For mortgage loan originators (MLOs), keeping up with continuing education (CE) requirements is not just a matter of professional development—it’s a regulatory necessity. The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) mandates that all licensed MLOs must complete their CE before they can renew their licenses annually.
Key Dates
- SMART Deadline: December 8, 2023. This is the recommended deadline to submit CE courses to avoid any potential processing delays.
- At-Risk-To-Miss Renewal Deadline: December 15, 2023. If you submit by this date, you’re still in a good position to get your renewal processed on time.
- Guaranteed To Miss Renewal Deadline: December 29, 2023. Submission of CE past this date means your renewal will not be processed in time for the upcoming year.
General CE Requirements
Every state-licensed MLO is required to complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved education annually. This generally includes:
- 3 hours of Federal Law
- 2 hours of Ethics, which includes instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending issues
- 2 hours of Nontraditional Mortgage Products
- 1 hour of Electives and/or state-specific education.
Renewal Application Deadline
Remember that December 31 is not the deadline for all states. Some states, like Georgia and West Virginia, may have earlier deadlines for completing CE. Additionally, MLOs who fail to complete their CE requirements on time may face a CE reinstatement period from January 1 to February 28 of the following year, with additional CE requirements.
Are you ready to renew?
- Make Sure Your NMLS Records are Up to Date – Confirm you are able to log in to your NMLS account. If you are not able to, click the “forgot your username/password” hyperlink.
- Review Deadlines, Requirements, and Fees – Review all applicable state(s) renewal requirements, deadlines, fees, etc. You can find the exhaustive list here.
- Check your Education Record – Look for green checkmarks on your required states and federal requirement. Make sure the courses you have completed have been reported. Need help finding your education record? Click here.
Still need education? Click here. - Request Renewal – Log in to NMLS, click the Renewals Tab, and request renewal of your license(s). You also have the ability to identify licenses you do not wish to renew.
- Next Steps – Once you request renewal, your state agency is notified of your renewal request. They will review your request, communicate any identified issues, and update the status of your renewal request.
As an MLO, staying informed about your CE requirements and deadlines is crucial for maintaining your license and your ability to practice. Be proactive, complete your CE early, and keep a close eye on any state-specific requirements to ensure a smooth renewal process.
For detailed state-specific deadlines and requirements, it’s recommended to visit the NMLS Resource Center and the Annual Renewal Information page, or contact your state’s licensing authority directly.