Getting started
Important things to know about pre-licensing education for MLOs.
MLO license requirements
The NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) requires that all MLOs comply with the SAFE Act (The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act), which requires prospective MLOs to meet national PE requirements on their way towards obtaining an NMLS license. Students are required to:
- Complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved mortgage education
- Pass the NMLS licensing exam
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your MLO license.
State-specific licensing requirements
Many states require more hours of state-specific training in addition to the nationally-required 20 hours. Make sure to reference our state requirements dashboard to find your state’s exact requirements.
Find the right package
Obtaining a license is challenging, but selecting your education shouldn't be. We've done the legwork for you to bundle licensing and exam prep designed to help you prepare for the NMLS exam. Simply select any states you wish to be licensed in and select an NMLS-approved new license package based on your lifestyle, aspirations, and budget.
Shop Pre-Licensing Packages
Common questions
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about mortgage pre-licensing training.
Every states requires 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. A handful of states require education specific to the state. To find out how many hours you are required to take of pre-license training, use our Smart Search course selector, which will allow you to enter the states you wish to be licensed in and will show you the exact courses to take to meet the minimum hourly requirements for the states you have chosen.
Our 20 hour SAFE mortgage course consists of five modules that align with the national mortgage loan originator test content outline. The modules are as follows: Federal Laws, Mortgage Knowledge, Origination Activities, Ethics and Uniform State Test Content. For a more in-depth overview of what expect, see our frequently asked questions.
After you have completed your pre-licensing course(s), you’ll need to schedule an appointment to take the national license exam through your NMLS account. All information about this test can be found on the NMLS website.
This is now a good time to explore exam prep tools that can help you prepare for and gain the confidence needed to pass the NMLS exam the first time.
Yes, our most popular tool, Prep xL, is 5-star rated and designed to help you pass the NMLS exam the first time. We recommend working through Prep xL in tandem with your pre-licensing training as it provides tailored study plans and personalized analytics to help you study smarter, not harder. We also offer a webinar that provides the opportunity for students to ask questions and have them answered by industry-experts who have taken the exam. Learn more about our exam prep solutions.
Overview of Prep xL
NMLS is the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System responsible for administering initial MLO license applications and pre-licensing requirements along with the ongoing continuing education requirements needed to maintain mortgage licenses. Each prospective mortgage loan originator must obtain an NMLS number/create an account with the NMLS as a first step towards becoming a mortgage loan originator. Visit the NMLS website to learn more.
Follow this link to create an NMLS number. It only takes a few minutes to register.
Having an NMLS license means that you are a licensed MLO, or Mortgage Loan Originator. As an MLO you are the main point of contact for homebuyers who are looking to obtain a mortgage or who want to refinance an existing mortgage. As a licensed MLO, your job is to educate and guide borrowers through the loan process from application to closing. You present buyers with loan options that will work within their budget requirements to help them get approved. You’ll also coordinate with other mortgage professionals to obtain all information required as part of the application and will oversee the entire mortgage loan process as it progresses from beginning to end.
There are several steps you’ll need to take in order to obtain a mortgage loan officer license.
Step 1: Obtain an NMLS number / create an account
Step 2: Complete the minimum 20 hours of pre license education plus any state specific education requirements for the state(s) you want to get licensed in
Step 3: Sign up for and pass the NMLS exam (also known as the SAFE MLO test)
Step 4: Apply for your NMLS license in desired states
Step 5: Complete all required background checks, credit check, submit fingerprints, pay fees
Learn more about the details in our guide or visit the NMLS Getting Started resource.
The time it takes to become a mortgage loan officer is largely dependent on your schedule and how much time you can dedicate to completing the pre-license training requirements. We offer the national 20 hour course in both a 7-day session and a 14-day session. Timing also depends on how long it takes to pass the required NMLS exams, background checks and credit checks. On average, you can expect the process to take about 6 weeks, but that will vary for each individual depending on the specific license requirements for the state(s) they want to be licensed in.
