How to Take Your NMLS Exam

How to Sign Up for the SAFE NMLS Test

Are you stressing about the NMLS Test? Then you need to know how to take it and when to sign up. Look at the steps below or take a look at the Mortgage Loan Originator Testing Handbook

To get you ready for your big test day without any unnecessary worry, let’s review how to schedule your NMLS exam and break down what areas of knowledge are covered.

How to Sign Up for an NMLS Test

Before you can schedule your MLO test, you need to create an NMLS account and pay for the test. To do that, follow the steps below. You can also click here for a video that will walk you through the whole process.

1. Create your NMLS account on the NMLS website when you are ready to sign up for your MLO test, sign in to your account.

2. Once logged in, click the NMLS Navigation tab on the left side of the screen. Once you’re on the page, click the MLO Testing and Education button.

3. On the testing page, click Pay for a Test. This will take you to a page where you can select your test. Click Select by State, and choose the states where you will be getting licensed by clicking the checkmarks next to those states.

4. Once you’ve selected the tests and states you want, select Add to Cart. Next, you will be asked to read and sign a Candidate Agreement. When this is accepted, you’ll be taken to a screen where you can pay with a credit card or bank account. The fee is currently $110.

5. After you have paid your test fee through the NMLS, you have 180 days to go visit the Prometric scheduler and schedule and take your NMLS exam. The NMLS doesn’t administer the exam themselves, they use a third party.

How to Schedule the NMLS Test

Now that you’ve paid for your NMLS exam, the next step is to schedule your test.

1. Online, head to the Prometrics NMLS Test Page, and click Schedule My Test and then click Next. Then, review and agree to the Privacy Policy.

2. Fill in your NMLS ID and name. On the next screen, select your test. Most loan officers will only take the SAFE MLO Test.

3. Click Next to search for a testing center. Type in your address to find the closest location, and then select the date and time.

4. Fill in any information as prompted. Before finishing, review and write down your appointment place, date, and time.

5. Print out your confirmation page, and take it with you to the testing center.

Prepare for the NMLS Test

The MLO test is not an easy exam. Even if you think you know the material, you should study carefully so you can be ready on test day.

Here at Mortgage Educators, the formula that we suggest that we’ve seen to be the most successful is to complete the 20-hour education and then study for about 2 weeks before taking the exam.

Here are the topics covered and the percentage of the test devoted to each:

Federal mortgage-related laws: 24%
General mortgage knowledge: 20%
Mortgage-loan-origination activities: 27%
Ethics: 18%
Uniform state content: 11%

The NMLS test is tough, but with the right preparation, you’ll be ready. For great results, use the resources from Mortgage Educators to help you get fully ready for your MLO test.

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