Continuing education for mortgage loan officers doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble or a dull chore. With a bit of planning and the right approach, you can complete your 2025 NMLS CE smoothly, maybe even picking up some useful knowledge along the way. As an MLO, you’re juggling clients, deals, and market changes, so the thought of fitting in 8 hours of classes might feel daunting. Fear not! This stress-free article will walk you through exactly what you need (spoiler... it’s an 8-hour NMLS continuing education requirement again), how to tackle it efficiently, and tips to get the most out of your mortgage continuing education classes.
We’ll cover everything from understanding the components of the CE to clever scheduling tricks, and even how to try out part of a course for free. For MLOs of all experience levels, these pointers will help make sure your MLO continuing education is done on time and with minimum fuss so you can focus on what you do best... closing loans and helping clients.
1. Know Your Requirements (The 8-Hour Rule and Topic Breakdown)
The first step to breezing through CE is knowing exactly what you’re up against. For 2025, every state-licensed MLO needs to complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education. This is mandated by the SAFE Act, and it breaks down into specific topic requirements. Here’s the quick rundown of what any NMLS CE class must include to count for your renewal:
- 3 hours of Federal Mortgage Law covering major federal regulations and any new updates.
- 2 hours of Ethics focusing on ethical practices, consumer protection, and fraud prevention.
- 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending education on non-traditional loan products and lending standards.
- 1 hour of Elective topic (or your state’s topic, in some cases).
3-2-2-1 Formula
That’s the magic 3-2-2-1 formula making up the 8 hours of NMLS continuing education requirements. If you enroll in an “8-hour SAFE Comprehensive” course from any approved provider, it will include all these components by design. Your job is simply to complete the course. No need to hunt down separate modules unless you have a state-specific requirement (more on that shortly).
State-Specific Requirements
One important note... If you’re licensed in certain states, you may have to do a tad more or a specific elective. For example, MLOs in some states, like Florida, must include a 1-hour Florida-specific law elective as part of the 8 hours. (So your elective hour is predetermined to be Florida law.)
Most providers will ask you to select your state when enrolling and will guide you accordingly. And if you hold multiple state licenses, you’ll need to satisfy each state’s CE in one go – usually by adding on the additional state-specific hours to your 8-hour national course.
Standardized
Continuing education for mortgage loan officers is largely standardized. You need 8 hours total, covering the topics above. Know that going in. It’s not an endless list of things... it’s four main categories. This clarity alone can reduce stress, because you can mentally map out your study.
“Alright, a few hours on laws, a couple on ethics, a couple on loan products, and one on an elective. Got it.” No surprises in the syllabus.
2. Pick a Convenient Format (Online Courses Are Your Friend)
Next, decide how you want to take your mortgage CE classes. In today’s world, the vast majority of MLOs opt for online continuing education courses. And for good reason. They’re flexible, available 24/7, and you can do them from anywhere.
- Are you more of a night owl? You can chip away at your NMLS classes online after dinner.
- Prefer early mornings with coffee? That works too.
Online self-paced courses let you start and stop at your convenience, which is a huge plus when you’re fitting CE into a busy schedule.
Classrooms
If you thrive in a classroom environment or want real-time interaction, there are live webinars and even in-person classes in some areas. A webinar might compress the whole 8 hours into one (long) session or two shorter sessions with a live instructor, which can be nice if you like a structured timeframe and the ability to ask questions.
In-person classes for NMLS CE are less common nowadays but still exist in certain regions or through certain companies. These could be a one-day seminar where you knock out everything in a room with fellow MLOs. However, keep in mind that travel and fixed schedules can add stress, which is what we’re trying to avoid.
Stree-Free Experience
For a stress-free experience, NMLS online classes are typically the way to go. Providers have made their online platforms pretty user-friendly. You log into an account, your course is laid out in sections or modules, and you progress through them, with the system tracking your time and completion.
There will be quizzes (don’t fear them... they’re usually straightforward if you read the material) and a final exam at the end. By regulation, you need to score at least 70% on the final, but you can usually retake it if needed (most courses allow multiple attempts). This is not meant to be punitive or super challenging. It’s just to make sure you paid attention enough to grasp the core info.
Bookmark or Automatic Save
Check if the course has a “bookmark” feature or automatic save. Virtually all do, meaning if you close your browser, it will remember where you left off when you return. This allows you to split the 8 hours over multiple sessions.
For instance, do an hour each day for 8 days, or 2 hours each week for four weeks... whatever rhythm suits you. Spacing it out can make it far less draining than trying to do all 8 hours in one marathon (though some folks prefer the marathon to “just get it done.” Know thyself!).
Device of Choice
Also, verify the course works on your device of choice. Many platforms support tablets or even mobile phones, like knocking out your MLO continuing education on your iPad from a comfy chair, or reviewing a chapter on your phone during lunch break. While we personally wouldn’t do the whole course on a phone (tiny text, no thanks), some platforms adapt well to mobile so you can utilize downtime effectively.
3. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute (Set a Personal Deadline)
Procrastination is the enemy of peace of mind. We’ve all been guilty of it at some point. But renewing your mortgage license is not the thing you want to gamble with. Mark some dates on your calendar now. The absolute NMLS continuing education deadline is December 31, 2025, but I strongly recommend setting your own deadline much earlier, say December 1, 2025 (or even November). Why? Two reasons...
1) Buffer for Reporting
After you finish your 8-hour course, the education provider needs to report (aka “credit bank”) your hours to the NMLS. This can take a few business days. NMLS recommends finishing by mid-December at the latest so that the credits post in time for renewal.
If you finish on 12/31, you technically met the requirement, but your state might not let you submit renewal if the system hasn’t logged your CE. Basically, you risk an administrative delay causing your license to lapse on Jan 1... not worth it! So give yourself at least a couple of weeks' cushion.
2) Unplanned Life Events
December can be hectic. Holidays, year-end closings, family time, you name it. If you aim for early December and something goes haywire (say you get a big pipeline of loans keeping you busy, or you catch a winter cold), you still have wiggle room. If you aim for December 31 and any little thing goes wrong, there’s no wiggle room.
Knock Out in Fall
A strategy that works well is to actually knock out CE in the fall. Many MLOs treat October or November as “CE month.” The rush of summer home-buying is over, and it’s before the holiday rush, which is a perfect window to invest a few hours in CE.
Plus, some providers run early-bird promotions or discounts earlier in the year to incentivize non-procrastinators, so you might save on course fees by doing it sooner. Less stress and maybe a discount? That’s a win-win.
Late CE
Remember, if you do somehow miss the end-of-year deadline, there’s the concept of Late CE (as discussed in earlier sections). But doing late CE means you can’t originate loans until everything is done and your license is renewed, and it often involves taking a special late class in January.
It’s like having homework over the holidays and starting the new year on the back foot. Let’s avoid that scenario entirely by planning ahead. Stick a Post-it on your monitor that says “Complete NMLS CE by ____” (fill in your date). Treat it like a hard appointment with yourself.
4. Break It Into Manageable Chunks (and Take Breaks)
Eight hours sounds long, but you don’t have to do it all at once. One of the best ways to stay sane is to break the coursework into manageable chunks that suit your concentration span.
For example, commit to doing one module or one hour at a time. After that hour, give yourself a short break... stretch, grab a snack, respond to emails... then return for another hour if you feel up for it.
Smaller Doses
Many find the material easier to absorb in smaller doses. Also, by spreading it out, you’ll retain more information (which, who knows, could actually help you in your day-to-day job – the goal is to learn something, not just click through).
Some courses have natural breakpoints, like chapters or units that last ~30 minutes each. Take advantage of those stopping points to avoid burnout.
Motivation by Reward System
If motivation is an issue, set up a reward system.
- “When I finish the 3-hour federal law section, I’ll treat myself to a nice lunch,” or
- “Complete two hours of CE tonight, then watch my favorite show.”
It sounds silly, but a little carrot dangling can push you to start, which is usually the hardest part.
Pair Up
Another trick is to pair up with a colleague. If you have a fellow MLO friend, agree to both get your CE done by a certain date and hold each other accountable. You could even meet up for coffee and do some of the online course together (like a mini study group). Sometimes just having someone else doing it at the same time keeps you focused.
Minimize Distractions
Also, minimize distractions when you sit down for CE time. Let family or coworkers know you’re “in class” so you’re not disturbed, and silence your phone notifications if possible.
An hour of focused study can be more productive (and faster) than three hours of start-stop multitasking. The quicker you knock out each segment with full attention, the sooner you’re done and free.
5. Make It Interesting... Choose an Engaging Course (Yes, They Exist!)
Not all mortgage CE courses are created equal. As we’ve touched on, some providers do a fantastic job of making content engaging. This can significantly reduce the pain factor. If you’re not locked into a specific company’s training, shop around for a course that suits your style. Some key things to look for or ask...
Up-to-date Content?
Does the course advertise 2025 updates or new topics? A course that incorporates recent industry news or trends will naturally be more interesting than one with stale examples.
Interactive Elements?
Are there videos, scenarios, or even games? Some courses include brief videos summarizing sections, which can be a nice break from reading. Others present knowledge checks in a fun format.
Clear and Friendly Writing?
Preview a sample if you can. You want a course written in plain language, not legalese or jargon soup. A conversational tone can make reading 8 hours of material much more pleasant.
Reviews or Recommendations?
See if you can find reviews from other MLOs. If people are saying “Wow, that was actually not bad for CE” about a particular provider, that’s a good sign. Personal recommendations in forums or professional groups can point you to a reliable, engaging course.
Empire Learning's AI Elective Course (Completely Free!)
Empire Learning is offering an 8-hour course called “Balancing AI and the Human Element” in 2025, and it includes a unique elective about AI in mortgage lending.
Also, they let you take that 1-hour elective portion as a free trial class. This is a golden opportunity to gauge if their style clicks with you. You could sign up for the free 1-hour AI module (it’s an actual NMLS-approved elective, so if you complete it, that’s 1 hour of credit done). Doing so serves two purposes:
- You get to see how the course is laid out and if it’s enjoyable
- You’ve already knocked out the elective requirement
If you like it, you can then purchase the remaining 7 hours of core content from them and seamlessly continue. If you don’t like it, you at least got a free hour done and can try another provider for the rest, meaning no loss except a bit of time. It’s basically a no-risk test drive of a mortgage CE class.
Engaging Courses Make Time Go By Faster
No matter which course you go with, an engaging course will make the time go by faster. Some folks even find they learn something new (imagine that!). Perhaps an ethics case study gives you insight into pitfalls, or the federal law module updates you on a rule you missed while busy closing loans.
In the long run, paying attention can save you from mistakes and keep you sharp. A good course will facilitate that by keeping you interested.
6. Follow Through (Save Proof and Complete Renewal Steps)
This tip comes from the “less stress later” department. Once you finish your 8 hours of CE, the system will usually give you a completion certificate or confirmation. Save that PDF or email in a safe spot.
99% of the time, your credits will be banked with NMLS without a hitch, and you won’t actually need the certificate for anything (Empire Learning will report your credits within one business day). But if any discrepancy arises, you have proof you did your part. Also, double-check on NMLS (log in to your NMLS account) a few days after completion to make sure your CE credits show up in your record. Seeing those 8 hours listed as completed is a relief and will indicate you’re clear to submit renewal.
Actually Renew
Don’t forget to actually renew your license through NMLS once CE is done. Completing CE itself isn’t the end of the process. You have to:
- Log in
- Review your MU4 (license) filing
- Pay the renewal fee
- Submit for renewal
We mention this because occasionally an MLO will do the CE and think “I’m good!” and then realize in January that they never hit the renewal button in NMLS. Mark that final step on your checklist.
Many states open renewal on November 1, so as soon as you’ve done your CE (or even before, since you can submit renewal pending CE), go ahead and take care of the renewal application. Doing it early means if there’s any issue (like a credit report that needs attesting, or a missing detail), you have time to resolve it.
Nothing’s more stressful for an MLO (and their employer) than an “inactive license” surprise on January 1. Fortunately, if you do the above steps... finish CE early, check it’s banked, submit renewal... you’ll glide into the new year with your license renewed and no interruption to your workflow.
7. Leverage CE as a Career Booster (Optional, But Highly Recommended)
This last tip is more of a mindset shift. We often view CE as a necessary evil. But what if you approached it as an opportunity? Use those 8 hours not only to meet the requirement but also to bolster your knowledge and skills. For instance...
Federal Law
Pay attention to regulatory updates in the federal law module. These could directly impact how you originate loans or what advice you give clients. Being the MLO who’s up-to-date on the latest rules is a competitive advantage.
Ethics
Take the ethics training to heart. Use it to refine your own practices. Maybe you’ll get ideas on how to improve your borrower communications or internal processes to be more above board. Market yourself as not just an experienced lender, but an ethical one who puts clients first (clients do care about this!).
Non-Traditional Lending
Absorb the non-traditional lending info. With rates and guidelines always changing, knowing a wide array of loan products can help you serve more customers. Perhaps the course mentions a niche program you haven’t done before. That could be a new line of business for you in the future.
Elective
For the elective, if it’s something like the AI topic (or whatever elective you end up with), think about how it relates to your day-to-day.
- Can an AI tool make you more efficient?
- Are there tech trends you should prepare for?
- Or if your elective was something like “Social Media marketing for MLOs” (just an example), maybe apply one or two tips to expand your reach.
Learner's Mindset
When you approach CE with a learner’s mindset rather than a “let’s just get this over with” mindset, you transform it from a chore into a professional development session.
You’re essentially getting training that others in different industries might pay for out of pocket. We’re lucky that for us, it’s required. It forces us to stay current. So take advantage of that! In an industry as dynamic as mortgage lending, knowledge truly is power.
Alright, stepping off the soapbox now. Even if you ignore this last bit and just do the bare minimum to complete the CE, following tips 1 through 6 will make sure you do it with minimal stress.
Wrap Up
Understanding what’s required and approaching your NMLS continuing education with a plan can save you a ton of stress and set you up for success. To recap....
- Know the 8-hour breakdown
- Choose an online course that fits your style, start early (seriously, early!)
- Chunk it out into manageable sessions
- Pick a course that won’t bore you to death (remember that free 1-hour AI elective from Empire Learning... give it a try!)
- Finish up with time to spare, so renewal is a breeze
Do all that, and you’ll be the MLO sipping eggnog in mid-December, saying, “my CE is done and dusted,” while others are frantically clicking through slides on New Year’s Eve.
Continuing education doesn’t have to be painful. In fact, the best NMLS CE classes can even be interesting and relevant to your career growth. So invest a little effort into making it a positive experience.
Once it’s completed and your license renewal is secured, you can roll into 2026 confident, knowledgeable, and fully renewed. That peace of mind is worth it. Good luck, and happy learning!