START YOUR MORTGAGE CAREER IN ILLINOIS
About In-Person Classroom
Choose Your Package
20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: MLO Pre-Licensure Course Packages
- Three hours on federal mortgage-related laws
- Three hours on ethics
- Two hours on non-traditional mortgage products
- 12 hours of electives
About Online Self-Paced
Choose Your Package
20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: MLO Pre-Licensure Course Packages
- Three hours on federal mortgage-related laws
- Three hours on ethics
- Two hours on non-traditional mortgage products
- 12 hours of electives
20 Hour SAFE Comprehensive: MLO Pre-Licensure Course Packages
- Three hours on federal mortgage-related laws
- Three hours on ethics
- Two hours on non-traditional mortgage products
- 12 hours of electives
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Loan Originator
Follow these 4 simple steps to start your mortgage career in Illinois
Complete Required Education
Finish Pre-Licensing Course
Finish all state-mandated pre-licensing coursework.
Submit Application
Apply to State Agency
Apply for your license through the state regulatory agency.
Pass State Exam
Complete Licensing Exam
Schedule and pass the state licensing examination.
Get Licensed
Start Your Career
Receive your official state license and start your career!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our mortgage courses
How many hours of pre-licensing education do I need to become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Illinois?
Illinois requires the NMLS-approved the 20-hour National SAFE Comprehensive course, for a total of 20 hours, before you can sit for the SAFE MLO test and apply for your license through the NMLS.
Is this course approved for Illinois's NMLS licensing requirement?
Yes. Our 20-hour SAFE course is NMLS-approved and satisfies Illinois's pre-licensing education requirement for Mortgage Loan Originators.
How is the course delivered?
The course is available online, so you can complete your pre-licensing hours on your own schedule from any device.
What happens after I finish the course?
Once you complete your 20 hours, you'll need to pass the NMLS SAFE MLO test and submit your license application (with any required background check and credit report) through the NMLS system to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in Illinois.
Do I need to renew my license once I'm licensed?
Yes — Illinois MLOs must complete NMLS-approved continuing education annually to renew their license.