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MLO Testing Handbook
The MLO Testing Handbook is a comprehensive guide for the SAFE MLO Test. Use this handbook to find test specifications, enrollment procedures, scheduling, rescheduling and cancelling appointments, testing accommodations, preparing for the test, test day procedures, retaking and waiting period for failed attempts, and test expiration. Select a topic below to find out more.
1.0 Overview and Test Specifications
This chapter includes basic information about the SAFE MLO Test, including background, length, and cost.

MLO Testing Handbook
The MLO Testing Handbook is a comprehensive guide for the SAFE MLO Test. Use this handbook to find test specifications, enrollment procedures, scheduling, rescheduling and cancelling appointments, testing accommodations, preparing for the test, test day procedures, retaking and waiting period for failed attempts, and test expiration. Select a topic below to find out more.
- 1.0 Overview and Test Specifications
  This chapter includes basic information about the SAFE MLO Test, including background, length, and cost.
- 2.0 Test Enrollment Procedures (NMLS)
  This chapter details how individuals can register and pay for the SAFE MLO Test.
- 3.0 Schedule a Test Appointment
  This chapter details how companies and individuals can schedule the SAFE MLO Test at a Test Center and via Online Proctored Testing.
- 4.0 Appointment Cancellation and Rescheduling
  This chapter includes information about making changes to SAFE MLO Test appointments, including weather cancellations and complimentary test enrollments.
- 5.0 Testing Accommodations
  This chapter outlines how SAFE MLO Test candidates can request testing accommodations.
- 6.0 Preparing for the Test
  This chapter covers what topics will be on the SAFE MLO Test and how legislative updates impact test material.
- 7.0 Test Day
  This chapter details what to expect during the SAFE MLO Test Administration, including check-in procedures, security and codes of conduct, and test navigation.
- 8.0 Test Center Policies
  This chapter details Prometric test center policies.
- 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.
- 10.0 Retaking a Failed Test/ Waiting Period
  This chapter details the required waiting periods between failed test attempts.
- 11.0 Test Expiration
  This chapter covers when test results expire.
- Appendix A: Glossary of URLs
- Appendix B: Sample Test Questions
  This section of the Appendix contains ten (10) sample questions to help prepare for the MLO tests. These questions are similar to those that may be included on the National Test. The answers to the questions are located in the table at the end of this section.
- Appendix C: Sample Score Report
- Test Performance Information
- Candidate Agreement
  NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE LICENSING SYSTEM (NMLS) SAFE MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR TEST CANDIDATE TEST SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
- SAFE MLO National Test with Uniform State Test Content Outline
  Candidates are responsible for keeping abreast of changes made to the applicable statutes, regulations and rules regardless of whether they appear on this outline or the test.

1.0 Overview and Test Specifications

This chapter includes basic information about the SAFE MLO Test, including background, length, and cost.

1.1 Overview

On July 30, 2008, the President of the United States signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Title V of the Act, entitled The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act), recognizes and builds on states’ efforts to enhance consumer protection, and reduce fraud, by requiring ALL mortgage loan originators to be either state-licensed or federally registered.

Under the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act, all states must implement a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) licensing process that meets certain standards through the NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry). The Act requires all MLOs seeking state licensure to pass the NMLS-developed SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test with a score of 75% or better.

The NMLS has an online Resource Center available to companies, regulators and individuals to provide information and guidance on state participation, testing, pre-Licensing and continuing education, and system-related updates. In addition to reviewing this MLO Testing Handbook, it is recommended that candidates visit the NMLS Resource Center for more information.

1.2 Test Specifications

As of April 5, 2021, the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test consists of the following:

Table 1. Test Specifications
Test	# of items	Test Length	Appointment Length¹	Cost
National Test	120 total; 115 scored	190 minutes	225 minutes	$110

Note: The five pre-test (un-scored) questions appearing on the test do not affect the candidate’s score or the pass/fail result. These pre-test questions are being pilot tested for future use. Once these pre-test questions are adequately tested, these questions will be considered for use as scored test questions on future NMLS tests. The pre-test questions appear on the test in random order. The candidate will not know which questions are pre-test and which questions are scored.

¹ Each test appointment includes an additional 30-35 minutes for completing a tutorial and an optional candidate survey.

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.