The 5 best mortgage loan originator (MLO) license courses for 2025
Before you’re allowed to help people finance their dream homes, you must get the proper education to obtain your MLO license. Online mortgage schools have made it easier to complete your education requirements, you just have to decide the best option for you. It’s important to consider your own learning preferences. Do you prefer online, self-paced courses or in-person learning? Will you need extra exam prep tools, or are you confident tackling the material on your own?
To help you decide which school fits you best, we’ve scoured dozens of mortgage loan originator license courses and reviewed them based on pricing, features and learning style to deliver the best mortgage classes for you. Take a look to find the best fit and get started with your MLO career.
Mortgage Educators and Compliance: Best for variety in learning formats
Starting price: $305
Mortgage Educators and Compliance (MEC) have been one of the most recognized names in mortgage education since 2009. They offer a wide variety of prelicensing, continuing education and exam prep courses for aspiring and current mortgage loan officers. Their course content is designed to help you meet both federal and state licensing requirements while staying engaged with the course content. While they offer a basic package that gives you all the essentials you’ll need to pass your exam, they also offer advanced packages that include exam prep and future CE courses.
MEC is your one-stop shop in obtaining and maintaining your MLO license. Their platform is easy to navigate, with the added bonus of live webinar courses if you prefer a more hands on approach to learning. MEC is there with you every step of your career by providing lifetime access to your course content, resources and instructor support. If you’re looking for an educator who will be there with you from start to finish – MEC may be the right option for you.
Pros & Cons
- Online and live webinar course formats
- Prelicensing, continuing education and exam prep courses available
- Lifetime access to course content and support
- Easy-to-use online platform
- No in-person options available
- Exam prep and additional resources only available in higher priced packages
- Platform not as interactive as other providers
- No mobile app
Features
- Course formats: Self-paced online learning and live webinars
- Course access: Lifetime access to purchased courses
- Refund policy: Refunds available within 72 hours if less than 50% of the course is completed
- Guarantees: No formal pass guarantee
- Exam prep: Practice exams and test simulators included in premium packages
- Student support: Email and phone support, live chat during business hours
- Final exam: Must pass with a minimum score per state and NMLS guidelines
Pricing
MEC’s pricing is within the average range for mortgage loan officer educators. The bundled packages that include exam prep and CE are an overall better value than other individual course options offered by other providers.
- Mortgage License Education Only ($305): Online, self-paced 20-hour NMLS approved prelicensing course
- Ultimate Mortgage License Education ($575): Prelicensing plus exam prep, practice question bank, mobile study app and training videos
- Mortgage License Education Live ($325): Live webinar, 20-hour NMLS approved prelicensing course
- NMLS Continuing Education ($33): National and state specific CE courses; bundles available
The CE Shop: Best for self-paced learning with interactive elements
Starting price: $365
The CE Shop is a relatively new educator in online learning for mortgage loan education, but they have quickly become one of the best providers in the industry. Their modern platform is interactive and easy-to-use with knowledge checks and progress tracking to keep you focused every step of the way. Each package is designed to keep you engaged while also meeting both national and state requirements.
The CE Shop offers packages that include CE classes that can be used towards your next renewal period. Exam prep is also included in the upgraded packages to better prepare you for the SAFE MLO test. If you’re looking for an online option with interactive and engaging content, The CE Shop is definitely worth a look.
Pros & Cons
- Fully online, self-paced program
- Mobile friendly experience with no mobile app needed
- Premier packages include CE
- Exam prep available in upgraded packages
- Frequent promo codes available
- No live instruction available
- Limited course access
- Pass guarantee only available in upgraded packages
- Content is text heavy
Features
- Course formats: Online course format only; mobile friendly
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days of purchase if less than 50 percent complete
- Guarantees: Pass or don’t pay guarantee on select packages
- Exam prep: Exam Prep Edge is included with upgraded packages
- Student support: Available seven days a week by chat, phone or email
- Final exam: Must pass the course final to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam
Pricing
The CE Shop offers a quality education at an affordable price. Their frequent discounts and pass guarantee make them a top contender for students looking to get the most out of their mortgage licensing education.
- Course Only ($365): Online, self-paced 20-hour NMLS approved prelicensing course
- Standard ($475): Course only package plus exam prep
- Premium ($589): Standard package plus eight hours of CE for a future renewal and an eTextbook resource
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MLO Force: Best for a wide variety of continuing education
Starting price: $17.50
MLO Force strives to make continuing education fun and engaging for loan officers looking to make a difference in their clients lives. Each lesson is video based and hosted by industry veterans who have made an art out of mixing informative content with humor – making any CE class just a little less painful to get through.
MLO Force only focuses on CE course content, but it still has plenty of options for you to complete the federal and state requirements each year. If you’re tired of the same old CE courses, take a look at MLO Force this year. You won’t be disappointed.
Pros & Cons
- Digital, video based course content
- Ideal schedule for quick completion
- Engaging content
- Led by industry professionals
- Video content only
- No live instruction
- No mobile app; must have a stable internet connection
- No prelicensing or exam prep options
Features
- Course formats: On-demand videos with downloadable guides
- Course access: 90-day accessibility (extensions available)
- Refund policy: customers may be refunded for the entirety of their purchase for courses that have not been started, are only partially complete, or was purchased unintentionally
- Guarantees: No pass or don’t pay guarantee
- Exam prep: Not included in CE packages
- Student support: Email and online contact form only
- Final exam: No final exam necessary
Pricing
MLO Force offers unique CE class options for MLO’s looking for a break from traditional classroom learning. Their pricing falls on the higher side of the scale, but their format allows students to complete their CE quickly.
- A La Carte ($17.50): Choose from Federal and State CE options individually
- Federal CE (+1 Free State) ($99): Get all of your Federal CE plus one free state course
- All You Can Take ($149): Get access to all Federal and State CE courses available and take as many as you’d like for one price
OnCourse Learning: Best for live instruction course options
Starting price: $329
OnCourse Learning by Colibri brings you education to obtain and maintain your mortgage loan officer license. Backed by one of the real estate industries leading educational providers, OnCourse learning offers comprehensive NMLS approved prelicensing, continuing education and exam prep courses in all 50 states. They offer a blend of learning formats that include a mix of instructor-led video with online, self-paced modules for engaging yet flexible learning.
OnCourse Learning’s dashboard organizes national and state topics all in one place. Each module includes built-in checkpoint quizzes that align with the style and formatting of NMLS questions you’ll see on the actual exam. If you’re looking for a hybrid learning option from a reputable provider, be sure to check out OnCourse Learning.
Pros & Cons
- Online, instructor-led courses
- Wide variety of state electives and CE courses
- Upgraded course packages include pass guarantee and tutoring sessions
- Direct email for instructor support
- No live, in-person course options
- Upgrades required to access advanced tools
- Customer support times only available four days a week
- Limited access to course materials
Features
- Course formats: 100% online, self-paced courses with instructor support
- Course access: Six months from the date of purchase
- Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days if the course is less than 50% complete
- Guarantees: “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee included in Premium Plus package
- Exam prep: Prep xL Exam Prep included in upgraded packages
- Student support: Available via phone and email Monday to Thursday
- Final exam: Must pass the course final to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam
Pricing
OnCourse Learning by Colibri offers interactive, instructor-led learning at an affordable price. While their higher-tiered packages come with a heftier price tag, the benefits are well worth the upgrade.
- Standard ($329): Online, instructor-led 20-hour NMLS approved prelicensing course
- Premier ($429): Includes everything in the Standard package plus Prep xL Exam Prep
- Premier Plus ($599): Includes everything in Premier plus the Pass Guarantee, live instructor training, tutoring sessions and a $50 rebate upon course completion.
RealEstateU: Best for affordable, flexible learning options
Starting price: $199
RealEstateU built its reputation on being a budget-friendly option for real estate licensing, and its mortgage catalog follows suit. Courses are fully online and broken into short audio narrated chapters you can stream on any device. RealEstateU is perfect for busy professionals who need to squeeze study time into their free time.
While there aren’t many bells and whistles in their course content, the straightforward format covers the required content without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a simple way to complete your MLO licensing education at an affordable price, RealEstateU has you covered.
Pros & Cons
- Fully online, instructor-led courses
- One of the most affordable providers
- Audio narration for on-the-go learners
- Complete your course in just 14 days
- No live instruction
- Limited exam prep tools
- Support only available via email
- Limited interactive features
Features
- Course formats: Fully online, instructor-led courses
- Course access: 12-month access window
- Refund policy: 30-day money-back guarantee for courses that have not been started
- Guarantees: No pass guarantee
- Exam prep: Basic quizzes and chapter tests
- Student support: Email support only
- Final exam: Must pass the course final to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam
Pricing
RealEstateU is the most affordable option on our list with a simple, straightforward platform. It’s an attractive option for independent learners on a budget who need to get licensed quickly.
- MLO License Course ($199): Online, instructor-led 20-hour NMLS approved prelicensing course
- MLO License Course + Study Guide + e-Textbook ($327): MLO Course plus a study guide an etextbook resources
- GA MLO License Course + Study Guide + e-Textbook + MLO Success ($677): Includes everything in the first two packages plus an MLO Success package that equips new MLOs with the training they need to start closing deals from they day they earn their license.
Methodology: How we chose the best mortgage loan originator schools
To find the best mortgage loan originator schools, we have evaluated dozens of schools, reviewing both online and in-person programs. We’ve chosen schools with interactive content, hands-free audio, mobile learning and other convenient formats that will help you fit your studies into your busy schedule. Our mortgage loan experts possess in-depth knowledge of mortgage loan originator licensing and online courses and evaluate mortgage loan originator licensing programs based on pricing, course packages, course materials, teaching styles, online user experience, exam success rates, customer reviews and more.
The best online mortgage loan originator schools on our list are not only widely available in the area — they offer economies of scale that make their course packages affordable — using tech that makes their online courses way more convenient than having to commute to attend in-person classes at a brick-and-mortar location. Unlike your local school, they have the scale to invest in leading-edge technology that makes getting prepped for your state mortgage loan originator exam a snap.
Don’t believe us? Check out our real estate education page for more information about getting licensed and the best mortgage loan originator schools available in your state. We recommend the schools on this list for their convenience, value for money, excellence in course materials and thoughtful user experience.
FAQs: Best mortgage loan originator courses for 2025
Is becoming a mortgage loan originator worth it?
If you enjoy working with people and are motivated enough, a career as an MLO can be very rewarding. Many loan officers enjoy a flexible work schedule that allows them to work when it’s most convenient for them, but the work doesn’t always come easy.
Unless the company that employs you provides you with leads, you’ll be responsible for drumming up your own business. This means getting out into the community and networking with other MLOs, Realtors and other members of the community to build a pipeline of business. Like any sales role, your success is dependent on your hustle, but for the right person, it can be a rewarding career path.
How long does it take to become a mortgage loan officer?
On average, it takes about four to eight weeks to become a licensed mortgage loan officer – some schools even offer courses that can be completed in as little as 14 days. The MLO course includes completing the required 20 hours of pre-licensing education, passing the national SAFE exam and getting your background check and license paperwork submitted. If your state has extra requirements or if you’re balancing a busy schedule, it might take a bit longer. But many people start working in the field within just a couple of months.
Is the mortgage loan originator exam hard?
The MLO exam definitely isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s not impossible to pass on the first attempt either. The SAFE exam has a pass rate of around 55–60%, which means a lot of students don’t pass on their first try. The key to passing is finding the right school to complete your courses and exam preparation. Most students will want to choose a course that includes strong exam prep tools and study guides. Be sure not to skip over the practice questions – the more you see them, the easier it will be to identify similar questions on test day. With the right study routine and materials, you’ll give yourself the best shot at passing the first time.
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The full picture: The 5 best mortgage loan originator courses
Just like any other career, becoming a mortgage loan officer starts with completing the required education. Finding the right educational provider is the first step to starting your new career off on the right foot. Whether you’re looking to get your license for the first time or you’re looking to expand into a different state, there’s a course designed to meet your learning style, schedule and budget.
Before you sign up for the first class that catches your eye, be sure to think about what you need most out of a mortgage license education provider. Whether you need to finish quickly, learn at your own pace or need a more structured live session format, be sure to choose a course that meets your needs and sets you up for success. The best mortgage loan officer courses won’t just help you pass the exam – they prepare you for a rewarding, long-term career in the mortgage industry.
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