challenging, but with proper preparation and dedication, it's achievable. It tests your knowledge of federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, and lending practices.
How do I become a MLO with no experience?
To become a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) with no experience, start by completing 20 hours of pre-licensing education and passing the NMLS exam. You'll also need to develop skills in sales, customer service, and financial analysis through online courses, workshops, or volunteering.
How long does it take to get MLO license in PA?
To get an MLO license in PA, you'll need to complete 20 hours of coursework, including 3 hours of Federal Law. This is the first step to obtaining your license, but there may be additional requirements to consider.
Sources
- https://www.oncourselearning.com/mortgage/national/mortgage/new-license
- https://www.onlineed.com/catalog/New-York/mortgage/pre-license
- https://www.theceshop.com/mortgage/virginia/nmls-mortgage-loan-originator-license/virginia-mortgage-loan-officer-pricing
- https://capeschool.com/mlo-tx-pre/
- https://www.larsoned.com/mortgageloanoriginator/nmls/licensing-requirements/
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