20-hour Online Mortgage Loan Originator Course Information
This NMLS Approved National course is the primary educational component to become a state-licensed mortgage loan originator.
How the Video Course Works
You can enroll in the course today and get the best price available. After enrollment, the student can begin the course right away or choose to start the course any day in the future by activating their account using the information in their receipt.
Students have 14-calendar days to complete this 20-hour course. This mortgage loan originator NMLS pre-licensing course is structured to be completed within the suggested time period, however you can work ahead. Students are allowed to complete lessons anytime, day or night. All of the lessons in the course contain prerecorded, fully narrated video clips. A full script is also displayed along with each video so students have the ability to read along with the narration.
The course contains a short multiple choice checkpoint quiz at the end of each of the seven modules. Spaced evenly throughout the training students will submit seven written assignments where they will type in a couple sentences regarding a particular mortgage scenario. After all modules have been completed the students will take and pass a 25-question multiple choice final exam. This exam is open book and retakes are allowed if needed.
If students have questions during the course, we have a live instructor available to answer questions about the content through our course portal-learning management system. Students can expect a response within one business day. We also have a full support staff available by phone or email.
20-hour National MLO Course Outline
This course meets the required 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-license education needed to obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator license. It contains 3 hours of Federal Law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, plus 12 hours of electives.
Rules of Conduct / Course Introduction
How to Navigate the Course
Module 1:
An Overview of Mortgage Lending
Module 2:
Regulatory Authorities Overseeing the Mortgage Industry
Module 3:
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Truth-in-Lending Act
TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
Fair Credit Reporting Act
Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act
Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
Do Not Call Implementation Act/Telemarketing Act
Mortgage Acts and Practices – Advertising
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act
United and Strengthening America PATRIOT ACT
Homeowners Protection Act
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Title XIV – The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act
Module 4:
The SAFE Act
CSBS/AARMR Model State Law
Module 5:
General Mortgage Knowledge
Qualified Mortgages (QMs)
Conventional/Conforming Mortgage Loans I
Conventional/Non-Conforming Mortgage Loans II
Mortgage Loan Products
Module 6:
Mortgage Loan Origination Activities Part I & II
Loan Qualification Requirements, Processing, and Underwriting
Qualifying Ratios
Appraisals
Property Title and Title Insurance
Closing / Financial Calculations
Module 7:
Ethics
Prohibited Acts / Ethical Violations
Fraud Detection / Ethics
General Business Ethics / Mortgage Company Compliance
Final Exam: 25-Questions
Graduate Feedback & Next Steps
After you Complete the Course
Once you have successfully completed our 20-hour SAFE MLO Online Course, our compliance staff will report your hours to the NMLS on your behalf. This will be recorded and visible in your personal NMLS account. You will also be sent a congratulatory email with your certificate and an invitation to access our NMLS Exam Prep Course for free. Our NMLS Exam Prep Course will provide you with 4 simulated tests, each containing 125 unique sample test questions (500 total questions) to prepare you for the SAFE MLO License Exam. This Exam Prep course will also include access to download our 600-page course E-book and an additional 30-page SAFE MLO Exam Study Guide with the information you need to be ready for test day.
State Specific Educational Hours for Certain States
The 20-hours we report for you will count toward an MLO license for every state in the USA. Some states like, California, Florida, and Texas require additional state law courses. The hours are typically 2-4 hours of online self-paced education. If 24hourEDU has the additional state law hours for the state you plan to get your license in, we will assign it to your training account free of charge after you pass the 20-hour MLO course. Upon completion of this training, our staff will also report the hours to the NMLS using your last name and your NMLS unique identifier number. There are 20 states that do not require any state law hours such as Illinois, Georgia, and Virginia. You can look up the educational requirements for your state by clicking on the button below.
20-Hour NMLS Approved Course FREE Demo Video
Passing the License Exam and Applying for a License
Your path to an MLO license is a gateway to new possibilities. Complete your NMLS education, ace the SAFE test, fulfill state requirements, and submit a completed MU4 form in your NMLS account.
The MU4 form is the standard Individual Licensing Form in the NMLS system that all mortgage loan originators must complete as part of their licensing application. This comprehensive form requires personal information, employment history, disclosure questions about financial and criminal background, and must be updated whenever your information changes to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Sample Screenshot from our Online Course Videos
Activation of your License
When all of the requirements are met your license will most likely be approved in an inactive status within the NMLS system. You will be able to connect with a mortgage lender to work with and have them activate your license. If you need help finding a sponsor, contact our support staff for assistance.
Your MLO license must be activated by a sponsoring company in the NMLS system before you can legally originate mortgage loans.
With our instructor-led course, exam prep, and free e-book, you’ll be licensed in weeks. This isn’t just a credential—it’s the beginning of your future in mortgage lending. Your journey starts now!
20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online National MLO Course
This is the course needed to obtain your Mortgage Loan Originator license. Unlike other schools, we include our Exam Prep Course Free (includes 1,000+ practice questions and a study guide), so you have everything in one package designed to get your license!
- 20-Hour NMLS Approved Course #16623
- BONUS Exam Prep Course Included FREE ($149 value)
- NMLS Hours Reporting Included Free ($30 value)
- Online Prerecorded Instructor Led Videos
- E-textbook Included
- Unlimited Phone & Email Support
- Fully Updated for 2026
- BBB Accredited
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