Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license through NMLS (SAFE Act)
What you'll learn
You complete approved education on federal mortgage law, ethics and lending standards, pass the SAFE MLO Test, clear background and credit checks, and then keep the license with yearly continuing education.
- 20 hours of NMLS approved pre licensure education
- SAFE MLO Test national component
- Criminal background check and credit report
- 8 hours of annual continuing education
Source: the provider's official page ↗
Is this right for you?
- Level
- Beginner People new to this. You can start today with no experience.
- What you get
- A certification employers can verify, made for the top of your résumé and your LinkedIn profile.
- How you learn
- Online, self paced, about 20 hrs.
- How to use it
- Put it at the top of your résumé and under Licenses and certifications on LinkedIn, with the verification link so hirers can confirm it in seconds. Name it in every application that uses this skill, and send it straight to recruiters and hiring managers.
- Why it's worth it
- Required to work in this field where it applies, and the first thing employers check. Get it and every door in the field opens.
- Time
- 20 hours of pre licensure education minimum; the test is 190 minutes.
- Before you start
- At least 20 hours of NMLS approved pre licensure education (some states require more), a passing score of 75% on the SAFE MLO Test, a criminal background check through NMLS and a credit report authorization.
- How you are tested
- Online or classroom education; SAFE MLO Test at a test center or by online remote proctoring through Prometric.
- Renewal
- Annual renewal with at least 8 hours of NMLS approved continuing education; some states require more.
- Full cost details
- SAFE MLO Test $110. Pre licensure education, fingerprinting, credit report and state license fees are extra and vary by provider and state.
- Where it applies
- United States. You must be licensed in each state where you originate loans; state requirements vary. Bank employed originators register through NMLS instead of being state licensed.
Jobs asking for this
See live job postings that mention Mortgage Loan Originator license through NMLS.
Sources and what we verified
NMLS SAFE MLO Testing FAQ: $110 fee, 190 minutes, 75% passing score, 20 hours education, remote proctoring ↗NMLS SAFE compliant requirements chart: education, test, background check, credit report, 8 hours CE ↗What we verified: Fee, timing, passing score and remote testing come from the current NMLS testing FAQ. The requirements chart is dated 2011 and some state details may have changed; check your state regulator. The note that bank employed originators register rather than license reflects the SAFE Act and was not shown on the pages loaded.
Fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the issuer before you pay.
Also listed for: AI for Banking, Insurance and Lending