CALIFORNIA (DRE)
Get an understanding of mortgage lending and insurance state licensing and continuing education requirements.
California DRE License Requirements
California (DRE) education requirements for mortgage licensing
In the state of California, mortgage loan originators, under the Department of Real Estate (DRE), are required to:
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Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC).
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Authorize a credit report through the NMLS that demonstrates financial responsibility.
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Fulfill all state and federal education requirements as designated by your state agency.
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Take and pass the National Component.
California (DRE) NMLS Pre-Licensing Education Requirements:
New state-licensed MLOs are required to complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved education. This includes:
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3 hours of federal law
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3 hours of ethics
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2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending training
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12 hours of electives
California (DRE) Continuing Education Requirements:
State-licensed MLOs are required to complete 8 hours of NMLS-approved mortgage education annually beginning the year they are licensed (unless PE was completed in the same year). This includes:
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3 hours of federal law
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2 hours of ethics
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2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
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1 hour of electives
MLOs are advised that to comply with the SAFE Act’s “successive years” rule, they may not take the same CE course two years in a row.
California (DRE) Mortgage Licensing:
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California Department of Real Estate
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Phone: 877-373-4542
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Website: www.dre.ca.gov
NMLS Resources:
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Professional Standards: Mortgage Education
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Professional Standards: Criminal Background Check
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Professional Standards: Credit Report
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Professional Standards: MLO Testing