RE Guide
MA

Massachusetts MLO License

Mortgage Loan Originator requirements for Massachusetts

23 hrs
Pre-License Hours
$691
Total Fees
8-16 wks
Timeline
8 hrs
CE Annually

NMLS Required: All Massachusetts MLO applications must be submitted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

1

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 23 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. including 3 hours of Massachusetts-specific content. This exceeds the federal minimum of 20 hours.

Required Courses (23 hours total):

  • • 3 hours federal law and regulations
  • • 3 hours ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
  • • 2 hours nontraditional mortgage products
  • • 12 hours electives
  • • 3 hours Massachusetts-specific content

Massachusetts requires state-specific pre-licensing education.

2

SAFE MLO Exam

National Component

115 scored questions + 5 unscored (3 hours)

State Component

National component only - no state-specific test required

Passing Score

75% on national component

Exam Fee

$110

Retake Policy: 30-day wait after 1st/2nd failure; 180-day wait after 3rd failure

3

Background & Credit Check

Criminal Background

FBI criminal background check via fingerprinting

Credit Report

Required

Background Check Cost

$36

Credit Report Cost

$15

Credit report pulled by NMLS. Must demonstrate financial responsibility.

4

Company Sponsorship

Must be sponsored by employer who is the MLO's employer

License remains in pending status until employer sponsorship is verified through NMLS.

Fee Breakdown

NMLS Processing Fee $30
State License Fee $500
Examination Fee $110
Background Check $36
Credit Report $15
Total Fees $691

Massachusetts has higher fees than most states. Does not include pre-licensing education costs ($300-$500 due to state-specific requirement).

Annual Renewal

Renewal Period

November 1 - December 31 annually

Renewal Fee

$500

CE Required

8 hours annually

Online Renewal

Yes (via NMLS)

8 hours annually: 3 hrs federal law, 2 hrs ethics, 2 hrs nontraditional lending, 1 hr elective. Must be NMLS-approved.

Massachusetts Division of Banks

Apply via NMLS

All MLO applications are submitted through the NMLS portal.

Go to NMLS

Helpful Tools

Last verified: 2026-01-12

View official source