What are the continuing education requirements for an MLO license?

Federal law requires at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics (covering fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending), 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage products, and 1 elective hour. Some states add state-specific hours — New York requires 11 total and New Jersey requires 12. CE credit counts only in the year the course is taken, and you may not take the same approved course two years in a row.

Alabama requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage products, and 1 elective hour. Alabama does not require any hour on state-specific law. The deadline to complete CE is December 31, and NMLS blocks a renewal request if the CE record is incomplete.

Each licensed AK MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed AZ MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Arizona-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed AR MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

An MLO license or endorsement requires 8 hours of continuing education each year from an NMLS-approved provider, completed by December 31. The hours are 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of nontraditional lending standards, and 1 elective hour. DFPI licensees must use the elective hour for California DFPI law; DRE endorsement holders may use it for any approved topic. The 45 hours of real estate license CE cannot be substituted.

Colorado requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each calendar year to renew or reinstate an MLO license: 3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 hour of electives. The deadline is December 31, and you cannot apply to renew until your CE is complete, so allow up to 7 days for a provider to report your completion. New licensees who complete the 20 pre-licensing hours in the same year their license was issued are exempt for that year.

Each licensed CT MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Connecticut-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Delaware requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage lending, and 1 elective hour. Continuing education approved for any other state counts toward the Delaware requirement. The deadline to finish the hours is December 1, and an MLO who has not completed them cannot apply to renew the license.

DC requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 hour of DC-specific education. CE is required annually starting the year you are licensed, unless you completed pre-licensing education that same year. The deadline to complete CE is November 1, and DC prohibits you from applying to renew without completed CE. Course providers may take up to 7 days to report a completion into NMLS, so finish early.

Each licensed FL MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Florida-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed GA MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each year a licensed Hawaii mortgage loan originator must complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education: 3 hours of federal law and regulations, 1 hour of Hawaii state law and rules, 2 hours of ethics (fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending), and 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage products. Credit is given only in the year the course is taken, and the same approved course cannot be repeated in that year or the two following years.

Idaho requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year, made up of 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 hour of Idaho-specific education. The requirement begins the year you are licensed, unless you completed your pre-licensing education that same year. The deadline to finish CE is December 1, and Idaho prohibits you from applying to renew until it is complete.

Each licensed IL MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Indiana requires 8 hours of continuing education approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 hour of electives. Indiana adds no state-specific hours beyond these 8. The deadline is December 31, and an MLO who has not completed CE is prohibited from applying to renew. If you completed pre-licensing education and obtained your initial license in the same calendar year, no CE is due for that year.

Each licensed IA MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed KS MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed KY MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Kentucky-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Louisiana requires 8 hours of continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 elective hour. There are no state-specific hours beyond the national 8, and the deadline to finish is December 31. You may not apply to renew your license until the continuing education (CE) is complete, and course providers may take up to 7 days to report a completion into NMLS, so finish early.

Maine requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of nontraditional mortgage lending, and 1 hour of electives. You must begin CE the year you are licensed, unless you completed prelicensing education that same year. The deadline to complete CE is December 31, and you may not apply to renew until it is finished; providers may take up to 7 days to report a completion into NMLS, so avoid waiting until the last week.

Each licensed MD MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Maryland-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics,

A Massachusetts mortgage loan originator must complete 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of nontraditional mortgage products, and 1 hour of Massachusetts law. The deadline is December 31, and you cannot apply to renew your license until the CE is complete.

Each licensed MI MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed MN MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Minnesota-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

A Mississippi mortgage loan originator must complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law and regulations, 2 hours of ethics (fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending), 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage lending, and 1 elective hour. Mississippi adds no state-specific CE hour. The deadline is December 31, and an MLO who has not completed CE may not apply to renew the license.

Missouri requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of nontraditional mortgage lending standards, and 1 hour of Missouri law. The deadline is December 31, and you cannot apply to renew without completing the CE. The same course cannot be repeated in the same or later years to meet the requirement.

Montana requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage products, and 1 hour of electives. There is no Montana-specific CE requirement. The deadline to complete CE is December 31, and Montana MLOs are prohibited from applying to renew without completing it. Completing prelicensing education in the same year excuses the CE requirement, and approved instructors receive 2 hours of credit for every 1 hour taught.

Nebraska requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage products, and 1 elective hour. Nebraska adds no state-specific CE, extra hours do not carry over to the next year, and a course cannot be repeated in the same or consecutive years. Complete CE by December 31; providers can take up to 7 days to report completions into NMLS, and Nebraska prohibits renewing without completed CE.

Each licensed NV MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed NH MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed NJ MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 5 hour of New Jersey-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed NM MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of New Mexico-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed NY MLO must complete at least 8 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 3 hour of New York-specific education each year.
The 8 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending, and a 1 hour elective course.

Each licensed NC MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of North Carolina-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed ND MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Every state-licensed mortgage loan originator in Ohio must complete 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year, starting the year of licensure unless pre-licensure education was completed that same year. The 8 hours are 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 elective hour; Ohio adds no state-specific hours. The deadline is December 31, and you cannot apply to renew until CE is complete.

Oklahoma requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 hour of electives. The requirement begins the year you are licensed, unless you completed your 20 hours of pre-licensing education that same year. You cannot submit a renewal application until CE is complete, and course providers may take up to 7 days to report completions into NMLS, so finish early.

Oregon requires 10 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each calendar year, including 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours on nontraditional mortgage products, and 2 hours of Oregon-specific instruction. No continuing education is required in the year you complete pre-licensure education. Credits must be earned between January 1 and December 31, cannot be taken early for a future year, and do not carry over; providers may take up to 7 days to report completions into NMLS.

Pennsylvania mortgage loan originators must complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education annually: 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of nontraditional lending, and 1 hour of Pennsylvania law. The deadline is December 31, and no CE is required in a year when pre-licensing education was completed. The same course may not be repeated in the same or successive years.

Each licensed RI MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Rhode Island-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed SD MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed TN MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed TX MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Utah has two regulators with different rules. A Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE) MLO completes 9 hours each year: 3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours non-traditional mortgage products, 1 hour elective, and 1 hour Utah-specific update, with a December 15 completion deadline. A Utah Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) MLO completes the standard 8 hours with no state-specific hour, due December 31. A DRE licensee must also complete a division-approved course for new loan originators before the first renewal.

Each licensed VT MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed TN MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed Washington DC MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of Washington DC-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed WV MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 2 hours of West Virginia-specific education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed WI MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.

Each licensed WY MLO must complete at least 7 hours of Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) approved education, plus 1 hour of elective education each year.
The 7 hours of NMLS-approved education include 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, and 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending.