Learn about National mortgage education requirements for mortgage licensing.

Licensing requirements for mortgage loan originators vary by state. In most states, mortgage loan originators are required to:

1. Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC).
2. Authorize a credit report through the NMLS that demonstrates financial responsibility.
3. Fulfill all state and federal education requirements as designated by your state agency.
4. Take and pass the National Component.
5. Surety Bond/Recovery Fund: Every mortgage loan originator must be covered under a surety bond or recovery fund.

NMLS Pre-Licensing Education Requirements:

Mortgage loan originators are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of NMLS-approved education. This includes:

• 3 hours of federal law
• 3 hours of ethics
• 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending training
• 12 hours of electives

Some state agencies require additional state-specific education.

NMLS Continuing Education Requirements:

Mortgage loan originators are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of NMLS-approved mortgage education annually beginning the year they are licensed (unless PE was completed in the same year). This includes:

• 3 hours of federal law
• 2 hours of ethics
• 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
• 1 hour of elective education

Some state agencies require additional state-specific education. MLOs are advised that to comply with the SAFE Act’s “successive years” rule, they may not take the same CE course two years in a row.

NMLS Resources:

• Professional Standards: Mortgage Education
• Professional Standards: Criminal Background Check
• Professional Standards: Credit Report
• Professional Standards: MLO Testing