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

The Colorado Division of Real Estate says you need 20 hours of NMLS approved education, 2 of them Colorado state-specific, and a pass on the national SAFE MLO Test before you can apply. If you request temporary authority, you get 120 days from the day it is issued to finish the test and the education.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
20 hours of NMLS approved education, 2 of them Colorado state-specificThe split by topic is in the questions below.
Verified. dre.colorado.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cost
$110 for the SAFE MLO Test, as NMLS lists it. This is not the course priceWe haven't confirmed a course price from a source.
NMLS Resource Center · SAFE MLO Test overview (opens website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Agency
Colorado Division of Real EstateIts page for applicants is the one this page follows.
Same source and date as above
Temporary authority deadline
120 days from issuance of temporary authority to pass the testOtherwise, you must pass the test to be eligible to apply.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Plan your fingerprints. Before you apply, each applicant sends a set of fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for a Colorado and national background check.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from the NMLS course provider list. The Division says the 20 hours must come from NMLS approved courses. Two hours must be Colorado state-specific content, which may be a standalone course. If you request temporary authority, you have 120 days from the day it is issued to finish the 20 hours.

  3. Step 3. Take the 20 hours. NMLS says all prelicensing course categories can be delivered in a classroom or a classroom equivalent (webinar) format.

  4. Step 4. Pass the National SAFE MLO Test Component with Uniform State Content. NMLS says an MLO seeking state licensure needs 75% or better.

Before you pay

Before you pay, check that the course is NMLS approved and includes the 2 Colorado state-specific hours, which may be a standalone course.

Questions

How do the 20 hours split?

The Division lists 3 hours of federal law, 3 of ethics, 2 of non-traditional mortgage lending, 2 of Colorado state-specific defined electives and 10 of general electives.

Can I start before I finish the courses?

Sometimes. Since November 24, 2019, applicants who meet specific conditions can request Temporary Authority status on the Colorado form. The applicant names an actively licensed Colorado MLO as sponsor, who answers for the applicant’s actions until the course and test rules are met, or until either of them ends the supervision.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. The Division’s form asks for details on your insurance and Surety Bond policies. The errors and omissions insurance and the surety bond also apply to applicants requesting temporary authority.

What is on the test?

NMLS lists 120 questions and 190 minutes to finish, with 115 of the questions scored. The five unscored pre-test questions do not change your pass or fail result.

What to do next

Start with the Division of Real Estate page for mortgage loan originators. Then pick a course from the NMLS list.

dre.colorado.gov

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