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How To Become A Loan Agent

Get Your Mortgage License in
California

In order to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in the state of California you’ll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Apply for your NMLS account and ID number
  2. Complete your NMLS Pre-License Education
  3. Pass the NMLS Mortgage licensing exam
  4. Apply for your CA Mortgage Broker license
  5. Complete background checks and pays all fees
  6. Associate your NMLS account with your employer

Course Options

Step 1

Request your personal NMLS account

The NMLS system is used to process MLO licensing requests for all 50 states, including California. Creating an account is a simple process that only takes a few minutes to complete.

Step 2

Complete Your California NMLS Pre-License Education

There are two ways of qualifying for the NMLS license

  1. Through the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (formally known as the California Department of Business Oversight – DBO). This option does NOT require a California Real Estate License. Requires an additional 2 hour CA Course.
  2. Through the California Department of Real Estate, which requires a real estate salesperson or broker’s license.

Without a California Real Estate License – California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation

To become a California-licensed MLO you’ll need to complete the required 20-hour NMLS S.A.F.E pre-licensing course along with additional course work required by either of California state licensing agencies.

NMLS SAFE Mortgage License Training – Required

All states require 20 hours of mortgage education from an NMLS approved mortgage school. If you’re seeking a new Mortgage License you need to enroll in a comprehensive 20 Hour SAFE course in addition to the state-required education. Our course packages include both and are available to all states.

DRE License Overview

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) issues MLO endorsements to licensed real estate agents. Pursuing a DRE endorsed license will give you the most career flexibility, however, you will need to complete and maintain the required Real Estate education requirements.

  • Requires a valid California Real Estate License.
  • Requires additional Real Estate Education.
  • Requires a Sponsorship from a DRE licensed Employer.

Step 3

Pass the NMLS Mortgage licensing exam

Once you’ve completed your pre-license education, you’ll need to schedule an appointment to take either The National Test Component or The National Test Component with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account. 

SAFE MLO National Test Component

The SAFE MLO exam covers federal mortgage-related laws, ethics, Mortgage loan originator activities, and general mortgage knowledge.

  • 125 questions (115 scored)
  • 190 minutes
  • A score of 75 % needed to pass
  • Cost $110

Step 4

Apply for your NMLS license

Once you completed the required pre-licensing courses and achieved passing scores on the National and any applicable state-required tests, you will be able to apply for your mortgage loan originator license on the NMLS website.

Step 5

Background Checks, Credit Check, and Fees

The SAFE act established licensing and registration standards for all Mortgage Loan Originators. In order to receive your California MLO certification, you’ll need to provide the following information and pay the associated fees:

NMLS Processing$30
FBI CBC$36.25
Credit Report$15

Step 6

Get Hired

In order to complete the final step in becoming a fully licensed California MLO, your NMLS ID will need to be sponsored by a state-licensed employer. This sponsorship tells the governing agencies that your employer will be supervising your individual license. You can submit your sponsorship through your NMLS ID. Once your employer sponsorship is associated with your NMLS ID, you’ll be ready to do business as an MLO in the state of California.

Let’s talk when you reach this stage. We have a placement program for an innovative mortgage broker.

MLO/NMLS License Packages

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A REAL ESTATE LICENSE

  • Online Materials
  • Includes Video 
  • Online Audio 
  • Live Class Webinar
  • State Component
  • Printable Certificate
  • PDF & EPUB eBook 
  • Live Test Prep Webinar
  • Study SAFE MLO vocabulary – interactive flashcards, matching, and fill-in-the-blank
  • Dynamic practice tests – never see the same exam twice!
  • Unlimited SAFE MLO practice exams
  • Our exclusive pre-assessment identifies the exam topics you need to focus on
  • Mobile, tablet and desktop friendly
  • The Readiness Indicator that tracks your progress, so you know when you’re ready to take the exam
  • 180 day access

Tuition: $499

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE LICENSE

  • Online Materials
  • Includes Video 
  • Online Audio 
  • Live Class Webinar
  • Printable Certificate
  • PDF & EPUB eBook 
  • Live Test Prep Webinar
  • Study SAFE MLO vocabulary – interactive flashcards, matching, and fill-in-the-blank
  • Dynamic practice tests – never see the same exam twice!
  • Unlimited SAFE MLO practice exams
  • Our exclusive pre-assessment identifies the exam topics you need to focus on
  • Mobile, tablet, and desktop friendly
  • The Readiness Indicator that tracks your progress, so you know when you’re ready to take the exam Up-to-date MLO questions written by industry experts
  • 180 days access

Tuition: $450

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE REQUIRED 20 HOUR COURSE AND ONLY WANT HELP WITH THE LICENSING EXAM

  • Live Test Prep Webinar
  • Study SAFE MLO vocabulary – interactive flashcards, matching, and fill-in-the-blank
  • Dynamic practice tests – never see the same exam twice!
  • Unlimited SAFE MLO practice exams
  • Our exclusive pre-assessment identifies the exam topics you need to focus on
  • Mobile, tablet, and desktop friendly
  • The Readiness Indicator that tracks your progress, so you know when you’re ready to take the exam Up-to-date MLO questions written by industry experts
  • 180 days access

Tuition: $250

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