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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 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.

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.
- 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.
  - 5.1 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.
  - 5.2 Course Design
  - 5.3 Time Requirements
    Every course is to be designed such that it contains enough content and/or activities to meet the minimum time requirement of 50 seat minutes for each clock hour the course is approved.
  - 5.4 Special Technical Considerations
    Course providers must to be sensitive to the following when delivering instruction:
  - 5.5 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:
  - 5.6 Requirement for Identity Authentication
    Effective August 21, 2017, every Online Self-Study (OSS) course must have BioSig-ID authentication integrated as a condition for NMLS approval.

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.

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.