How long does it take to get Nmls license in Washington state?

WASHINGTON REQUIREMENTS FOR NMLS PRE-LICENSING EDUCATION

Hours Required By The State: 22 hours (Including 4 hours of WA state-specific education)

Final Exam Instructions: Each course contains a final exam. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the final exam and can be taken as many times as needed to pass. This exam is required for education credit, but does not count toward the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test.

NMLS Education Requirement: Diehl Mortgage Training is an NMLS-Approved Training Provider for Pre-Licensing Education #1400133

Seat Time: The state requires that all students spend a minimum amount of seat time engaged in the course content. Our online learning management system tracks engagement by clicking through the course.

Reporting: Upon completion of your course, the NMLS requires course providers to credit-bank your education hours within 7 business days. Diehl banks your hours in as little as 24 hours.

Start and End Date of Course: Your course will close at the end of the 5, 7, or 10-Day period, depending on the path you choose.

Certificates: Upon completion of the course, Diehl Mortgage Training & Compliance will email you a certificate of completion. Please download and hold onto this certificate to show proof of education completion.

https://www.wa.gov/

Step 1 – Review your checklist
Go to the State Licensing Requirements Page for your state and gather required documentation which may need to be uploaded and sent to the state agency.
All state licensed MLOs and certain individuals as mandated by their state agency are required to pass the National SAFE MLO test, complete pre-licensure education, and submit to a criminal background and credit check prior to submitting an application in NMLS. Review Professional Standards for more details on the Criminal Background Check, Testing, Education, and Credit Report process. 

Step 2 – Coordinate with your company
NMLS is the official system of record so it is important to coordinate use with your employer. If your company is licensed with or registered in a state through NMLS, either of you can complete your first Individual Form (MU4) in NMLS. Whoever creates the first Individual Form (MU4) must pay any associated fees when it is submitted to the state agency. If your company is completing your first Individual Form (MU4), wait for their direction before proceeding. 

Step 3 – Create an account
NOTE: The information used to create the account must be accurate, complete and reflect information found on legal documentation. Inaccurate information may result in one or more duplicate accounts. If duplicate accounts are created, the responsible individual or company is liable for all fees associated with resolving the error.
Navigate to NMLS.
Click the Log Into NMLS button.
Click the Request an Account link.
Select the Individual option.
Review the Quick Guide: Creating an Individual Account for further assistance.

Step 4 – Log into NMLS
If your company created your first Individual Form (MU4), log in with the credentials provided, review your Individual Form (MU4), make any necessary corrections and attest to its accuracy. 
Review the Attestation Quick Guide for further assistance. 

Washington Mortgage Loan Officer Pre-Licensure

How to Get Started as a Washington Mortgage Loan Officer | Requirements to Become an MLO Through NMLS

We’ve compiled the six steps you’ll need to take to enroll in Washington Pre-Licensure Education (PE) and start your new career as a Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO). We’ve also answered some of the most common questions that prospective Washington Loan Officers have as they consider this exciting new career.

Steps to Get Your License Summary of Fees FAQ

How to Become a Loan Officer in Washington

1. Request an NMLS Account

Before beginning the educational component of licensing, prospective Loan Officers must create an NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry) account on the State Mortgage Registry website. NMLS is a national database in which all Washington MLOs must register. After creating their account, applicants receive a personal NMLS number that will be maintained for the duration of their time working as a Loan Officer.

2. Complete NMLS-Approved Pre-Licensure Education

In Washington, you’re required to complete 22 hours of coursework in order to meet the education requirements. The courses include the following:

  • 3 hours of Federal Law
  • 3 hours of Ethics
  • 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
  • 10 hours of General Electives
  • 4 hours of Washington-specific defined electives

The Washington-specific 4-hr. course is required by the Washington state licensing agency, also known as the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.

3. Pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Officer Test

The SAFE MLO Test can be scheduled by visiting the NMLS website. Applicants use their existing account number to schedule the exam. The exam has 115 scored questions, and test takers must answer at least 75% correctly. It costs $110 to take, and students are given 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete the test. You can learn more by reviewing the MLO Testing Handbook.

Did You Know?

The SAFE MLO Test is not easy, and NMLS previously released a statement that the first-time pass rate was only 58%. Study smarter by purchasing a comprehensive Exam Prep program to help you feel confident on test day.

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4. Complete State and FBI Criminal Background Checks

Washington applicants will need to login into their NMLS account and head to the Filing section. From there, click on the Criminal Background Check tab. You will authorize a Federal Criminal Background Check by completing the fields and clicking Attest.

Then, Washington applicants must schedule an appointment to submit their fingerprints. In the portal, users will click on the Composite View button then select Criminal Background Requests. In this module, you can schedule your fingerprinting appointment by clicking the “Fieldprint” button.

The total cost of the state and FBI criminal background check is $36.25.

5. Complete the NMLS Application

Now it’s time to submit for official Washington licensure through NMLS. Applicants will apply through the NMLS licensing portal. Applicants are advised to review the MLO New Application checklist beforehand in order to ensure they’re ready to apply.

You’ll need to pay $125 for the Washington portion of the licensing fee. Additionally, a credit report must be submitted at the time of application for a fee of $15.

6. Secure Your Employer Sponsorship

Your Washington Loan Officer License will remain in pending status until your employing sponsorship is verified with NMLS. This verification is completed inside of the NMLS portal. Users will visit the Form Filing Home screen, then click Company Access. They’re then prompted to add their employer sponsorship by submitting employment details. Once the sponsoring employer receives notice of the verification request, they can approve the sponsorship. Upon approval, applicants are officially licensed.

Summary of Washington MLO Fees

$200-$500

Pre-Licensure Education

$36.25

Criminal Background Check

$125

Washington Application Fee

How long does it take to get Nmls license in Washington state?

What Else Is There to Know About Becoming a Mortgage Loan Officer in Washington?

What is the definition of a Mortgage Loan Officer in the state of Washington?

The summary below is taken from the Washington State Legislature:

“Registered Mortgage Loan Originator" means any individual who meets the definition of Mortgage Loan Originator and is an employee of: (a) A depository institution, a subsidiary that is owned and controlled by a depository institution and regulated by a federal banking agency, or an institution regulated by the farm credit administration; and (b) Is registered with, and maintains a unique identifier through, NMLS. "Residential real estate" is real property upon which is constructed or intended to be constructed, a single family dwelling or multiple family dwelling of four or less units.

  • Residential real estate includes, but is not limited to:
    • A single family home;
    • A duplex;
    • A triplex;
    • A fourplex;
    • A single condominium in a condominium complex;
    • A single unit within a cooperative;
    • A manufactured home; or
    • A fractile, fee simple interest in any of the above.
  • Residential real estate does not include:
    • An apartment building or dwelling of five or more units; or
    • A single piece of real estate with five or more single family dwellings unless each dwelling is capable of being financed independently of the other dwellings.

Note: The titles “Mortgage Loan Officer” and “Mortgage Loan Originator” are often used interchangeably, including in the summary above.

How much do Washington Mortgage Loan Officers make?

According to ZipRecruiter, Washington Mortgage Officers make approximately $75,000 per year on average as of November 2021. The 75th percentile of earners makes above $105,000, while the bottom 25th makes under $37,000. Top earners can earn more than $129,000 in Washington.

What is the Washington market like for Mortgage Loan Officers?

Washington's real estate market is one of the fastest growing markets in the country. With low interest rates, a high quality of life, and plenty of economic opportunity, home prices in the state of Washington have jumped by a whopping 22.8% over the past year. That's great news for MLOs looking to make deals happen more frequently and earn higher commissions.

Is Washington a good state to work in as a Mortgage Loan Officer?

It pays to be a Mortgage Loan Officer in Washington. The median home cost in Washington is $548,000. At a commission rate of 1%, that’s a $5,480 payment for the MLO once the loan is secured. Here are the average home payouts in a few Washington locations:

Seattle:

Average Home Price: $871,000

Average Commission: $8,710

Spokane:

Average Home Price: $361,000

Average Commission: $3,610

Tacoma:

Average Home Price: $461,000

Average Commission: $4,610

Bellevue:

Average Home Price: $1,300,000

Average Commission: $13,000

All average home price figures were collected from Zillow.

What are some of the notable Washington mortgage loan companies?

If you’re looking to get in contact with mortgage loan companies to ask about the profession, services, or employment opportunities, you can contact any of the following local businesses:

Westwood Mortgage (Seattle)

Spokane Mortgage Lenders (Spokane)

Northwest Mortgage Services, Inc. (Tacoma)

Directors Mortgage (Bellevue)

Mortgage Master Service Corporation (Kent)

What is the total application cost for an MLO in WA?

What is the application fee for a MLO License? The application fee for a new MLO License is $155.00 which includes a $30 NMLS System Fee.

Why is the NMLS exam so hard?

The NMLS test difficulty can be described as challenging, even for those who prepare, and this is on purpose. Due to the financial responsibilities of mortgage loan officers, the exam serves to ensure MLOs are prepared for these duties and are held to high industry standards.

How do I pass Nmls first time?

How to Pass the NMLS Test on the First Try.
Complete a High-Quality Mortgage Pre-Licensure Education (PE) Course. ... .
Take an NMLS Exam Prep Course. ... .
Understand the NMLS Test Breakdown. ... .
Read Each Question Twice. ... .
Use Your Test-Taking Time Wisely. ... .
Answer Every Question. ... .
Watch Out for Negatives. ... .
Use the Process of Elimination..

How many hours of pre

MLO Pre-Licensing Education MLO applicants must complete 22 hours of NMLS approved pre-licensing education, including 4 hours in Washington Law. Be sure to take Pre-Licensing Education not Continuing Education.