If you’re a mortgage loan originator (MLO), it’s that time again. Time to tackle your annual NMLS continuing education. Staying on top of your mortgage CE isn’t just a bureaucratic box to tick. It’s what keeps you licensed and up-to-date on industry practices. The good news is that fulfilling your 2025 NMLS CE requirements can be straightforward (and even interesting!) with the right approach.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what the NMLS continuing education requirements are for 2025, how to meet them, and how to make the process as painless as possible. We’ll also touch on a few state-specific nuances and highlight an example of an engaging mortgage CE course option that MLOs are loving this year. Let’s dive in!
Breaking Down the 2025 NMLS CE Requirements (The 8-Hour SAFE Course)
Every state-licensed MLO is required to complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education each year to renew their license. This is often referred to as the “8-hour SAFE Comprehensive” course. What does it include? In 2025, the NMLS continuing education requirements are the same tried-and-true topics as mandated by the SAFE Act. Here’s the breakdown of the 8-hour NMLS continuing education curriculum:
- 3 hours of Federal Law and Regulations. Key updates and refreshers on federal mortgage laws (TILA, FCRA, ECOA, RESPA, etc.).
- 2 hours of Ethics. Instruction on ethics, covering topics like fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending.
- 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending. Training on non-traditional mortgage products and lending standards. The mortgage world is more than 30-year fixed loans, so these two hours cover things like adjustable-rate mortgages, HELOCs, and other products outside the norm.
- 1 hour of Elective. One hour on a topic of your choice (from NMLS-approved options). This could be a general elective or something state-specific if your state requires it. It’s a chance to explore a relevant subject of interest or a state-required topic.
Total = 8 hours of CE mortgage education. All of these NMLS CE courses must be completed through an NMLS-approved provider. The nice part is that most providers bundle the 3+2+2+1 hours into one comprehensive mortgage CE class, so you can knock it out in a single go (usually called an “8-hour SAFE Comprehensive” course). Just make sure whatever NMLS CE classes you choose add up to the full 8 hours (or more, depending on the state requirements) and cover each of the categories above, which any course labeled “Comprehensive” should do.
State-Specific CE... What About California, Florida, and Others?
In addition to the national 8-hour continuing education NMLS curriculum, you’ll want to be aware of any state-specific CE requirements for the states you’re licensed in. The majority of states accept the standard 8-hour SAFE course with no extras.
California
California has two mortgage regulators, the DRE and the DFPI, so be sure your NMLS CE classes are approved for the correct California agency. Most providers will specify CA-DRE or CA-DFPI as needed.
- NMLS continuing education in California is essentially the same core 8-hour requirement as the national rule for DRE licensees. If you're licensed under the DRE, you just need to make sure they take an NMLS-approved course; there isn’t an additional California-only CE component beyond the 8 hours.
- If you’re licensed under the DFPI, your 8 hours must include 1 hour of California-DFPI state law from an NMLS-approved provider (look for courses labeled “CA-DFPI”). There isn’t an extra “ninth hour." That state law hour is part of the 8.
Florida
Florida, on the other hand, provides a good example of a state with a specific twist. NMLS continuing education in Florida requires that one of the 8 hours be focused on Florida state law. In practice, this means Florida MLOs must take a 7-hour national SAFE course plus a 1-hour Florida-specific elective (covering Florida mortgage regulations) to fulfill their 8-hour total. Don’t worry, many course providers offer a combined 8-hour package for Florida that includes the required 1-hour Florida law module. If you’re searching for NMLS continuing education courses in Florida, look for packages labeled “8-hour SAFE Comprehensive for Florida” or a separate 1-hour FL course in addition to your 7-hour core.
Other States
Other states have their own details, too. A few states even mandate extra hours beyond the base 8. For instance, MLOs in New Jersey need 12 hours of CE (they tack on additional state-law electives), and New York requires 11 hours. Meanwhile, states like Colorado or Texas keep it simple at just the standard 8 hours. The key takeaway is to always check your state’s continuing education mortgage requirements. But if you’re an MLO in most states (or doing continuing education in NMLS for multiple state licenses), the core game plan is still the 8-hour SAFE course, just with a possible add-on for certain states. A quick check with your provider’s state CE requirements page will tell you if you need any extra mortgage continuing education classes for your particular state.
Deadlines, Renewal, and “Late CE” (Don’t Procrastinate!)
Now let’s talk timing. The universal deadline to complete your NMLS continuing education is December 31 each year. In other words, you must finish all required mortgage license continuing education by 12/31/2025 to renew your license for 2026. However, waiting until the very last minute is not wise, and here’s why. Your course provider needs to report your completed CE hours to NMLS, which can take a few days. Additionally, you can’t submit your license renewal application until the CE is banked in the system.
Smart Deadline
NMLS actually sets recommended early finish dates. For example, finishing by early or mid-December is considered the “smart” deadline to make sure everything posts in time. Many states open their renewal period on November 1 and allow submissions through December. If you cram your NMLS continuing education classes on December 30th, there’s a good chance your credits won’t bank before year-end, meaning you’ll miss the renewal deadline even though you technically did the work.
Late CE
What if you do miss the deadline? This is where Late CE NMLS comes into play. There is an annual grace period (often January 1 – February 28) where you can complete your continuing education late and reinstate your license, but you must take specific NMLS late CE courses. Late CE courses are usually the same 8-hour content (adjusted for the prior year’s curriculum) but are labeled “Late CE."
They’re intended for those who failed to complete on time. For example, a loan officer who doesn’t do their 2025 CE by year-end will, in early 2026, need to take a special late CE NMLS class that fulfills the 2025 requirement before they can renew. It’s an extra hassle and sometimes costs more, so it’s far better to knock out the regular CE by the deadline. So, do your continuing education for mortgage loan officers on time, and you won’t have to worry about the headache of late renewal.
First Year 2025? No CE
One more thing on timing... if you obtained your MLO license for the first time this year (2025), you might be off the hook for CE in 2025. MLOs who complete their pre-licensing education and get licensed in the same calendar year are generally not required to do CE for that year. Essentially, your 20-hour pre-licensure course counted as your education for this year, and your CE starts the next year. So, brand-new MLOs who just got licensed, congrats, you likely get to skip directly to renewing for 2026 without taking CE in 2025. Just double-check the rule for your state. For everyone else, the annual CE is a must.
Successive Years Rule
Also, remember the “successive years” rule. NMLS regulations say you can’t take the exact same CE course two years in a row. Education providers change their courses every year (often with new titles or themes) to comply with this rule. Just something to be aware of. You can’t recycle last year’s online class and call it a day. You’ll need a 2025-specific course offering for this year’s credits. Luckily, all approved providers will clearly label their courses with the year and NMLS course ID, so just pick something new from 2025’s catalog and you’re set.
Choosing the Right Mortgage CE Classes (Make It Engaging!)
Eight hours of continuing ed might sound like a slog, but it doesn’t have to be. The beauty of today’s mortgage CE courses is that many are available in convenient formats to suit your learning style and schedule. You can take NMLS classes online at your own pace, doing an hour here, an hour there, or even complete a live webinar or an old-school classroom session if you prefer a structured day of learning. Most busy loan officers opt for online self-paced MLO classes because you can start and stop on your schedule and knock out the modules from home or the office. All you need is a computer (or even a tablet) and an internet connection. The courses typically have built-in quizzes and reviews to keep you engaged and help you absorb the material (so you’re not just mindlessly scrolling through text). Mortgage continuing education courses have come a long way in terms of being user-friendly and relevant.
Empire Learning's AI Elective Course
Since you have to cover certain topics no matter what, why not pick a course that puts a fresh spin on things? This year, we’re seeing some innovative electives and content in the CE world. A prime example is our (Empire Learning’s) 2025 NMLS CE offering, which includes an elective focused on artificial intelligence in the mortgage industry. (Yes, AI, in a CE course!)
Our 8-hour SAFE Comprehensive course is actually called “Balancing AI and the Human Element.” It covers all the required core topics like the 3 hours of federal law, 2 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, and then delivers a unique 1-hour elective on the latest developments in AI as it relates to mortgage lending. This means while you’re meeting your renewal needs, you’re also learning about cutting-edge trends like how AI could help with loan processing or customer service, and where a human touch is still essential. For many MLOs, our hope is that’s a lot more engaging than a generic elective.
100% FREE 1-Hour Elective Course (To Try Out Our System)
Even if you’re not "tech savvy", having some insight into AI in lending is super relevant as the industry evolves. And Empire Learning made it easy to try it out. We offer that 1-hour AI module as a free, for-CE-credit class so you can literally test drive their course platform without paying upfront. You can take the AI elective as a standalone NMLS online class for free, get 1 hour of elective credit on NMLS (yes, it counts!), and see if you like our style.
If you do, you can then enroll in the full 8-hour package (which includes that AI hour you’ve already done, plus the remaining 7 hours of core content). It’s a pretty neat “try before you buy” approach. Even if you choose a different provider, it’s worth looking for features like interesting elective topics or sample lessons. The bottom line is continuing education MLO courses don’t need to bore you to tears.
Here is another link to the free course offering (no CC info required!)
Stay Current and Don’t Stress It
Completing your mortgage loan originator continuing education for 2025 is absolutely doable with a bit of planning. Remember, it’s just 8 hours out of the whole year, and it’s all online and accessible. Knock out your NMLS CE classes early (preferably before Thanksgiving), and you’ll be coasting through the holidays without that renewal panic in the back of your mind. Understanding the CE requirements and choosing quality NMLS continuing education courses that interest you means you’ll not only satisfy the NMLS requirement, but you’ll likely pick up useful knowledge along the way.
So schedule that time, pour your favorite coffee, and get it done. Whether you’re reviewing federal lending laws, refreshing your ethics compass, exploring non-traditional loan options, or diving into a new topic like AI in mortgage lending, you’re investing in your professional development.
Staying compliant with continuing education NMLS rules keeps your license safe and your skills sharp. With convenient mortgage CE classes online and even free trial options available, fulfilling these requirements has never been more straightforward.
Good luck, and here’s to another year of being a well-informed, fully licensed MLO!
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – SAFE Act CE Requirements (12 CFR §1008.107) – Details the federal mandate of 8 hours CE for state-licensed MLOs, including 3 hrs federal law, 2 hrs ethics, 2 hrs non-traditional lending, and the successive years rule.
- Empire Learning – 8-Hr SAFE Comprehensive: Balancing AI and the Human Element (2025) – Information on the 8-hour SAFE Comprehensive course featuring a 1-hour AI in mortgage lending elective, and the availability of the 1-hour AI module as a free trial class. Need help with your requirements first? Empire Learning's State Selector Tool link here.