Mortgage Loan Originator Continuing Education
Stay Compliant with NMLS-Approved Mortgage CE
Complete your mortgage loan originator (MLO) continuing education to renew your mortgage license and advance your career. Our courses are designed for convenience and flexibility, helping you meet all state-specific requirements. Whether you're looking for the 8-hour national requirement or state-specific CE, we have you covered.
National and State-Specific CE
Licensed MLOs are required to complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved mortgage
continuing education, including any state-specific requirements.
Flexible Course Formats
Our mortgage courses are designed for convenience and flexibility, helping you meet all your education requirements in your preferred learning format.
Online Self-Study
Enroll in self-paced, online courses, which you can complete on your own time and at your own pace. These courses are available for all national and state-specific courses.
Live Webinars
Prefer an interactive course from the comfort of your home or office? Enroll in a scheduled live-stream webinar for your 7 or 8 hour national requirement.
Mortgage Continuing Education Requirements
Our mortgage courses are designed for convenience and flexibility, helping you meet all your education requirements in your preferred learning format.
The SAFE Act requires Mortgage Loan Originators to complete a minimum of 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education annually.
The 8- hours of continuing education must include:
- 3 Hours of Federal Law
- 2 Hours of Ethics (including fraud, consumer protection, and lending issues)
- 2 Hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
- 1 Hour of undefined instruction on mortgage origination
Note: Some states also require state-specific education, which may be part of or in addition to the 8 hours. See the state-specific requirements from the NMLS for details.
Some states may require 7 hours plus state-specific education, while others may require 8 hours plus state-specific education. The 8-hour courses are called “Comprehensive,” and the 7-hour courses are called "Core" education.
NMLS-approved continuing education courses must be taken in a classroom, a classroom equivalent (such as a webinar), or an online self-study course.
MLO Continuing Education Deadlines
The NMLS annual renewal period begins on November 1 and ends on Dec 31 each year, and recommends completing your 2024 CE by the following dates:
- SMART Renewal: December 5, 2025
- At Risk to Miss Renewal: December 12, 2025
- Guaranteed to Miss Renewal: December 26, 2025
Certain states have an earlier deadline:
- Oct 31 - Georgia
- Nov 1
- District of Columbia
- West Virginia
- Nov 30
- Kentucky
- South Carolina - DCA
- Dec 1
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Puerto Rico
- Vermont
- Dec 15
- Utah DRE
- Washington
Please check the NMLS site for the latest state-specific requirements and deadlines.
FAQs
Is Real Estate Institute an NMLS-approved provider?
Yes. The Real Estate Institute is an NMLS-approved course Provider, #1400102. We offer NMLS-approved pre-license and continuing education programs. We also provide a SAFE test preparation course to prepare loan originators for the mandatory national exam.
Who is required to take NMLS-approved continuing education?
All Loan Originators working for State-licensed companies must complete at least eight (8) credit hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each calendar year. Some states also require additional state-specific education.
How many hours of continuing education is required by the SAFE Act?
Every state-licensed mortgage loan originator must complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved education annually. Some states also have state-specific education requirements.
Our SimpleClick Course Selector lets you quickly find all your necessary CE requirements in just a few clicks.
- Select all states where you're licensed.
- Select your preferred class format. (Classes are only available in the Chicagoland area)
- View all courses needed to meet your national and state-specific requirements.
Need additional details? View the NMLS State-Specific Education Requirements Chart
Will my credits automatically be reported to the NMLS upon completion?
Yes. Real Estate Institute will report successful course completions to the NMLS within seven (7) days of course completion.
Have Additional Questions?
Visit the Help CenterLinks and Additional Resources
Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
Source: NMLS
State-Specific Education Requirements Chart
Source: NMLS