Wanna get licensed in other states without taking their test? Now you can!
The NMLS Uniform State Test (UST) Is Here!
(but only for a limited time, like the McRib)
On April 1st, 2013, some states adopted a Uniform State Test (UST) that replaced their current individual state tests for NMLS licensing. These states will not require a separate state test but will still have the same pre-licensing education requirements if they currently require any. The NMLS updated their National NMLS Test to include 25 additional questions for the Uniform State portion.
States Adopting the UST:
Adopted UST on 4/1/13: DE, GA, ID, IN (DFI), IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NC, ND, PA, RI, SD, TX (OCCC), UT, VA, WA
Adopted UST on 7/1/13: AL, KS, NE, VT
Yeah but I already have my license… what does this mean for me?
If you already have your NMLS License through your State, you’re done! You don’t have to do anything. However, if you WANT to be qualified to get your licenses in these other states, you can take what’s called the “Stand-Alone UST Test” which is only 25 questions. After you pass the exam, you’ll have the same benefits as newer licensees. You don’t HAVE to get any other licenses right now, but you’ll be qualified if you ever decide to. (careful, you only have until March 30th, 2014 to TAKE the test, and the testing centers get backed up! If you miss this deadline, you’ll have to take the WHOLE 125 question test!)
NOTE: some of those states require Pre-Licensing Education so licensees will still continue to do this in order to become licensed in those states that require pre-licensing education, you just won’t have to take a state exam. Of the states that will adopt the UST test, these states will continue to require state specific pre-licensing education: IN, MD, MA, NC, PA, RI, WA
How will it benefit me to pass the UST if I do not want to become licensed in another state?
If ever in the future you would want to add additional states to your national license, you will already have the requirements met when it comes to testing. I mean seriously, do ANY of us really know what our futures hold?
How does this affect my Continuing Education requirements?
For each state that you are licensed in you are required to complete CE each year. Most states require the same 8 hours and completing one class meets the requirement for all. If one of the states that you are or become licensed in requires additional continued education or state specific hours, you will be required to complete additional CE.
What Info do I need to know to pass the test?
The “official” outline of what’s covered on the “SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test – Stand-alone Uniform State Test” can be found here: http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/profreq/testing/Content%20Outlines/Stand-alone%20UST.pdf
There's an online/interactive exam prep available HERE
Or I'm available for private training in your office. Make sure you get on our mailing list (top
right, see!) as we will be announcing some special offers soon for UST Exam Prep.
