How to Register for a Course
Review the Master Course Catalog, choose the NMLS approved courses you want to take, write down the course numbers and your NMLS ID number and then call the course provider or visit their web site to schedule the courses. Payment will be made directly to the course provider. For more details see Quick Guide: Enrolling in a Course. To search all NMLS approved courses simply go to:
Certification of Previously Completed Education
Some states that had a prior education requirement plan to certify that eligible licensees have satisfied selected SAFE Act requirements. If you believe that you may be eligible to participate in the pre-licensure education certification process, see Certification of Testing and Education for more information.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Test Prep Course
Click here to review some important facts and considerations to keep in mind when choosing a test-prep course.
Education Requirements
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) requires that state-licensed mortgage loan originators (MLOs) complete pre-licensure and annual continuing education. In order to meet pre-licensure continuing education requirements state-licensed MLOs must complete 20 hours of NMLS approved education which include the following:
a. 3 hours of Federal law and regulations;
b. 3 hours of ethics, this shall include instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending issues;
c. 2 hours of training related to lending standards for the nontraditional mortgage product marketplace; and
d. 12 hours of undefined instruction on mortgage origination.
For annual continuing education, the SAFE Act requires state-licensed MLOs to complete:
a. 3 hours of Federal law and regulations;
b. 2 hours of ethics that shall include instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending issues;
c. 2 hours of training related to lending standards for the nontraditional mortgage product market; and
d. 1 hour of undefined instruction on mortgage origination.
While the SAFE Act requires NMLS to approve pre-licensure and continuing education courses, it is individual state law that compels mortgage loan originators to take the pre-licensure and continuing education as a requirement for state licensure. NMLS provides information concerning education requirements and administers the process for completing it, but state-licensed MLO's should refer to their state agencies regarding the specific details associated with meeting the education requirements.