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What do I need for a California mortgage loan originator license?

To get a California mortgage loan originator license, you take at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved education. Two of those hours cover California law. Then you pass the NMLS test. NMLS says it takes a score of 75 percent or better. The law says the classes can be online.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
At least 20 hours of approved educationThat is the minimum the California statute sets.
Verified. California Financial Code · Sections 22109.1 to 22109.3, mortgage loan originator licensing (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cost
$110 for the SAFE MLO Test, as NMLS lists it. This is not the course priceThat is the test fee NMLS lists. We haven't confirmed a course price from a source.
NMLS Resource Center · SAFE MLO Test overview (opens website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Online accepted
Yes. The statute allows a classroom, online, or other means NMLS approvesThe statute also allows any other means NMLS approves.
Same source and date as above
California law hours
Two hours of training on California law and regulationsThe statute says the 20 hours must include them.
Same source and date as above
Passing score
A passing score is at least 75 percentThe statute sets this cutoff for the qualified written test.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check which license you need. One condition for a California MLO license is that you are employed by, and subject to the supervision of, a finance lender or broker that holds a license from the commissioner. A request for an MLO license endorsement from the Department of Real Estate requires a real estate license in "current license status."

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from the NMLS course provider list. NMLS reviews and approves the course and the provider. It has at least 20 hours, and 2 must cover California law.

  3. Step 3. Take the course online or in a classroom. The statute says pre-licensing education may be offered in a classroom, online, or by other means NMLS approves.

  4. Step 4. Pass the NMLS test. NMLS says the Act requires a score of 75 percent or better. NMLS lists the fee as $110. If you fail, you can retake it up to three times, at least 30 days apart.

Before you pay

NMLS approves both the course and the company that teaches it. Before you pay, check that the course is NMLS-approved and includes the 2 California hours.

Questions

What is on the test, and what score do I need?

California requires a written test that NMLS developed or finds acceptable, given by a test provider NMLS approves. The SAFE MLO Test has 120 questions, and 115 are scored. You get 190 minutes. NMLS lists the fee as $110. NMLS says you need 75 percent or better.

How many times can I retake the test?

Up to three times in a row, with at least 30 days between tries. If you fail three retests, you wait at least six months before you test again.

What topics must the 20 hours cover?

NMLS lists 3 hours of federal law, 3 of ethics, 2 of non-traditional mortgage lending, 10 of electives and 2 of California law.

What does the Department of Real Estate route involve?

Its steps include the 20 hours of pre-licensure education. After approval, the real estate license must be maintained to retain the approval of the MLO license endorsement.

Who decides my California application?

The commissioner. The statute tells the commissioner to deny an MLO license application unless the commissioner makes the findings it lists. NMLS lists the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation as the California agency for these education rules.

What to do next

Start with the statute that sets the hours. Then pick an NMLS-approved course.

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

Sources we read