Ready. Train. Go.
When You're Ready to Expand Your Reach
Federal & State Pre Licensing that feels like listening to your favorite podcast (if your favorite podcast is about federal law). Start your career as a Mortgage Loan Originator with MLO Force's comprehensive training. Our courses meet all the NMLS licensing requirements to ensure you are prepared for the challenging yet rewarding journey ahead. From understanding federal laws to mastering compliance, our engaging and effective pre-licensing education ensures you're ready to excel. Trust MLO Force to guide you through the NMLS licensing requirements and set the foundation for a successful career in the mortgage industry.
1
20 Hour SAFE Pre Licensing
Date TBD
This is the course you take to become eligible to sit for the test and get your official NMLS license so you can begin your Loan Origination career!
2
State Pre Licensing Course
Date TBD
Many states have a reuquirement outside of the 20 Hour SAFE course where you need to learn about the specific state laws and regulations. These courses vary in time but you'll find them all here as we get them approved!
3
Temporary Authority
Date TBD
Temporary Authority was authorized for MLOs who have been in good standing for more than 12 months. If you qualify you can get a temporary pass to originate in a state but then have to complete state Pre Licensing within the first 180 days. You'll find those courses here!
*Prices do not include NMLS banking fees
Here's a taste of what our training looks like.
Pre Licensing For MLOs, Created by MLOs
Many of us at MLO Force are licensed MLOs or have been in the past, so we know firsthand how boring and daunting required license training can feel.
Our goal is to fix that reputation by providing fun, conversational videos that bring out the best version of every loan originator: ethical, people-first heroes ready to do what it takes to make a difference in borrowers' lives.
Why Pre-Licensing Isn’t Just a Hurdle—It’s Your First Test as an MLO
Let’s be real: most people don’t wake up one morning thinking, “I can’t wait to spend 20 hours on federal mortgage law this week!”
But if you want to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO), you don’t get to skip the pre-licensing step. It’s not just red tape. It’s the industry’s way of asking: “Are you serious about this career, and can we trust you to handle one of the biggest financial transactions of someone’s life?”
And that’s a fair question.
The Basics: What’s Required
Every state follows the federal rules under the SAFE Act (Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing). That law says if you want to originate loans, you must:
-
Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education
-
Pass the national SAFE test with Uniform State Content
-
Meet state-specific requirements (varies by state)
No shortcuts. No workarounds. The course is mandatory, and the exam isn’t easy.
Why It Matters (More Than You Think)
1. It Proves You Belong Here
Lots of people think being an MLO is just about sales skills and charm. Nope. This is about competence. Borrowers, regulators, and lenders all need to know you’re not winging it with six-figure decisions. Pre-licensing shows you’re serious enough to invest in your foundation.
2. It’s Your First Compliance Test
Spoiler alert: compliance isn’t going away. If you can’t handle studying for and passing the pre-licensing exam, you’re going to hate annual CE, audits, and the alphabet soup of laws (RESPA, TILA, ECOA, TRID, etc.). The pre-licensing course is the first signal: can you learn the rules and apply them?
3. It Protects Your Future Self
Imagine starting your career, closing loans, building a pipeline… and then finding out you violated a law you didn’t even know existed. That’s not just embarrassing—it’s career-ending. Pre-licensing builds the foundation so you don’t get blindsided.
The Real Talk: Don’t Just “Check the Box”
Here’s the mistake too many prospective MLOs make: they treat pre-licensing like a hoop to jump through. Just cram, test, and move on.
That’s like a pilot saying, “I don’t really need to understand all these cockpit buttons. I’ll just figure it out once I’m in the air.”
Would you get on that plane? Exactly.
The good news? If you take the course seriously, it can actually prepare you for the job. You’ll learn:
-
The structure of the mortgage industry (who does what and why it matters)
-
The core federal laws you’ll deal with daily
-
How to avoid common compliance landmines (like steering, kickbacks, or discriminatory practices)
Your Next Step
If you’re thinking about becoming an MLO, the pre-licensing course is your first “prove it” moment. Do the work, pass the test, and show yourself (and the industry) that you’re ready to handle the responsibility.
At MLO Force, we don’t just want you to pass—we want you to actually get it. Because the day you’re sitting across from a borrower, the last thing you want is to be guessing what the law allows.
So here’s the bottom line: Pre-licensing isn’t just mandatory—it’s your first step toward being the kind of professional people trust with their home.