Get Your California MLO License
California mortgage loan originators are required to be licensed. In order to apply for a license, new applicants must complete 22-hours of NMLS approved education. Our online MLO courses are fully approved to meet this requirement.
3 Steps to obtain a DFPI Mortgage Loan Originator License in California
1
Complete our NMLS approved 20-hour MLO Course ($275 $189) & pass the 2-hour CA-DFPI State Laws Course (included free)
ENROLL HERE to start the course instantly
2
Pass your national mortgage exam:
Exam prep included free of charge (unlike other schools)
3
Apply for the MLO License:
We report your hours to the NMLS free of charge.
20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive: California MLO Courses (DFPI & DRE)
This course is the course you need to take to obtain your California license. Unlike most competitors, we don’t have confusing packages. We include our exam prep course free, plus the 2-hour state laws course free, so you have everything in one package designed to get your license through either entity!
- 20-Hour Approved Course #16623
- 2-Hour CA-DFPI SAFE: California Laws Course #17177
- BONUS Exam Prep Course Included FREE ($149 value)
- NMLS Hours Reporting Included Free ($30 value)
- Online Prerecorded Instructor Led Videos
- E-textbook Included (Downloadable PDF)
- Unlimited Phone & Email Support
- Bonus Marketing Videos Included FREE ($236 value)
If you already have an MLO license in another state and want to get a California License too, you can enroll in our 2-Hour CA-DFPI SAFE: California Laws Course #17177 for $49 by calling student support at (888) 405-4453.
Get Your California MLO License through the DRE or DFPI
There are two options for obtaining your mortgage loan originator license in California. Both options require 20-hours of NMLS approved education.
California DRE-Licensing (works for currently licensed real estate salespersons in CA)
If you are already licensed as a Real Estate Salesperson or Broker in California, you just need to complete our 20-hour course, pass the SAFE MLO Exam and apply to get your MLO license through the California Department of Real Estate. Our NMLS Approved 2-hour California DFPI course will be available to you if you ever need it in the future or you are welcome to select another state law course that we offer!
California DFPI-Licensing (most new loan officers in CA)
If you do not have a real estate license, you will need to complete our 20-hour course, complete our 2-hour course on California mortgage laws, pass the SAFE MLO Exam and apply to get your MLO license through the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). This is the path most new mortgage loan originators take to get their license in California.
Why so inexpensive compared to other mortgage schools?
Since we only offer online courses, we can keep our costs low and our price affordable unlike most of our competitors. Therefore, we get to train more students than the other schools, which is a win for us. By keeping our costs lower, we help you get started in a great career as an MLO without having to take out a loan for your training, so everybody wins.
Best Training – Best Service – Best Value
This NMLS Approved course is the first step to earning your license. Our Senior Instructor has 20+ years of mortgage training experience. Once you complete the training, we will report your hours to the NMLS free of charge.
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A message from our Mortgage Loan Originator Education Instructor Rich Leffler about the training program
Working as a mortgage loan originator in California offers exceptional earning potential due to the state’s high property values and large loan amounts, particularly in major metropolitan areas. The state’s diverse housing market and large population provide a constant stream of borrower opportunities, from first-time homebuyers to luxury property investors. California MLOs also benefit from a robust real estate ecosystem, including strong professional networks and advanced technology platforms. Additionally, the state’s dynamic market conditions and complex lending scenarios help MLOs develop advanced expertise, making them highly sought-after professionals in the mortgage industry. Whether you want to become a mortgage broker in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, or Oakland our mortgage loan originator course will get you the education you need to get your license.
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Frequently asked Questions about 24hourEDU and How to Get your Mortgage License in California
Why does 24hourEDU include the Exam Prep Course along with the 20-hour mortgage broker course?
Our instructor knows that the NMLS required 20-hours of studying is typically not enough to pass the SAFE MLO Exam alone. To ensure students have an opportunity to continue to study, we provide everyone with a 600 page e-book, 500 exam prep questions, and a 30-page study guide specific to the test. We want every student to have the material needed to pass their exam. It is included, because you will need it to study.
What is a mortgage loan originator (MLO)?
A mortgage loan originator (MLO) is a professional who helps borrowers apply for and obtain mortgage loans. They assess borrowers’ financial situations, recommend appropriate loan products, and guide clients through the mortgage application process. Many people refer to the individual MLO as a mortgage loan officer or mortgage broker.
Do I need a license to become a mortgage loan originator in California?
Yes, you need a license to become a mortgage loan originator in the California. This requirement was established by the SAFE Act of 2008 to ensure that MLOs meet minimum standards for education, testing, and background checks. 24hourEDU has all of the education you need to get your MLO license in CA.
What is the difference between the two types of MLO licenses in California DRE vs DFPI?
In California, mortgage professionals need a license to originate loans. While the Department of Real Estate (DRE) used to handle all mortgage licensing, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) now manages the primary MLO license. The DFPI license is more comprehensive, covering a broader range of lending regulations and ensuring mortgage loan originators meet current state and federal standards. An MLO with an ACTIVE DRE MLO license endorsement does not need a DFPI MLO license to work for a CRMLA or CFL company. All MLOs employed by finance lenders/brokers under the California Finance Law (CFL) or residential mortgage lenders/servicers under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act (CRMLA) must be licensed.
In a nutshell, if you are not currently a licensed real estate agent or broker in California, you will need to obtain your license through the California DFPI – Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. You can take our 20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online Mortgage Loan Originator Course, and you will need an additional 2-hour state law course which we include for all students who complete our 20-hour course free of charge!
Does the California Association of Mortgage Professionals (CAMP) recognize 24hourEDU as an approved training provider for new mortgage loan officers in CA?
Many mortgage loan officers in California are members of CAMP, because it is the most recognized Association for Mortgage Professionals in California. 24hourEDU is an Affiliate Member of CAMP and recognized as an approved training provider for the state of California through the NMLS.
- 20-Hour Approved Course #16623
- 2-Hour CA-DFPI SAFE: California Laws Course #17177
- NMLS Provider ID# 1405107
How much does a mortgage loan originator make on average in the United States?
According to a study performed by GLASSDOOR on June 6th, 2024, the average salary for a mortgage loan originator is around $177,000 per year with the top MLO’s making over $240,000 per year.
What does mortgage license training involve?
Mortgage license training involves completing the 20-hour pre-licensure education course, passing a national exam, and meeting state-specific requirements. The training covers topics such as federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, loan origination, and consumer protection.
How long does mortgage license training typically take?
The duration of mortgage license training can vary, but most aspiring MLOs can complete the required pre-licensure education in 20-30 hours. This includes additional time for exam preparation. 24hourEDU includes a complete exam prep course for the SAFE MLO National Exam free of charge with our 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course.
- 3 hours of ethics
- 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
- 12 hours of electives – Our online MLO course dedicates all of these hours to preparing you for the SAFE MLO test for mortgage loan originator licensing.
What are the educational requirements for mortgage license training?
The SAFE Act requires a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensure education, which includes 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending, plus 12 hours of general mortgage origination electives. Other states may require additional hours.
How much does 24hourEDU’s mortgage license training cost?
The 24hourEDU 20-hour course costs just $275 $189! The cost of mortgage pre-licensure education with other courses can range from $300 to $800 plus they have additional costs for exam prep courses and NMLS hour reporting fees. 24hourEDU does not nickel and dime you on this. We include exam prep and the NMLS hour reporting fees in our tuition. Some students also ask: Why is 24hourEDU so cheap? By keeping our tuition affordable, we get to train more MLO students than any other school, so that is a win for us. By having the best price, we also help students get their mortgage license without spending an arm and a leg on the training. Everybody wins.
Can I complete mortgage license training online?
Yes, the 24hourEDU NMLS-approved course offers online mortgage license training. This allows for flexible scheduling and online learning, making it convenient for those who are working or have other commitments. Per NMLS regulations, the 20-hour course must be completed in 14 days or less from the start date. All of the training and testing to pass your 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course will be done online in our learning management system.
Is there an exam I need to pass after completing mortgage license training?
Yes, after completing the pre-licensure education, you must pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test. Our training includes guidance to study for the national component and, for many states, a state-specific component. The exam tests your knowledge of mortgage lending practices and relevant laws.
What topics are covered in mortgage license training courses?
Mortgage license training courses typically cover federal and state mortgage laws, ethics, loan origination processes, financial calculations, credit analysis, types of mortgage products, and fair lending practices. 24hourEDU has specifically designed our course to prepare you for the SAFE MLO National Exam.
How often do I need to renew my mortgage loan originator license?
MLO licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal process involves completing state continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee. The NMLS Annual Renewal Period begins Nov. 1 each year. The renewal deadline each year is December 31st.
What is the NMLS, and how does it relate to mortgage license training?
The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) is the system of record for MLO licensing and registration. It manages the pre-licensure education, testing, and continuing education requirements for MLOs across the United States. You will learn all about the NMLS while completing our 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course.
Can I work as an MLO while completing my mortgage license training?
You cannot work as an MLO while completing your training. You must first complete the pre-licensure education, pass the SAFE MLO test, and obtain your license before you can legally originate mortgage loans.
Are there different mortgage license training requirements for each state?
While the SAFE Act establishes minimum national standards that cover this state, other states have additional requirements for MLO licensing. These may include a few more hours of state-specific pre-licensure education, or a different process for background check requirements.
What career opportunities are available after completing mortgage license training?
After completing mortgage license training and obtaining your license, you can work as an MLO in various settings, including banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, or as an independent broker. With experience, you might advance to roles such as team leader, branch manager, or even open your own mortgage brokerage.
Is 24hourEDU legit? Can I get my mortgage license hours by taking an online course?
Yes, the 20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: Online (OIL) – Mortgage Loan Originator Course by 24hourEDU is 100% approved by the NMLS so you can get the core hours required to apply for a mortgage loan origination license. 24hourEDU is an approved NMLS Course Provider listed in the NMLS list of approved online mortgage education providers under ID: 1405107.
