According to the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS, who facilitates a centralized licensing process for mortgage industry and regulatory agencies) it is important to have NMLS approved education prior to acquiring a license. This is an integral part of the licensing process as the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Lending Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) requires NMLS education service providers to fulfill certain requirements prior to licensing.



Please note that the NMLS system is currently used for 33 out of 50 states and may not be the system for your state. Every state has their own guidelines and requirements, so make sure to check into these prior to signing up for a mortgage education class.

Your first step is to licensing is to find mortgage education approved courses available from accredited course providers. If you do a web search for NMLS education approved courses, you will find that course providers give thorough, quality training via pertinent information, have highly skilled instruction, and has integrity and student satisfaction.

Once you have found the right course and education, your next step is to look into options for mortgage exam prep courses. An excellent mortgage exam prep course is defined by the quality of its content and by their keeping abreast of any changing industry regulations and any required additions to the exam you will be taking. The provider will have expertise on the subject material and will know exactly what criteria are needed to pass the mortgage exam.

Some other things to look for in a mortgage exam prep course are:

•The ability to go at your own pace. Not all of us can learn quickly so it helps to have the ability to review information and questions that will be asked by the exam. The course may also give you similarly worded questions examples so that you will have insight into how to answer these questions on the real exam. All questions should be categorized just like the exam will be in order to help you prepare.

•A complete glossary of terms used. This is important as terms and definitions are key factors to passing the licensing exam. If you study the terms and definitions, you will find that it will be easier to answer any exam questions quickly and correctly.

•Practice exams are offered. As they say, “practice makes perfect”. While some may argue that with prep courses all that you are doing is memorizing what to expect on the exam, repetition is key for anyone's learning process. Practice exams will give you the feel of the actual exam so that you know how it will be administered and what is to be expected. The mortgage exam prep course may also offer the option of taking a timed test just like the final exam so that you can simulate the experience.

As long as you have the right training and preparation, it can make mortgage exams easier.