Loading...

Prepare to Pass the SAFE Exam (NMLS) with Prep xL

SAFE MLO test prep and study tools designed to help you pass the SAFE MLO exam the first time.

Exam prep solutions to study for the NMLS national exam

1825+ practice questions

11 simulated exams

800+ interactive flashcards

Start studying with Prep xL

Designed to help you pass your exam the first time.

Study smarter

Identity your strengths and areas for improvement with quizzes, tests, and more.

Tailored study plans

Get a customized plan tailored to your skillset and your actual exam date.

Personalized analytics

Adaptive learning technology allows for a personalized learning experience.

Extended access

Keep your access to Prep xL for a year to ensure you are ready for the exam.

“Passed on my first attempt with an 86%! Without these practice tests I don't think I could have done it.”

— Vincent C, Studied with Prep xL

MLO test prep built to help you pass

Prepare to pass your NMLS exam with a study booster like Prep xL or register for a webinar session to gain valuable study tips from an industry expert.

Most Popular

Prep xL

Covers all exam sections

Online self-paced format

Personalized study plans

Practice exams and quizzes


Exam Prep Webinars

8 hour or 4 hour sessions

Covers all exam sections

Live webinar format

Participate & ask questions

Prep xL is now included in our PE training packages 

Premier and Premier Plus PE packages now include Prep xL. Select the states in which you wish to be licensed, then choose an NMLS-approved license package.

Studying for the NMLS exam

Important details to know about NMLS test prep.

What to expect

The SAFE MLO exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that cover five key content areas: federal mortgage-related laws (24% of the exam), uniform state content (11%), general mortgage knowledge (20%), mortgage loan origination activities (27%), and ethics (18%).

To find out what may be covered on the exam in more detail, the NMLS provides a handbook and a national test outline that you can use to study. Keep in mind that the outline is not intended to be a full list of every topic and subtopic that will be covered. Be sure to review chapter 7 of the handbook to familiarize yourself with what to expect on your test day.

Exam cost

The cost to take the exam is $110. Once a test enrollment request has been submitted and payment has been processed, you will have a 180 day enrollment window to complete the exam. Learn more about the testing process in chapter 2 of the handbook.

Passing score

You must score a 75% or better to pass the exam. Scores below 75% will be considered a failure by the NMLS and will require you to re-take the test (and pay the testing fee again).

How to prepare

To give yourself the best opportunity of passing on your first attempt, we highly recommended using Prep xL alongside your pre-licensing education. Practice often and test your understanding of topics and questions that could be on the exam. Learn more about Prep xL in this video:

Common questions

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the NMLS exam.

Register for the NMLS national licensing exam by following these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, create an NMLS account.
  2. Pay for an enrollment window with the NMLS. This is a payment you will make online directly to the NMLS.
  3. Accept the Candidate Agreement.
  4. Schedule your exam within the NMLS website or on Prometric's website.

It is important to remember that the pass rate for the exam is very low and it is quite common to fail on your first attempt. To retake the exam, you will need to pay the required fees and wait at least 30 days before you are able to try again. If you fail again, you will be required to wait at least 180 days until you are able to take it again.

Most importantly, don't be discouraged if you don't pass on your first few attempts. If you purchased an exam prep tool like Prep xL, your access lasts for a full year from the time of purcahse. So, use your waiting period wisely, keep studying the material and you'll position yourself for success on your next try.

Once you receive a passing score on the exam, you'll need to apply for your mortgage loan originator license through the NMLS website, authorize background checks, a credit check and pay any state-specific application fees.

To learn more about the steps to complete your MLO application, read our step-by-step guide.

We have an updated user login experience. Based on your date of purchase, please follow the instructions outlined on our Prep xL FAQ page.

Please review these details instructions, and if you have additional questions reach out to support at 866-512-9888.

Prefer live exam prep? Join an exam prep webinar

Our fast-paced exam prep webinars are taught by live instructors who have taken the exam before. Webinars allow you to interact with the instructor and ask any questions about the NMLS exam.

Exam prep for mortgage loan officers (MLOs)

Partner with us

Don’t lose the return on your training investment with new hires that don’t pass. Get your new hires the tools they need to pass their exam the first time. Our exam prep tools are proven to get your new hires licensed and ready to sell, faster.

  • 85% first-time NMLS exam pass rates with MLO Test Ready, included in our Premier Plus package
  • Simplified LMS built for mortgage companies
  • Multiple course formats available
  • NMLS-approved education that supports a life long career in mortgage