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Functional Specifications for All NMLS Approved Courses (version 17)
This document is effective January 1, 2026. All courses submitted for approval on or after January 1, 2026 must be in compliance with these requirements unless other dates are specified.
Section 4: Specific Requirements for Online Instructor-Led (OIL) Courses
The online instructor led format is reserved for prelicensure education with the exception of prelicensure state-specific courses that are ten (10) hours or less which must be offered in the online self-study (OSS) format.

Functional Specifications for All NMLS Approved Courses (version 17)
This document is effective January 1, 2026. All courses submitted for approval on or after January 1, 2026 must be in compliance with these requirements unless other dates are specified.
- Executive Overview
  This document outlines specific design and technical requirements associated with having a course approved by NMLS.
- Section 1: General Requirements for All Course Formats
  The following section is applicable to ALL course formats, classroom course, classroom equivalent course (webinar), Online Instructor-led (OIL), and Online Self-Study (OSS).
- Section 2: Specific Requirements for Classroom Courses
  Prior to reviewing the requirements for the specific course format, please ensure that all requirements are met as listed in education/funcSpec/maps/topics/nmlsFS_genReqs.html.
- Section 3: Specific Requirements for Classroom Equivalent (Webinar) Courses
  Prior to reviewing the requirements for the specific course format, please ensure that all requirements are met as listed in education/funcSpec/maps/topics/nmlsFS_genReqs.html.
- Section 4: Specific Requirements for Online Instructor-Led (OIL) Courses
  The online instructor led format is reserved for prelicensure education with the exception of prelicensure state-specific courses that are ten (10) hours or less which must be offered in the online self-study (OSS) format.
  - 4.1 General Course Set-up
    Any course delivered in an online format is required to use a Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS must ensure that the students are presented information in an organized and effective matter.
  - 4.2 Course Scheduling
    Online Instructor-led (online PE): Online Instructor-led (OIL) (online PE) courses are required to be designed and delivered such that the instructor leads the course with all students through instructor-to-student / student-to-student interaction.
  - 4.3 Course Design
  - 4.4 Interaction
    For an online instructor-led course to achieve and maintain NMLS approval, the course must be designed such that instructor-to-student interaction and student-to-student interaction is continual and obvious throughout the entire course.
  - 4.5 Technical Evaluation Required for Final Course Approval
    In order to have a course approved in the online instructor led format, the course provider must demonstrate to NMLS that the course contains all the required features and that the instruction will be carried out in accordance with the functional specifications.
  - 4.6 Special Technical Considerations
    Course providers must to be sensitive to the following when delivering instruction:
  - 4.7 Requirement for Issuance and Retention of Rules of Conduct for Students
    Prior to the start of every NMLS approved course offering, every student must agree to the Rules of Conduct for Students (ROCS) V4. The Rules of Conduct, which are made available to course providers by NMLS, are required to be displayed and agreed to by students under the following conditions:
- Section 5: Specific Requirements for Online Self-Study (OSS) Courses
  The online self-study format is reserved for CE courses and PE state-specific courses that are ten (10) hours or less in length.

Section 4: Specific Requirements for Online Instructor-Led (OIL) Courses

The online instructor led format is reserved for prelicensure education with the exception of prelicensure state-specific courses that are ten (10) hours or less which must be offered in the online self-study (OSS) format.

Prior to reviewing the requirements for the specific course format, please ensure that all requirements are met as listed in Section 1: General Requirements for All Course Formats.

Contact the NMLS Call Center with any questions: 1-855-665-7123
Monday - Friday from 9:00AM to 9:00PM ET
Available from all U.S. States and Territories.