Skip to content
State Cert Guide

Independent guide, not a government agency. We earn commissions on some links.

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

To apply for a Massachusetts mortgage loan originator license, you show at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. Three of them cover state law and regulation. A course from another state with no Massachusetts part still leaves you 3 hours to show on Massachusetts law. NMLS lists the SAFE test fee at $110.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
At least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing educationThe rule does not close the list of topics inside those hours.
Verified. Massachusetts Division of Banks · 209 CMR 41.00, The Licensing of Mortgage Loan Originators (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 external website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Required topics
Includes, among others, 3 hours federal law, 3 ethics, 2 nontraditional, 3 state lawThe state-law hours are part of the same total.
Verified. Massachusetts Division of Banks · 209 CMR 41.00, The Licensing of Mortgage Loan Originators (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course from another state
3 hours on Massachusetts laws and regulations if your other-state course lacked themThe Division of Banks says this in its bulletin on education requirements.
Verified. Massachusetts Division of Banks · Regulatory Bulletin 5.1-102 (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check that you need the license. The rule defines a mortgage loan originator as a natural person, employed by no more than one entity, who takes a residential mortgage loan application or offers or negotiates its terms for compensation or gain. Some people do not need it. Among those the rule lists are registered mortgage loan originators. The application goes on a form the Commissioner prescribes, through the NMLS.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from the NMLS course provider list. Plan for at least 20 hours. The rule says they include, among others, 3 hours of federal law and regulations, 3 of ethics, 2 on nontraditional mortgage lending standards and 3 of state law and regulation. NMLS says the 3 Massachusetts hours can come from a Massachusetts comprehensive course or a state-specific elective course. If you took an NMLS course in another state with no Massachusetts part, the Division of Banks says you must still show 3 hours on Massachusetts laws and regulations.

  3. Step 3. Take the course. NMLS says every prelicensing course category can be delivered in the classroom or classroom equivalent (webinar) format.

  4. Step 4. Pass the SAFE MLO Test. NMLS says MLOs seeking state licensure need 75% or better on it. NMLS lists the fee for its National Test as $110.

Before you pay

Before you pay, check that the course is on the NMLS course provider list and includes the 3 hours of Massachusetts law.

Questions

Does Massachusetts also require continuing education?

Yes. The Division of Banks says each annual renewal requires 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education, including 1 hour on Massachusetts laws and regulations.

What if I fail the test?

The rule lets you retake it three consecutive times, each at least 30 days after the one before. After failing three consecutive written examinations, a person cannot sit for another one for at least six months.

What is on the National Test?

NMLS lists 120 questions, 115 of them scored, and a time limit of 190 minutes. The five unscored pre-test questions do not change your pass or fail result.

What to do next

Start with the Massachusetts rule on licensing mortgage loan originators. Then pick a course from the NMLS list.

www.mass.gov

Sources we read