Here's The Diehl...
Starting June 6, 2022, the NMLS is requiring that all NMLS-Approved webinars (Pre-Licensing & Continuing Education) have students keep their webcams on for the duration of the webinar.
NMLS Requirement:
3.7.2.2 Student:
• Students must have an acceptable internet connection and be visible on camera from at least the shoulders up for the duration of the course instruction.
• If a student is unable to comply with these requirements, they must be removed from the class
Last year, we gave a heads up to everyone in their webinars about the upcoming chance to gauge their feedback, and have heard some high concern for this. Some of the biggest concerns we heard were:
- Why is the NMLS doing this?
- Will I get kicked out if I’m not looking at the screen?
- What happens if I need to use the restroom? Will I not get credit?
- Will I be watched the entire time?
- What happens with the recording of the webinar?
Let’s address each of these so that you can know why it’s being done, so you understand that it’s not as scary as it sounds, and encourage you to take a webinar even with this requirement.
Why is the NMLS doing this?
You may recall in recent news that the NMLS than Danny Yen, owner of Real Estate Educational Services was fined $75,000 and has agreed to a lifetime ban on teaching any mortgage-related content after a settlement in one of the largest multi-state CE fraud schemes in recent history, with over 400 Loan Officers settling with the California DFPI, Maryland OCFR, and Oregon DFR.
Since the settlement, NMLS is continuing to be proactive to ensure that people do not get credit for a course they did not attend. The webcam requirement is a measure in-place to just ensure that people do not just join the webinar and leave the desk for the remainder of the session.
Will I get kicked out if I’m not looking at the screen?
While we cannot speak for other NMLS course providers, we at Diehl will not be paying attention to eye movement or seeing if your eyes are on the screen at all times. You can count on that. We know that it’s going to be a weird adjustment for everyone, so we want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. This NMLS requirement is really put in place to protect you and protect the industry as a whole, so that someone cannot get credit for a course that they didn’t sit in on, while you sit through the course and actually are taking the time out of your day to stay compliant the right way.
What happens if I need to use the restroom? Will I not get credit?
Don’t worry, you will still get credit if you have to leave the desk for a brief period of time to use the restroom. Just type in “brb” into the chatbox to the moderator and we will be sure to take note you will be back shortly, no need to stress.
Will I be watched the entire time?
There’s no worse feeling than having the feeling that someone is staring at or watching you. We get it, and get that you are spending 8 whole hours in a webinar, so don’t want to make you feel like it’s more of a hassle. You won’t be stared at or stalked the entire time. We will do routine checks on the webcams to ensure everyone is on and is paying attention, per NMLS guidelines.
What happens with the recording of the webinar?
Just like every bit of data you provide to us, we handle it extremely seriously. Upon an NMLS audit, the NMLS may request that we send them a recording from a certain webinar, and we will send over the recording to them. All recordings will be stored safely & securely on 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) servers with additional security measures in place built to protect your data. We won’t distribute this data to anyone except NMLS or a State Regulator, upon request.
Diehl Has Your Back
As always, Diehl is here to help YOU. If you are uncertain or have any questions about this new policy, please do not hesitate to reach out to our support team. They have answers to all your questions relating to this, and will be more than happy to help alleviate your concerns with this. While this is one of the largest changes in NMLS education policies since implementing BioSig-ID, we are here to make things run smoothly for you, so you can rest assured that you are getting credit where credit is due.
How to Bypass This Option: Live Class or Online Interactive Video CE
Still uncomfortable with this change? No worries! You can bypass this by opting for a Live Class in your area, or you can check out our Online Video CE that is put together and taught by Scott Weghorst!
Questions?
Have any questions? Feel free to call our office, Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Eastern Time, at (317) 272-7600 or email [email protected] and we will respond to you quickly!
