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

Get AI-powered prep, practice questions, simulated tests, and expert-guided lessons designed to help you pass the SAFE MLO exam.

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From AI-powered study guidance to live exam prep webinars, get the tools, support, and confidence you need to tackle the SAFE MLO exam (NMLS).

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Studying for the NMLS exam

Important details to know about NMLS test prep.

What to expect

The NMLS Knowledge Center provides numerous resources, including their MLO Testing Handbook, to help you understand requirements and prepare for the SAFE exam. Keep in mind that the outline is not intended to be a full list of every topic and subtopic that will be covered, so be sure to familiarize yourself with what to expect on your test day.

Learn more about effective exam preparation in our comprehensive Guide to Passing the NMLS Exam and explore our additional Resources designed to help you pass your exam!

Exam cost

The cost to take the exam is currently $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 the NMLS MLO Testing 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).

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Boost your chances of passing on the first attempt with Prep xL’s AI-powered support, instant explanations, guided assistance, practice questions, simulated exams, and targeted review to strengthen your understanding of key exam topics. Learn more 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)

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