Texas SML: NMLS Pre-Licensing MLO Requirements & Training

Number of Hours Required

State-Specific Ed Required

3 Hr TX-SML PE

Best Way To Prepare for the Test

20-Hour Online Interactive Course

TX-SML Requires 20 hours of NMLS-Approved Pre-Licensing Education and an additional 3 hours of TX-SML state-specific education.

99.8% Success Rate with Pass Promise

Diehl offers the Pass Promise. If a user completes a simulated exam in Prep2Pass with a 95% or higher score and does not pass the NMLS/SAFE MLO test, they received a full refund for the Test Prep App. To date, 99.8% have passed the NMLS/SAFE MLO test after scoring a 95% or higher in the Prep2Pass Simulated Test.

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Looking for Only State PE?

Texas (SML) Pre-Licensing Course

This is the state-specific education requirement for Texas (SML).

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING REQUIREMENTS FOR NMLS PRE-LICENSING EDUCATION

Hours Required By The State: 23 hours (Including 3 hours of TX-SML state-specific education)

Final Exam Instructions: Each course contains a final exam. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the final exam and can be taken as many times as needed to pass. This exam is required for education credit, but does not count toward the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test.

NMLS Education Requirement: Diehl Mortgage Training is an NMLS-Approved Training Provider for Pre-Licensing Education #1400133

Seat Time: The state requires that all students spend a minimum amount of seat time engaged in the course content. Our online learning management system tracks engagement by clicking through the course.

Reporting: Upon completion of your course, the NMLS requires course providers to credit-bank your education hours within 7 business days. Diehl banks your hours in as little as 24 hours.

Start and End Date of Course: Your course will close at the end of the 5, 7, or 10-Day period, depending on the path you choose.

Certificates: Upon completion of the course, Diehl Mortgage Training & Compliance will email you a certificate of completion. Please download and hold onto this certificate to show proof of education completion.

https://www.sml.texas.gov/

Step 1 – Review your checklist
Go to the State Licensing Requirements Page for your state and gather required documentation which may need to be uploaded and sent to the state agency.
All state licensed MLOs and certain individuals as mandated by their state agency are required to pass the National SAFE MLO test, complete pre-licensure education, and submit to a criminal background and credit check prior to submitting an application in NMLS. Review Professional Standards for more details on the Criminal Background Check, Testing, Education, and Credit Report process. 

Step 2 – Coordinate with your company
NMLS is the official system of record so it is important to coordinate use with your employer. If your company is licensed with or registered in a state through NMLS, either of you can complete your first Individual Form (MU4) in NMLS. Whoever creates the first Individual Form (MU4) must pay any associated fees when it is submitted to the state agency. If your company is completing your first Individual Form (MU4), wait for their direction before proceeding. 

Step 3 – Create an account
NOTE: The information used to create the account must be accurate, complete and reflect information found on legal documentation. Inaccurate information may result in one or more duplicate accounts. If duplicate accounts are created, the responsible individual or company is liable for all fees associated with resolving the error.
Navigate to NMLS.
Click the Log Into NMLS button.
Click the Request an Account link.
Select the Individual option.
Review the Quick Guide: Creating an Individual Account for further assistance.

Step 4 – Log into NMLS
If your company created your first Individual Form (MU4), log in with the credentials provided, review your Individual Form (MU4), make any necessary corrections and attest to its accuracy. 
Review the Attestation Quick Guide for further assistance. 

Texas SML Pre-Licensing
Education (PE) FAQs

What are Texas SML requirements for MLO Pre-Licensing Education?

Individuals looking to acquire an MLO license with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortage Lending (SML) have to complete 23 hours of NMLS approved Pre-Liencencing Education. Texas SML NMLS Pre-Licensing courses are broken down into the following components:

 

  • 3 Hours of Federal Law
  • 3 Hours of Ethics 
  • 2 Hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending Training 
  • 12 Hours of Electives 
  • 3 Hours of Texas-Specific Education

 

Pre-Licencing Education is essential, as it ensures you become a knowledgeable MLO that can originate loans legally, ethically, and according to best practices. 

How do I contact Texas Mortgage Licensing?

If you have questions or concerns regarding your new Texas SML NMLS license, you can contact the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending using the following information:

 

  • Phone: 512-475-1350
  • Email: nmls@sml.texas.gov
  • Website: https://www.sml.texas.gov/
  • Address: 2601 N. Lamar, Suite 201,
    Austin, TX 78705

 

For more information regarding licensing agencies in Texas, you can refer to the NMLS Texas MLO License Description.  

What happens if my NMLS license expires in Texas?

When your NMLS license expires, you’ll no longer be able to originate loans in the state of Texas until it’s renewed. Typically, MLO licenses expire when the NMLS Continuing Education (CE) requirements, which include 8 hours of CE courses, are not met on time. Texas SML CE courses feature: 

 

  • 3 Hours of Federal Law
  • 2 Hours of Ethics
  • 2 Hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
  • 1 Hour of Electives

 

It’s important to remember that CE is a requirement that must be completed every year to keep your license valid. If you don’t fulfill this obligation by December 31, you’ll have to take Late Continuing Education (CE). 

 

Failing to maintain your license for three consecutive years will result in retaking the 20-hour Texas SML mortgage loan officer training course.

Is there a deadline to complete PE in Texas?

There’s currently no deadline to complete Texas SML PE courses since it’s a pre-requisite and needed to apply for a new Texas SML MLO license. However, once you’ve completed an NMLS-approved PE course, you have three years to submit your MLO application. Otherwise, you’ll have to sit through the 20-hour course again. 

How does Diehl help prepare for a Texas mortgage license?

At Diehl Education, you’ll find several tools and resources that can help you obtain your MLO license in Texas—from comprehensive Pre-Licensing Education and NMLS Continuing Education to NMLS Test Prep. Plus, with custom-paced PE, you can complete your course in as little as 3, 5, 7, or 10 days via an online instructor-led or live steam webinar class. 


Once you’ve obtained your initial license, Diehl can also assist with PE for additional MLO state licenses in the U.S. and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

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