Get a North Carolina MLO License
North Carolina mortgage loan originators are required to be licensed. In order to apply for a license, applicants must complete 24-hours of NMLS approved education. Our online MLO courses are fully approved to meet this requirement. Enroll now and start anytime.
3 Easy Steps to obtain a Mortgage Loan Originator License in North Carolina
1
Complete our NMLS approved 20-hour MLO Course ($275 $189) & pass the 4-hour NC State Laws Course (included free)
ENROLL HERE and start anytime!
2
Pass your national mortgage exam:
Exam prep included free of charge (unlike other schools)
3
Apply for the MLO License:
We report your hours to the NMLS free of charge
24-Hour SAFE Comprehensive: North Carolina MLO Course
This course is the first step to obtain your North Carolina license. Unlike most competitors, we don’t have confusing packages. We include our NC laws course and exam prep course free, so you have everything in one package designed to get your license!
- 20-Hour Approved Course #16623
- 4-Hour North Carolina Laws Course #17319 ($49 value)
- BONUS Exam Prep Course Included FREE ($149 value)
- NMLS Hours Reporting Included Free ($30 value)
- Online Prerecorded Instructor Led Videos
- E-textbook Included (Downloadable PDF)
- Unlimited Phone & Email Support
- Bonus Marketing Videos Included FREE ($236 value)
- Fully Updated for 2026
If you already have an MLO license in another state and want to get a North Carolina License too, you can enroll in our 4-hr North Carolina Online Self-Paced MLO Course for $49 by calling student support at (888) 405-4453.
Why so inexpensive compared to other mortgage schools?
Since we only offer online courses, we can keep our costs low and our price affordable unlike most of our competitors. Therefore, we get to train more students than the other schools, which is a win for us. By keeping our costs lower, we help you get started in a great career as an MLO without having to take out a loan for your training, so everybody wins.
Best Training - Best Service - Best Value
Our 20-hour NMLS Approved National Course will fully prepare you to pass the license exam. Once you complete this course, you will have immediate FREE ACCESS to our 4-hour North Carolina Approved Mortgage Laws Course and a full Exam Prep Course. All three courses for just $275 $189. You will be able to apply for a license with the NC Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB), who is the primary regulator of the mortgage industry in North Carolina. Your application will be made through your NMLS account.
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North Carolina 4-hour Mortgage Laws Course and Exam Prep Included Free
Our 4-hour North Carolina laws course is included with the purchase of our 20-hour course. We also include our exam prep material in one easy to access package. You will get everything you need to become a licensed mortgage loan originator in North Carolina.
A message from our Mortgage Loan Originator Education Instructor Rich Leffler about the training program
Aspiring mortgage loan originators in North Carolina will learn all about the licensing process through the North Carolina Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act), requiring successful completion of pre-licensing education, passing the NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System) national exam, and by submitting an application within the NMLS.
Embarking on a career as a Mortgage Loan Officer in North Carolina offers an exceptional pathway to professional success, financial freedom, and personal fulfillment. The thriving real estate market in the Tar Heel State provides unprecedented opportunities for ambitious professionals to build lucrative careers with virtually unlimited income potential through commission structures, competitive base salaries, and flexible work environments. North Carolina’s diverse housing landscape—spanning bustling metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Raleigh to charming coastal and mountain communities—creates a robust market for mortgage professionals who can help clients achieve their homeownership dreams. Loan officers enjoy substantial earning potential, with experienced professionals often generating six-figure incomes, comprehensive benefits packages, opportunities for professional growth, and the intrinsic reward of guiding families through one of their most significant financial milestones. The state’s supportive regulatory environment, coupled with technological advancements in lending platforms, enables mortgage professionals to leverage cutting-edge tools while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, the continual growth of North Carolina’s economic sectors—including technology, healthcare, and education—ensures a steady stream of potential homebuyers, making this career path not just financially rewarding but also professionally stable and personally satisfying. Call us if you want to become a mortgage broker in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, or Fayetteville as our mortgage loan originator course will get you the education you need to get your license.
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Frequently asked Questions about 24hourEDU and How to Get your Mortgage License for North Carolina
Is the 4-hour NC laws course included free with my 20-hour mortgage broker course?
Yes, the 4-hour North Carolina Mortgage Laws course is included free with the purchase of our 20-hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online Mortgage Loan Originator Course for NC residents. Once you pass the 20-hour course, we will assign you access to take the 4-hour NC Mortgage Laws course online.
What is a mortgage loan originator (MLO)?
A mortgage loan originator (MLO) is a professional who helps borrowers apply for and obtain mortgage loans. They assess borrowers’ financial situations, recommend appropriate loan products, and guide clients through the mortgage application process. Many people refer to the individual MLO as a mortgage loan officer or mortgage broker.
Do I need a license to become a mortgage loan originator?
Yes, you need a license to become a mortgage loan originator in the United States. This requirement was established by the SAFE Act of 2008 to ensure that MLOs meet minimum standards for education, testing, and background checks.
Which Organization Regulates the Mortgage Industry in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB) exercises comprehensive regulatory authority over the mortgage lending ecosystem within the State of North Carolina. The NCCOB maintains rigorous oversight of the following critical mortgage industry sectors: Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs), Mortgage Lenders, Mortgage Brokers, Mortgage Servicers, Reverse Mortgage Providers, and Mortgage Originator Support Entities. Their regulatory mandate encompasses extensive licensing requirements, mandatory compliance standards, consumer protection protocols, and ongoing supervision to ensure the integrity, transparency, and financial stability of mortgage lending practices throughout the state.
Frequently asked Questions about Getting your Mortgage License in the United States
How much does a mortgage loan originator make on average in the United States?
According to a study performed by GLASSDOOR on June 6th, 2024, the average salary for a mortgage loan originator is around $177,000 per year with the top MLO’s making over $240,000 per year.

What does mortgage license training involve?
Mortgage license training involves completing the 20-hour pre-licensure education course, passing a national exam, and meeting state-specific requirements. The training covers topics such as federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, loan origination, and consumer protection.
How long does mortgage license training typically take?
The duration of mortgage license training can vary, but most aspiring MLOs can complete the required pre-licensure education in 20-30 hours. This includes additional time for exam preparation. 24hourEDU includes a complete exam prep course for the SAFE MLO National Exam free of charge with our 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course.
- 3 hours of ethics
- 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
- 12 hours of electives – Our online MLO course dedicates all of these hours to preparing you for the SAFE MLO test for mortgage loan originator licensing.
What are the educational requirements for mortgage license training?
The SAFE Act requires a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensure education, which includes 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, plus 12 hours of general mortgage origination electives. Other states may require additional hours.
How much does 24hourEDU’s mortgage license training cost?
The 24hourEDU 20-hour course costs just $275 $189! The cost of mortgage pre-licensure education with other courses can range from $300 to $800 plus they have additional costs for exam prep courses and NMLS hour reporting fees. 24hourEDU does not nickel and dime you on this. We include exam prep and the NMLS hour reporting fees in our tuition. Some students also ask: Why is 24hourEDU so cheap? By keeping our tuition affordable, we get to train more MLO students than any other school, so that is a win for us. By having the best price, we also help students get their mortgage license without spending an arm and a leg on the training. Everybody wins.
Can I complete mortgage license training online?
Yes, the 24hourEDU NMLS-approved course offers online mortgage license training. This allows for flexible scheduling and online learning, making it convenient for those who are working or have other commitments. Per NMLS regulations, the 20-hour course must be completed in 14 days or less from the start date. All of the training and testing to pass your 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course will be done online in our learning management system.
Is there an exam I need to pass after completing mortgage license training?
Yes, after completing the pre-licensure education, you must pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test. Our training includes guidance to study for the national component and, for many states, a state-specific component. The exam tests your knowledge of mortgage lending practices and relevant laws.
What topics are covered in mortgage license training courses?
Mortgage license training courses typically cover federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, loan origination processes, financial calculations, credit analysis, types of mortgage products, and fair lending practices. 24hourEDU has specifically designed our course to prepare you for the SAFE MLO National Exam.
How often do I need to renew my mortgage loan originator license?
MLO licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal process involves completing state continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee. The NMLS Annual Renewal Period begins Nov. 1 each year. The renewal deadline each year is December 31st.
What is the NMLS, and how does it relate to mortgage license training?
The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) is the system of record for MLO licensing and registration. It manages the pre-licensure education, testing, and continuing education requirements for MLOs across the United States. You will learn all about the NMLS while completing our 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course.
Can I work as an MLO while completing my mortgage license training?
You cannot work as an MLO while completing your training. You must first complete the pre-licensure education, pass the SAFE MLO test, and obtain your license before you can legally originate mortgage loans.
Are there different mortgage license training requirements for each state?
While the SAFE Act establishes minimum national standards that cover this state, other states have additional requirements for MLO licensing. These may include a few more hours of state-specific pre-licensure education, or a different process for background check requirements.
What career opportunities are available after completing mortgage license training?
After completing mortgage license training and obtaining your license, you can work as an MLO in various settings, including banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, or as an independent broker. With experience, you might advance to roles such as team leader, branch manager, or even open your own mortgage brokerage.
Is 24hourEDU legit? Can I get my mortgage license hours by taking an online course?
Yes, the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course by 24hourEDU is 100% approved by the NMLS so you can get the core hours required to apply for a mortgage loan origination license. 24hourEDU is an approved NMLS Course Provider listed in the NMLS list of approved online mortgage education providers under ID: 1405107.