“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.
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:
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.
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
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