Understanding CE Reporting: What Happens After You Finish Your Courses

Understanding CE Reporting

Under the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act), state-licensed Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) are required to complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved CE annuallyCourseprovider Course%20Provider%20Resources Notice%20on%20Successive%20Years%20Rule.pdf Mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org.

Some states may have additional state-specific continuing education (CE) requirements.Courseprovider Course%20Provider%20Resources Functional%20Specification%20for%20All%20NMLS%20Approved%20Courses.pdf Mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org

Once you've completed your CE, your education provider has seven calendar daysLicensees Resources LicenseeResources Viewing%20Course%20Completion%20and%20Compliance%20Records%20in%20NMLS_I.pdf Mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org to report your course completion to the NMLS. 

Common CE Reporting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced professionalsPre License What A Mortgage Licensing Course Teaches You About Real Life Resources can make errors in the CE reporting process. Here are some common mistakes:

• Procrastinating CE Completion: Waiting until December to start your CE leaves little room to address any reporting issues.

• Failing to Retain Documentation: Failing to keep certificates and course IDs can hinder your ability to resolve discrepancies.

Quarterly CE Reporting Checklist

To stay on track, consider the following quarterly action plan:

Timeframe	Action Item
January–March	Review your state's CE requirements and plan your course schedule.
April–June	Enroll in NMLS-approved CE courses from a trusted provider.
July–September	Complete 50–75% of your CE and confirm your completions have posted.
October–November	Finish all CE and double-check your NMLS transcript for accuracy.
December	Resolve any discrepancies or errors; avoid waiting until the last week.

By pacing your CEContinuing Education Navigation Link throughout the year, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure ample time to address any issues.

Importance of Choosing a Trusted CE Provider

Not all NMLS-approved providers offer the same level of reliability. When selecting a CE provider, consider the following:

• Timely Reporting: Choose providers that report completions within 7 days.

• Confirmation Communications: Opt for providers that offer email confirmations upon CE submission.

• Tracking Tools: Providers with real-time tracking dashboards can help you monitor your progress.

• Positive Reviews: Seek providers with strong reputations among mortgage professionals.

• Responsive Support: U.S.-based customer support can be invaluable when issues arise.

A reliable CE provider prioritizes compliance, helping you avoid last-minute complications and safeguard your license.