Requirements for Licensure

1. Registration

Every MLO, or person seeking MLO licensure, must begin with registration with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Registry (NMLS) at http://www.stateregulatoryregistry.org/NMLS

1. Select "Log into NMLS"
2. Select "Create an Individual Account"
3. A confirmation message with your user name and ID will be displayed
4. There is no cost to create an account
5. You do not need to have completed your education, or licensing requirements to register

2. Unique Identifier

1. A unique identification number is assigned to each individual
2. Keep this number in a safe place
3. You will need this number for all activity:
   1. Course enrollment and credit for completion
   2. Test enrollment
   3. Background check
   4. Credit report authorization
   5. All filings

3. Education

1. All state require a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing education and 8 hours of continuing education annually
2. Some states require addition hours of state specific pre-licensing education. For specific state requirements visit http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/profreq/education/Pages/default.aspx
3. Ohio licensees are required to complete 4 additional hours of state specific pre-licensing education

4. National Exam

1. In order to do business anywhere you must pass a 100 question National Mortgage Loan Originator SAFE Act exam
2. 75% or better is required to pass
3. Failure to pass the exam requires you to wait 30 days and pay again to re-take the exam. After 3 failed attempts you have to wait 6 months to re-take the exam.
4. You will need your NMLS Unique Identification Number and $92 to schedule your test appointment at http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/profreq/testing/Pages/default.aspx
5. 3 Easy Steps to Create a SAFE MLO Test Enrollment and Schedule an Appointment

5. State Exam

1. In order to do business in a state you must also pass that state’s specific exam.
2. State exams consist of 45 - 65 questions
3. 75% or better is required to pass
4. Failure to pass the exam requires you to wait 30 days and pay again to re-take the exam. After 3 failed attempts you have to wait 6 months to re-take the exam.
5. You will need your NMLS Unique Identification Number and $69 to schedule your test appointment at http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/profreq/testing/Pages/default.aspx

Please note that for any additional questions regarding state specific licensing and testing contact the state regulatory agency or NMLS at 1-240-386-4444. For questions specific to Ohio licensing contact the Ohio Division Of Financial Institutions at 614-728-8400.