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State Cert Guide

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

In Virginia, no individual may engage in the business of a mortgage loan originator without first getting a license, unless an exception applies. An applicant completes at least 20 hours of pre-licensing education. The law lets courses be taught in a classroom, online, or by other means the Registry approves.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
At least 20 hours of pre-licensing education coursesThe law sets minimum hours on three topics, listed in the questions below.
Verified. law.lis.virginia.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
Online accepted
Yes. A classroom, online, or any other means the Registry approvesThe law says this about every course.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
Expired courses do not count toward the hoursThe Registry sets the expiration rules, unless the Commission provides otherwise.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check whether you need the license. Unless an exception applies, no individual may engage in the business of a mortgage loan originator without first getting a license and maintaining it annually.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course the Registry approves. The law defines the Registry as the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry, or NMLS. Use the NMLS course provider list. The Registry approves the course provider too.

  3. Step 3. Take at least 20 hours. The law says courses may be offered in a classroom, online, or by other means the Registry approves. Expired courses do not count toward the hours.

  4. Step 4. Pass the SAFE MLO Test. NMLS says an MLO seeking state licensure needs 75% or better.

Courses

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Before you pay

Before you pay, check that the Registry has approved both the course and its provider, and that the course has not expired.

Questions

What must the 20 hours include?

At least three hours of federal law, three of ethics, and two on lending standards for nontraditional mortgage products. NMLS lists the rest as 12 hours of electives.

How much does the application cost?

The application fee may not exceed $150, or a lesser amount the Commission sets. It is in addition to other fees, including those for pre-licensing education and testing.

What is on the test?

NMLS lists 120 questions, with 115 scored, and 190 minutes to finish. The five unscored pre-test questions have no effect on your pass or fail result.

What to do next

Start with the Virginia law on pre-licensing education. Then pick a course the Registry approves.

law.lis.virginia.gov

Sources we read