If you're new to the mortgage industry and haven't completed the 20-hour pre-licensing (PE) course before, then yes, you'll need to take it to get licensed.

However, if you're already an MLO and have kept your license active (or haven't been out of the industry for several years), you likely don't need to retake it.

If you're unsure, you can check your status by calling the NMLS at (855) 665-7123 for clarification.

Yes, it can. If you complete the 20-hour pre-licensing education (PE) course but don't become licensed or federally registered as a mortgage loan originator (MLO) within three years, you'll need to retake the course.

Similarly, if you were previously licensed but have been out of the industry for more than three consecutive years, your PE will be considered expired and must be completed again.

The following states require extra state-specific PE hours that cover laws and regulations unique to that state.

Arizona (AZ)
California (CA)
Colorado (CO)
Connecticut (CT)
Florida (FL)
Hawaii (HI)
Idaho (ID)
Indiana (IN)
Maryland (MD)
Massachusetts (MA)
Michigan (MI)
Mississippi (MS)
Montana (MT)
Nebraska (NE)
Nevada (NV)
New Hampshire (NH)
New Jersey (NJ)
New Mexico (NM)
New York (NY)
North Carolina (NC)
Ohio (OH)
Oklahoma (OK)
Oregon (OR)
Pennsylvania (PA)
Rhode Island (RI)
South Carolina (SC)
Tennessee (TN)
Texas (TX)
Vermont (VT)
Washington (WA)
West Virginia (WV)

It's important to note that requirements can change; some states may have specific conditions or additional requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) or your state's licensing authority.

Yes! If you've recently completed your 20-hour NMLS licensing course, you typically don't need to retake it to meet state pre-licensing requirements.

Most states honor the course for at least five years, and in some cases, even longer. Be sure to check with the specific state agency to confirm their timeline.

Yes, you will need to take an NMLS CE Course unless you also completed the 20-hour NMLS Licensing Course this year.

Does the NMLS track Federal & State Pre-licensing requirements?

Will the NMLS block a license application if an MLO is not PE compliant?

Yes. As of June 24, 2013, the NMLS began tracking compliance for both federal and state pre-licensing (PE) and continuing education (CE) requirements. Your education records in the system will show whether you've met those requirements for previous years.

Yes. If a state agency requires pre-licensing education (PE) to be completed before applying, the NMLS will automatically check that the MLO has met both federal and state PE requirements before allowing the application to be submitted.

Additionally, if the MLO is reapplying for a license they held in the past, the NMLS may also require them to complete any outstanding continuing education (CE) from the last year the license was active.