Functional Specifications for All NMLS Approved Courses
This document is effective January 1, 2025. All courses submitted for approval on or after January 1, 2025 must be in compliance with these requirements unless other dates are specified.
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.
Fee Schedule for the SAFE MLO Test Administration and Education Services
NMLS has set forth the following fees for Test Administration and Education Services. Effective April 1, 2013 | Reviewed April 26, 2021
Policy on Reporting (Banking) of Student Credits
Reporting of student course completions. Effective June 6, 2009 | Reviewed April 16, 2019
NMLS Approved Course Instructor Eligibility Policy
Eligibility of instructors to teach NMLS approved courses. Effective May 30, 2016 | Reviewed April 4, 2019
NMLS Approved Course Data and Document Retention Policy
January 1, 2018.
Policy on Retention of Materials Submitted for NMLS Course Provider and Course Approval
Information and terms for how long NMLS will retain materials submitted for NMLS course provider and course approval. Effective July 1, 2014 | Reviewed April 16, 2019
Policy on Criteria for Granting Approval to Become an NMLS Approved Course Provider
Effective June 16, 2009 | Reviewed December 20, 2018
Policy on Criteria for Granting NMLS Approval to a Course
The criteria that a course must satisfy for NMLS approval. Effective June 16, 2009 | Reviewed April 16, 2019
Policy on Business Arrangements, Reselling, and Marketing of NMLS Approved Courses
Acceptable business arrangements for the promotion, selling, reselling, and marketing of NMLS approved courses. 03/25/2014
Policy on NMLS Approved Pre-Licensure and Continuing Education Classroom Formats and Standards
The classroom formats and standards for PE and CE courses. Effective June 16, 2009 | Reviewed April 16, 2019
Guidance on Development of NMLS Approved Continuing Education Courses
Effective March 21, 2014 | Reviewed March 25, 2024
Appendix A: List of Online Learning Activities for PE Courses
The following is a fairly comprehensive list of online learning activities that course providers may want to consider as part of building interactivity and instructor facilitation into their online courses.
Reference Guide: Citing Sources and Regulations in Course Materials
Below is a list of commonly referenced federal laws and regulations with an example of an acceptable citation. The below list is not intended to be all-inclusive and depending on the law/regulation you may need to provide more specific information.
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