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Licensing Pathway

A structured, verified path to licensed work.

Requirements vary by state and change over time. We help you plan and track each step, and we verify every item against authoritative records before any regulated activity begins.

Typical steps

What licensing usually involves

Always confirm current requirements with NMLS and your state regulator. External costs are paid to outside providers and disclosed separately.

  1. 1

    Approved pre-licensing education

    At least 20 hours of NMLS-approved education under the SAFE Act, plus any state-specific hours, from an NMLS-approved provider.

  2. 2

    SAFE MLO Test

    Pass the national test administered through NMLS.

  3. 3

    Background and credit review

    Fingerprint-based criminal background check and credit report review, as required.

  4. 4

    State license application

    Apply through NMLS for each state where you intend to work.

  5. 5

    Sponsorship

    Most states require sponsorship by a licensed company before a license becomes active.

  6. 6

    Product training and company approval

    Product-specific training (for example, HECM) and AI Capital Lending™ approval before you work with those products.

  7. 7

    Continuing education

    Licensed originators complete annual continuing education to keep their license current.

Your licensing readiness checklist

What we track — and verify

You can update your own progress in the Studio. Our team checks each item against official records. Self-reported status is never enough.

  • NMLS ID

    Your Nationwide Multistate Licensing System ID, if you have one.

  • States of intended operation

    Each state where you plan to be licensed.

  • License status

    Your current status in each state.

  • Approved pre-licensing education

    NMLS-approved course provider and completion date.

  • SAFE MLO exam progress

    Scheduled, passed, or retake planned.

  • License application status

    Submitted through NMLS, pending, or approved.

  • Sponsorship requirements

    Company sponsorship where your state requires it.

  • Continuing education

    Annual CE completed for the current year.

  • Reverse mortgage product training

    Completed product-specific HECM training.

  • Company approval

    AI Capital Lending™ internal approval.

  • Authorized product specialties

    HELOC, reverse mortgage, or both — set by the company.

Your journey

From application to authorized work

  1. 1. Application Submitted
  2. 2. Under Review
  3. 3. Interview Scheduled
  4. 4. Interview Completed
  5. 5. Conditional Acceptance
  6. 6. Orientation
  7. 7. Training Active
  8. 8. Licensing in Progress
  9. 9. Licensing Verified
  10. 10. Product Qualification Approved
  11. 11. Ready for Authorized Work
  12. 12. Active Licensed Advisor

No one moves into licensed stages based on course completion alone. Ready for Authorized Work requires verified licensing, approved product qualification and an administrator's compliance sign-off.

Path A

Business Development Consultant

For candidates without an active mortgage loan originator license.

Approved activities may include

  • Approved general marketing support
  • Educational event coordination
  • CRM administrative support
  • Training and professional development

Licensing boundary — never

  • ✕ Take mortgage applications
  • ✕ Discuss personalized loan terms or rates
  • ✕ Negotiate credit
  • ✕ Accept pay for mortgage referrals
  • ✕ Act as a licensed originator

The role and any compensation require legal approval and proper worker classification.

Path B

Licensed Mortgage Advisor

For candidates with verified licensing or registration, sponsorship where required, company approval and product-specific qualifications.

Once authorized, activities may include

  • Mortgage consultations
  • HELOC applications
  • Reverse mortgage applications
  • Product education and permitted comparisons
  • Client follow-up
  • Loan origination and pipeline coordination

Before any regulated work

Licensing is verified against authoritative records — self-reported status is never enough — and an administrator records compliance approval. Course completion alone never changes licensed status.

Start your licensing pathway with guidance

Apply for the Founding ClassExplore the Program