Career roadmap
How to Become a Loan Officer
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a loan officer, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a loan officer: (1) choose your lending path, (2) complete education, (3) get licensed, (4) join a lender, (5) build your business. Most people need about 3–6 months for mortgage licensing. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a loan officer
Choose your lending path
Mortgage, consumer or commercial lending.
Complete education
Finish NMLS pre-licensing or a finance degree.
Get licensed
Pass the SAFE MLO test and background checks.
Join a lender
Start as a loan officer assistant or junior loan officer.
Build your business
Grow referrals, become a senior loan officer or branch manager.
Education and training requirements
Mortgage loan officers must complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education and pass the SAFE MLO test. Commercial and many bank loan officers have bachelor’s degrees in finance, business or economics.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 3–6 months for mortgage licensing |
Certifications and licenses
- NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator license: Required for mortgage loan originators who are not exempt bank employees.
- SAFE MLO test: The national exam for mortgage loan originators.
- Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB): A senior designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
- Commercial lending credentials: Programs such as RMA training for commercial lenders.
Skills to build now
Start with credit analysis, loan products and guidelines, and loan origination software, and practice communication and trustworthiness. Learning the loan officer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Loan Officer Assistant: Support loan officers and processing.
- Loan Officer: Originate loans.
- Senior Loan Officer: Lead a large pipeline and referral network.
- Branch Manager or Lending Manager: Lead teams and branches.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Loan Officer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do mortgage loan officers need a degree?
Not always. The NMLS license is the key requirement.
How long does licensing take?
Many people finish 20 hours of education and the exam within weeks to a few months.
How long does it take to become a loan officer?
Most people need about 3–6 months for mortgage licensing of training. Mortgage loan officers must complete at least 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education and pass the SAFE MLO test. Commercial and many bank loan officers have bachelor’s degrees in finance, business or economics.
Do you need a degree to be a loan officer?
Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, especially for commercial lending, but many mortgage loan officers are hired without one after completing NMLS pre-licensing education and passing the SAFE MLO test.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-2072 (Loan officers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Loan officers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.