Learn how to become a mortgage loan officer in Colorado, choose mortgage license courses, and get an NMLS license.
To sell mortgages, you need to be licensed as a mortgage loan originator (MLO). This is also sometimes called a "loan officer" or "mortgage broker." Each state has its own license requirements for becoming a mortgage loan originator. All states use the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) to track MLO licensing. To do business as a mortgage loan originator, you need to:
You can get started with this step right now! By starting an NMLS account, you will be assigned an NMLS Unique Identifier ("NMLS ID") which will be your license number for the rest of your mortgage career. You will need this number before you take any education or do business. Coordinate your account creation with your future employer.
Create your NMLS account here.
Before you can get your Colorado mortgage license, you need to take required pre-license courses. These help you learn mortgage laws and procedures. Each state has different mortgage education requirements for doing business. If you work for a non-bank institution (a "mortgage company"), you must get licensed in each state that you want to do business in. The SAFE Act requires that you take 20 hours of pre-license education at a minimum. Some states have additional mortgage licensing requirements. Visit the NMLS website for a complete list of state requirements.
After your education is completed and recorded, you need to schedule an appointment to take your licensing examination at a testing facility. This is sometimes called the "SAFE test" or "MLO exam". This exam is administrated by Prometric. Follow the guides below to schedule your exam:
Contact Prometric at 1-877-671-6657 or visit their website.
You will need to complete and submit an application for a mortgage loan origination license via the NMLS website. (NOTE: The mortgage company you plan to work for may fill out your application for you. Please check with them before submitting any paperwork.)
As part of your application process, most states require you to get a criminal background check, submit fingerprints, and submit to a credit report:
How to request a background check
Although you may already be working closely with your new employer, your NMLS record will need to be associated with your employer before you can receive a mortgage loan license and do business.
Take your mortgage licensing classes online!
Looking to get your mortgage loan originator license training online? You're in the right place!
Our NMLS-approved MLO licensing program is delivered online so you can take the course from anywhere. The 20-hour online instructor-led course is delivered over 5 days. Your learning material and exams are all delivered through your web browser. Each day you will have the opportunity to connect with your instructor and other students taking the course via a live internet conference. This will give you the chance to ask questions, have topics explained in more detail, and get insights from industry professionals.
20-hour Mortgage license courses are delivered over a 5 day period. New classes start each week. See the schedule on the information page to pick the dates that are right for you.
The OnlineEd system is compatible with all current major browsers and operating systems.
Our program has been rigorously reviewed, approved, and authorized for pre-license credit by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS).
Mortgage education courses at OnlineEd are written by OnlineEd. Because of this, we save on overhead licensing costs and can pass those savings on to you.
The OnlineEd logo and stylized "O" logo are Registered Marks of OnlineEd, LLC. All content owned by OnlineEd, LLC. unless otherwise noted. Other logos are trademarks of their respective organizations. OnlineEd meets all state guidelines for pre-license and continuing education courses where offered.