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Prepare to Pass the NMLS License Exam

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

Exam prep for mortgage loan officers (MLOs)

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

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.

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Prep xL

Covers all exam sections

Online self-paced format

Personalized study plans

Practice exams and quizzes


8-hour webinar

Covers all exam sections

Live webinar format

Participate & ask questions


NMLS-approved new license training for mortgage loan officers

Available course formats

Learn concepts faster by choosing a format that best suits your learning style.

Online Self-Paced

Prep xL is our online self-paced study tool, which means you will study independently and learn at your own pace without help from an instructor.

Webinars

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.

Prep xL is now a included in Premier Plus and Premier packages!

We've streamlined our proven training programs. Begin by selecting the states in which you wish to be licensed, then choose an NMLS-approved license package tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and budget.

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.

Visit the Prep xL login page to access your Prep xL study tools. Your login information may be different from your OnCourse Learning training login.

You can reset your password online or give us a call at 1-888-801-1900.

“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