If you’re an MLO, you already know: your license lives and dies by Continuing Education. Miss a deadline, skip a requirement, or take the wrong course, and your career can stall fast. Below are the most critical questions, answered.
1. What happens if I miss the Continuing Education deadline?
If you don’t finish CE by the renewal deadline, you’re locked out until you complete a Late CE course. Before registering, log into NMLS and check your course completion record. Only courses in the Late CE catalog will count. Once you finish, credit is applied retroactively to cover the year you missed.
👉 Bottom line: No CE = no renewal.
2. When is the absolute last day for Late CE and reinstatement?
February 28th is the final, non-negotiable cutoff for reinstatement. Some states impose earlier deadlines, so always check the NMLS Resource Center for your state’s rules. If you miss February 28th, you’re done—you’ll need to reapply as a new licensee.
3. Can I originate loans if my license lapses?
No. You cannot work as an MLO without an active license showing in NMLS. Operating without one isn’t just risky—it can kill your career. Wait until your license status says “Active.”
4. How often do I need to complete Continuing Education?
Every single year. The SAFE Act requires at least 8 hours annually. No carryovers, no grace periods, no skipping years.
5. What’s the difference between NMLS-Approved CE and state-specific CE?
- NMLS-Approved CE (8 hours): The federal minimum required for everyone.
- State-Specific CE: Extra hours some states mandate in addition to the 8.
If you’re licensed in multiple states, you must complete each state’s requirements, not just one set.
6. Do CE hours roll over into the next year?
No. CE hours reset annually. If you overshoot this year, those extra hours don’t transfer.
7. When should I complete CE to avoid issues?
Don’t wait until December. Providers get backed up, NMLS slows down, and mistakes (like a course not posting in time) can cost you your license. Best practice: finish by early November. That way, you’ve got breathing room if something goes wrong.
8. How do I know if my CE provider is legitimate?
Only courses listed in the NMLS Course Catalog count. Always verify the course ID and provider before paying. If it’s not in the catalog, it won’t show up in your record—period.
9. How do I contact NMLS if I have questions?
First stop: the NMLS Resource Center. Most answers are there, including state-specific rules. If you still need help, they publish a support line—but expect long waits during renewal season. Or call us on (800) 943-7053
10. How much does MLO Continuing Education cost?
It varies by provider. Don’t pick solely on price. The key things to look for:
- NMLS approval (must-have)
- Clear, accessible training (saves you headaches)
- Responsive student support (critical if tech issues come up)