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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.
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.

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.

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.

6.1 Content Outline

The SAFE MLO test is based on a content outline of topics, subtopics, and references to applicable state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations. This outline was developed based on a comprehensive national job analysis which determined what an entry-level mortgage loan originator needs to know.

NMLS recommends all test takers review the content outline in preparing to take the SAFE MLO test. It is the only study material the NMLS publishes and describes the content and test specifications approved by the test development committees.

Click to see the SAFE MLO National Test with Uniform State Test Content Outline.

6.2 Legislative Updates

Legislative changes may occur throughout the test administration cycle. Candidates should answer test questions based on the current statutes, regulations and rules. 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. The outline is not intended to list every aspect of a topic mentioned. Although the test items are developed from these categories, each topic is not necessarily tested on each examination.

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.