Washington State Department of Financial Institutions

Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)
Pre-Application Requirements

Individuals applying for a Washington Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license must complete several pre-application requirements. The pre-application requirements include testing, education, criminal background and credit check. Use the quick links below to access information about each requirement.

Quick Links For Pre-Application Requirements

MLO Testing

Prior to applying for a MLO license, the applicant must take and pass two tests, the National and Washington State component test. Registration for one or both tests is done through the NMLS.

MLO Testing Resources

MLO Test FAQs

  1. Must I pass the test prior to applying for a MLO license?
    Yes. In order to apply for a MLO license, you must pass both the National and Washington State component tests. Failure to pass the tests prior to applying for the license will delay the processing of your application and could result in your application being abandoned.
  2. How much does the test cost?
    The National component test is $92 and the Washington State component test is $69.

    Test fees must be paid at the time of reservation. Fees will not be accepted at the test center.
  3. How do I register to take the test?
    Please follow the instructions at the NMLS Resource Center.
  4. What will be covered in the test?
    Refer to the components for the national and state test.
  5. How soon after failing a test may I take it again?
    If you fail one component test, you must wait 30 days before you can re-take that component of the test. After failing the same component test four consecutive times, you must wait at least six months before taking that component test again.
  6. Can I change or cancel my test date?
    Yes. Contact the call center for the testing center you have selected. You must cancel or reschedule your test no later than 12 pm local time (at the location where the exam is being taken) two business days prior to your scheduled appointment. More information is available on the NMLS Resource Center.
  7. How long after taking the test will I receive my results?
    When you complete the test, you will receive a score report marked "pass" or "fail."
  8. How many questions will there be?
    The National Component of the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Loan Originator Test consists of a total of 100 test questions: 90 are scored and 10 are not scored. The test time will be 150 minutes with an additional 30 minutes for completing a tutorial and an optional candidate survey.

    Each State-Specific Component of the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Loan Originator Test consists of 45 to 55 scored test questions and an additional 10 test questions are not scored. The exact number of scored test questions for each state test is listed in the state's test content outline. The test time will be 90 minutes with an additional 30 minutes for completing a tutorial and an optional candidate survey.

MLO Pre-Licensing Education

Prior to applying for a MLO license, the applicant must complete 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensing education, including two hours in Washington Law. Registration for pre-licensing education is done through the NMLS. Be sure you register for 20 hours of pre-licensing education (PE) and not continuing education (CE).

MLO Pre-Licensing Education Resources

MLO Pre-Licensing Education FAQs

  1. Must I complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education prior to applying for a MLO license?
    Yes. In order to apply for a MLO license, you must have completed your 20 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensing education, including 2 hours in Washington Law. Unless you took 20 hours of Washington specific PE, you must take 2 hours of PE covering Washington law. Failure to complete this requirement prior to applying for the MLO license will cause a delay in processing your application and could result in your application being abandoned.
  2. How much does the 20 hours of pre-licensing education cost?
    The cost for pre-licensing education varies. Contact the course provider directly for fee information.
  3. How do I register to take the 20 hours of pre-licensing education?
    Please follow the instructions at the NMLS Resource Center.
  4. Are there specific pre-licensing courses which must be taken?
    Yes. Eight of the 20 hours must meet the SAFE requirements and two more of the 20 hours must be in Washington law.
  5. Can I take my courses online?
    Yes. The NMLS approved course providers offer a variety of formats for their education, including online courses as well as classroom courses.

MLO Criminal Background Check

At the time when a MLO applies for a license, the applicant will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and pay the fee associated with that request. The applicant will then be required to get fingerprints taken prior to DFI processing the application.

MLO Criminal Background Check Resources

MLO Criminal Background Check FAQs

  1. When must I file a Criminal Background Check?
    At the time when you file your application for a MLO license, you will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check request form, including paying the fees for the CBC. You then have 5 business days to schedule an appointment and have your fingerprints taken and transmitted to the NMLS.
  2. How much does the Criminal Background Check cost?
    The cost for the Criminal Background Check is $39.00 for Live Scan. If you select Paper Card Capture, your fee will be $49.00 due to the manual processing of fingerprints.

MLO Credit Report Authorization

At the time when a MLO applies for a license, the applicant will be required to complete a credit report authorization through the NMLS.

MLO Credit Report Authorization

MLO Credit Report Authorization FAQs

  1. When must I file a Credit Report Authorization?
    At the time when you file your application for a MLO license, you will be required to complete a Credit Report Authorization request, including paying the fee for the credit report authorization.
  2. How much does the Credit Report Authorization cost?
    The cost for the Credit Report Authorization is $15.00.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about information on this webpage feel free to contact us by phone at (360) 902-8703 or toll free at 1-877 RING DFI (746-4334). You may also email us at dcs@dfi.wa.gov.

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