The new National SAFE MLO Test Component with uniform state content was implemented today, which creates a single test that can meet both the national and state testing requirements of the SAFE Act. In 20 states, mortgage loan originators (MLOs) seeking licensure with their state regulatory agency will no longer be required to take a second, state-specific test component. Financial regulatory agencies in Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin will no longer require a state-specific test component.
Five additional states – Alaska, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Vermont – will adopt the test on July 1, 2013. Two additional state agencies, the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commission and the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, will begin using the test on October 1, 2013. Remaining state agencies will continue to require state-specific test components, though additional states are eventually expected to adopt the new National SAFE MLO Test Component with uniform state content.
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) requires MLOs to pass the SAFE MLO test before they can be licensed with a state agency through NMLS. The test was comprised of two parts: a national component and a state component. In addition to passing the national component, MLOs seeking to hold licenses in multiple states were required to pass the state component for each state in which they wish to do business. Under the new National SAFE MLO Test Component with uniform state content, a license applicant who passes the test will not need to take any additional state-specific tests to hold a license within participating states.
“The development and adoption of the new National SAFE MLO Test Component with uniform state test content streamlines the license process for MLOs seeking licenses in multiple states,” said Bob Entringer, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions and Chairman of the State Regulatory Registry LLC. “This is a tremendous benefit for MLOs seeking licensure in multiple states.”
