Can You Get Your MLO License While Working Another Job?

The Licensing Process Is Built for Working Professionals

One of the most practical aspects of mortgage licensing is that it doesn't require you to quit your job and study full-time. The 20-hour pre-licensing education requirement, while mandatory and rigorous, is designed to accommodate people who are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Most NMLS-approved education providersMortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org offer flexible formats that let you study during evenings, weekends, or whenever your schedule allows.

This accessibility is a major part of why mortgage origination attracts career changers from diverse backgrounds. Whether you're coming from retail, healthcare, education, military service, or any other field, you don't need to sacrifice your current income to pursue a new one.

How the Education Timeline Works

The 20 hours of pre-licensing education can typically be completed in one to three weeks, depending on the format you choose and how much time you can dedicate. Online instructor-led (OIL) courses allow you to progress through material at a manageable pace while meeting NMLS requirements for structured delivery. Live webinar formats provide scheduled sessions that you attend in real-time, often over several consecutive days or spread across weekends. Understanding the difference between education formatsPre License Understanding Pre Licensing And Continuing Education Requirements For Mortgage Careers Resources helps you select the option that best fits your current lifestyle.

After completing your education, most candidates spend an additional one to three weeks preparing for the NMLS exam. This study period is flexible and entirely self-directed, meaning you can fit it around your existing obligations.

Passing the Exam While Working Full-Time

Preparing for the SAFE MLO exam requires dedicated study time, but it doesn't require all-day immersion. Successful candidates who are working full-time typically study for 90 to 120 minutes per day over a two to three week period. Consistent, focused study sessions are more effective than irregular marathon cramming. If you can carve out time before work, during lunch, or in the evening, you can build a study rhythm that leads to a passing score.

The exam itself has a first-time pass rate in the mid-50% range, which underscores the importance of preparation beyond just the 20-hour course. Learning what makes the exam challengingPre License Is The Nmls Exam Hard What To Know Before You Start Studying Resources before you start studying helps you allocate your limited time effectively.

Starting Part-Time After You're Licensed

Once licensed, you have options. Some MLOs jump straight into full-time origination, while others start part-time to test the waters and build a client base before leaving their current job. Commission-based compensation means your earnings are tied to your loan volume, not your hours — so part-time work can still be financially meaningful, especially as you develop referral networks and gain experience.

Part-time MLOs typically focus their availability around peak client times: evenings and weekends when borrowers are most likely to be available for consultations. This schedule can work well alongside a traditional weekday job. Exploring what part-time mortgage originationPre License A Day In The Life Of A Part Time Mortgage Loan Originator Resources actually looks like can help you decide if this transition approach fits your situation.

Finding the Right Employer for Part-Time Work

Not every mortgage company offers part-time positions, so you'll need to research which employers in your market support flexible arrangements. Independent mortgage brokerages and smaller lending companies are often more accommodating of part-time MLOs than large institutional lenders. When evaluating potential employers, ask about minimum production expectations, lead generation support, training and mentorship for new originators, and technology and tools provided.

Some companies actively recruit part-time MLOs as a talent development strategy, knowing that many part-timers will eventually transition to full-time once they've built confidence and a client base.

Managing the Transition

The healthiest approach for most career changers is a gradual transition. Start your education while working, get licensed, begin part-time origination, and then evaluate your progress and comfort level before deciding whether and when to make the full switch. This approach minimizes financial risk while giving you real-world experience in the industry. Understanding what to expect in your first monthPre License Your First 30 Days As An Mlo What To Expect After Youre Licensed Resources helps you plan your transition realistically.

Keep in mind that even after going full-time, the ramp-up period varies. Some MLOs build momentum quickly, while others take several months to establish a consistent pipeline. Having savings or a part-time backup income during the transition period is prudent financial planning.

Compliance Is the Same Regardless of Hours

Whether you work five hours a week or fifty, your compliance obligations are identical. Part-time MLOs must meet the same SAFE Act requirementsCompliance Resources Mortgage Resources Safe Act Compliance, maintain their license through annual continuing education and renewal, and adhere to all applicable federal and state regulations. Don't let the "part-time" label fool you into thinking compliance is any less important.

Start Your Journey With Aceable Mortgage

You don't need to put your life on hold to start a mortgage career. Aceable Mortgage's NMLS-approved pre-licensing courses are built for people who are balancing multiple priorities. With flexible learning formatsPre License How To Choose The Right Mortgage Pre Licensing Course For Your Learning Style Resources, expert instruction from active mortgage professionals, and a focus on practical career preparation, Aceable helps you get licensed on your timeline. Start your pre-licensing education todayPre License Resources — no career interruption required.