Jun 25, 2026
Mortgage Loan Originator Education Requirements | MLO Licensing Guide
If you want to become a mortgage loan originator, education is one of the first major steps in the licensing process. Before most state-licensed MLOs can originate residential mortgage loans, they must complete required pre-licensing education, pass the required exam, apply through NMLS, and satisfy state-specific licensing rules.
The standard national education requirement for state-licensed mortgage loan originators is 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. This requirement comes from the SAFE Act, which created national minimum standards for mortgage loan originator licensing.
However, the 20-hour requirement is only the starting point. Some states require additional state-specific education. Some require certain topics to be included within the 20 hours. Others require separate state law courses. That is why future MLOs should understand both the national requirement and the specific rules for the state where they plan to become licensed.
