Step 1: Am I Required to Take a SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test?
The SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test is comprised of two parts - a National Component and a State Component.
- National Component - All licensees are required to pass the National Component of the SAFE MLO Test.
- State Component - All licensees are required to pass a State Component of the SAFE MLO Test. Some states that had a prior testing requirement plan to certify their test results which will relieve individuals of their obligation to take the State Component of the SAFE MLO Test. If you believe that you may be eligible to participate in the testing certification process, see Certification of Testing and Education for more information. If you are not eligible for test certification, you are required to take the state component of the SAFE MLO Test for each state in which you hold a license or apply for a license.
To find out your state’s testing deadline for SAFE compliance, please see the SAFE Requirements by State Chart. It is important to enroll and schedule early. If you do not pass a component of the test, there is a waiting period between test re-takes. See the Test Retake Policy for details.
The following resources will help you prepare to take the test:
- Test Component Content Outlines – overview of what will be covered on each test component, the number of questions, how each test is weighted and corresponding reference lists.
- MLO Testing Handbook – a detailed guide for the entire testing process (from creating an enrollment and scheduling a testing appointment to what to expect at the testing center, etc.)
Step 2: What Do I Need to Do to Get Started?
In order to enroll for a test component, you must establish an account in NMLS. If you need help with this process see the Create an Individual Account quick guide for instruction. If you already have an account established, you do not need to create another one. Simply log into your existing account.
Once you have an NMLS account, you can proceed with creating and paying for a test enrollment. You can only schedule a test appointment after you have opened an enrollment window in NMLS.
For step-by-step instructions for creating a test enrollment, please refer to one of the following:
Once you create and pay for a test enrollment, you will have 180 days to schedule your testing appointment and take the test.
The test administration fee is $92 for the National Component and $69 for the each State Component.
Individuals seeking special testing accommodations due to a disability can visit the Special Accommodations page for details.
Step 3: Schedule a Test Appointment
Once you have received an email confirmation that you have successfully opened a test enrollment window for one of the tests, you can schedule your test appointment. Test appointments can be made online or over the phone. To view locations and the vendors administering SAFE MLO tests, go to:
After you have scheduled your test sessions, you will receive an email confirming your appointment time and location.
If you need to reschedule an appointment you will need to contact the testing vendor (Pearson VUE or Prometric) no later than 12:00 pm (in the time zone where the test is being taken) two business days prior to the scheduled appointment. You will need to provide the test vendor with your confimation number. Test enrollment fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. For more details, please review Section 5.1 Appointment Changes in the MLO Testing Handbook.
Companies interested in scheduling appointments for multiple licensees should review Section 4.4 Group Appointment Procedures in the MLO Testing Handbook.
All candidates will be required to read and agree to the NMLS Rules of Conduct for Test Takers prior to taking the test.
Step 4: Test Results
You will receive preliminary test results (pass/fail) before you leave the testing center. Within 72 hours of taking a test, you will also receive an email stating that your official test results are available to view in NMLS. For additional information regarding how to view your official results, visit Section 9.3 Posting Official Test Results in the MLO Testing Handbook.
If you did not successfully pass a test component, please review the Test Retake Policy. For more information regarding score reporting, as well as complete details, please see the MLO Testing Handbook.