9.0 Test and Survey Results

This chapter outlines what happens after the SAFE MLO Test is completed, including score calculations, official test results, test score reports, and how to submit a test content challenge.

9.1 Exit Survey

Upon completion of the test, an optional exit survey is presented to gather feedback regarding the overall candidate testing experience. Participation in the survey has no bearing on the test results.

9.2 Score Reporting

Before departing the test center, a printed score report is presented to the candidate by the TCA. The score report given at the test center is not official until the test results are posted in NMLS. A sample of the score reports received at the test center is located in Appendix C: Sample Score Report. For online proctored tests, a candidate’s official results report will be sent within three business days to the email address provided at the time of appointment scheduling. The score report includes an overall percentage score on the test, as well as a range to indicate how well the candidate performed on each section of the exam. This information is provided to help a candidate prepare for a subsequent attempt, it is not intended to provide information on the precise number of questions answered correctly in any given section, or on the test overall. For security reasons, the test and/or individual test questions are not available for review after taking the test.

The minimum passing score for all SAFE MLO tests is 75%, as mandated by the SAFE Act.

9.2.1 Equating of Test Scores

The SAFE MLO National Test is administered using Linear on the Fly Testing (LOFT). This allows for a distinct form of the test to be given to each test taker.

Since the difficulty of each form varies slightly, the candidate’s test is statistically equated to a standard form of the test. The purpose of statistical equating is to place all administrations of the test on equal ground. Equating ensures that no candidate who takes a slightly more difficult test would be at a disadvantage, or conversely, no candidate would receive an unfair advantage by taking a slightly easier test. Therefore, candidates with comparable ability will be given the same opportunity to pass the test regardless of the slight variations of difficulty of the forms of the test that are administered to them.

9.3 Posting Official Test Results to NMLS Composite View

NMLS will post the official test results for the MLO within 72 hours to the Testing Information section under the Composite View tab of NMLS. NMLS will send a notification email to the candidate and any company with access to the candidate’s record in NMLS.

9.4 Replacement Score Reports

Official test scores may be printed from the Composite View section of NMLS. Official test scores printed from NMLS will not provide candidates with information on their performance but will display the final result and final score. For replacement copies of an unofficial score report (obtained at the test center), that was lost or damaged, please contact the NMLS Call Center at 1-855-NMLS-123 (1-855-665-7123) . Replacement copies of unofficial score reports must be emailed to the email address provide at the time you scheduled your test.

9.5 Test Content Comments and Challenges

Every question is reviewed by a panel of experienced subject matter experts and statistically evaluated prior to appearing as a scored test question.

If you have a concern about a SPECIFIC question on your test:
  • send the content challenge form, which is listed below, within 20 days of test date to NMLS Online Testing Support Team (NMLStest@csbs.org)
  • include specific details regarding the test question(s) of concern including but not limited to the subject matter of the question, the way in which the question requires revision, and other identifying details
  • include the question number (if you know it)
NMLS:
  • will not, for test security reasons, release any test questions and/or answers
  • will provide a written response within 20 business days of receipt of correspondence
Note: Incomplete information, non-specific questions(s), and/or requests for score reviews will not be considered.

For concerns regarding unscored or pre-test questions:

See 1.2 Test Specifications

For concerns regarding test scores:

All tests are scored twice, initially at the time of test completion and again prior to posting in NMLS. Do not use this form to challenge a test score. See 9.2 Score Reporting for additional information.

NMLS Test Content Challenge Submission Form

  1. Complete all fields below
  2. Send to NMLS Online Testing Support Team (NMLStest@csbs.org)
    Note: Incomplete information, non-specific questions(s), and/or requests for score reviews will not be considered.
Table 1. NMLS Test Content Challenge Submission Form
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Full Name:
NMLS ID#:

 Telephone number:
Mailing address:

Email address:

(note this is the email address where NMLS will send the response)
TEST INFORMATION
Date test was taken:

 Test location:
Describe your specific test question/concern or other specific test deficiency (note: this form is not to challenge a test score):