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.
Approved and Not Approved Topics: PE and CE
The purpose of this policy is to identify the pre-licensure (PE) and continuing education (CE) topics NMLS has determined will satisfy the education requirements of the SAFE Act.
Pre-Licensure Education (PE) Topic List
The Course Provider Working Group (CPWG) reviewed the PE topic list on April 18, 2017; the Mortgage Testing and Education Board (MTEB) reviewed and approved the list on April 20, 2017.
Continuing Education (CE) Approved Topic List
Lists acceptable topics for annual CE requirement for the Ethics and Nontraditional SAFE Act requirements. Topics are not specific to a CE year.
Continuing Education (CE) Required Topic List for Annual CE Year 2026
The Course Provider Working Group (CPWG) reviewed the CE topic list on in October 2024; the Mortgage Testing and Education Board (MTEB) reviewed the list on November 21, 2024. The required topics are for CE to be delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
Continuing Education (CE) Required Topic List for Annual CE Year 2027
The required topics are for CE to be delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2027.
Non-Approved Topic List
The following course topics have been determined to be noncompliant with the SAFE Act.
Course Provider Policies and Standards
To comply with SAFE Act requirements, NMLS reviews and approves courses and course providers.
Criteria for Approval as an NMLS-approved Course Provider
To maintain integrity within the industry, NMLS has established nine criteria that an organization must satisfy to become and remain an NMLS-approved Course Provider for purposes of offering pre-licensure education (PE) and/or continuing education (CE) courses intended to satisfy state-licensed mortgage loan originator education requirements under the SAFE Act.
Business Arrangements and Marketing Policy
This policy establishes the requirements governing the licensing, marketing, promotion, and distribution of NMLS-approved courses.
Data and Document Retention for NMLS-approved Courses Policy
Course providers must maintain records sufficient to demonstrate compliance with NMLS education program standards.
Reporting Course Completions (Credit Banking) Policy
Course providers must report student course completions in NMLS.
Retention of Materials Submitted to NMLS Policy
Information and terms for how long NMLS will retain materials submitted for NMLS course provider and course approval.
Standards of Conduct for Approved Course Providers
NMLS approval status is granted with the understanding that Course Providers will maintain the Standards of Conduct
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 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 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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