Do you need a college degree to become a mortgage loan officer?

No. The SAFE Act licensing requirements do not include a college degree. Licensing requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of at least 75% on the SAFE test, and criminal background and credit checks. That said, employers typically expect one: the Bureau of Labor Statistics states loan officers typically need a bachelor's degree, though some enter with related experience in banking, customer service, or sales.

No. Neither the DRE endorsement nor the DFPI mortgage loan originator license requires a college degree in California. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that loan officers typically hold a bachelor's degree, though some enter the field with related experience in banking, customer service, or sales.

No college degree is required to become a mortgage loan originator in DC. The licensing path turns on 20 hours of NMLS-approved education, a passing score of 75% on the SAFE MLO test, and the background and credit checks in the application. The credit report does ask you to demonstrate financial responsibility, but a low credit score alone does not automatically disqualify you.

No, Ohio does not require a college degree for a mortgage loan originator license. The requirements are 24 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, a passing SAFE MLO test score, an FBI background check, a credit report review, and sponsorship by a licensed mortgage company.

No. Neither the federal SAFE Act standards nor Tennessee's mortgage loan originator requirements include a college degree. The licensing requirements are 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensure education, a passing SAFE test score, a criminal background check, and a credit report. On-the-job training after hiring is typical in the field.

No. A college degree is not among the Texas licensing requirements for a mortgage loan originator, which are pre-licensing education, a passing test score, a background and credit check, and company sponsorship. However, Texas Workforce Commission data based on O*NET shows that most loan officers hold a bachelor's degree.

No, Virginia does not require a college degree to become a mortgage loan originator. The licensing path is the 20-hour pre-licensing course, the SAFE MLO test, and the background, credit, and bonding checks required by the Bureau of Financial Institutions.

No degree is required for the Wisconsin Mortgage Loan Originator License. The licensing requirements are 20 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing SAFE test score, a background check, and demonstrated financial responsibility. That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that loan officers typically hold a bachelor's degree, usually in business or finance, though some enter the field with banking, customer service, or sales experience instead.