NMLS-Approved Mortgage
CE & Late CE Courses

MLO Continuing Education Deadlines

The NMLS recommends completing your 2024 CE according to these renewal deadlines:

• SMART Deadline: Friday, December 6, 2024
• At-Risk-to-Miss Deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024
• Guaranteed to Miss Deadline: Friday, December 27, 2024

MLO Continuing Education Requirements

The SAFE Act mandates that mortgage professionals, including MLOs and mortgage brokers, must complete at least 8 hours of Continuing Education each year for their license to remain active. These credit hours must be obtained through an NMLS-approved provider. For most states, the hours include:

• 3 hours of federal law and regulations
• 2 hours of ethics, including instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending
• 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
• 1 hour of undefined electives on mortgage origination

In some states, additional hours, termed “state specific,” are also required to maintain licensure.

What happens if I miss the Continuing Education deadline?

If you fail to complete your Continuing Education by the renewal deadline, you will need to take a Late CE course. Before you register for Late CE, log in to the NMLS and check your course completion record. Only the courses listed in the NMLS catalog for Late CE can be taken, and upon completion, credit will be applied retroactively to the year for which it applies.

When is the last day to complete Late CE?

While many states have their own deadlines for Late CE and reinstatement, February 28th is the absolute last day to submit reinstatement requests. To find out your state’s particular deadline, visit the Resource Center at the NMLS website.

How do I contact the NMLS if I have questions?

If you have questions about anything pertaining to MLO licensing, the NMLS website is a great resource. There, you can find information on the most common topics and a phone number to speak with someone for further assistance.

How often do you need to complete your MLO Continuing Education?

The SAFE Act requires MLOs to complete a minimum of 8 hours of Continuing Education every year.

What is the difference between state specific- and NMLS-Approved Continuing Education?

The NMLS-Approved Continuing Education is the 8 hours that all MLOs must take to be able to renew their license each year. However, certain states also have state-specific requirements. MLOs in those states must take courses that will account for the mandatory state hours in addition to the federal requirements.

How much does MLO Continuing Education Cost?

Different Continuing Education vendors have different prices for their services. When you are deciding which company to choose for your Continuing Education courses, it’s important to give greater weight to the value of the courses as opposed to the price. Continuing Education courses should be approved by the NMLS and offer training in a clear and accessible manner.