New NMLS Uniform State Test Information (UST)
On April 1st some states will adopt a Uniform State Test (UST) that will replace 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 will be updating their National NMLS Test to include 25 additional questions for the Uniform State portion.
LoanOfficerSchool.com will include this UST training beginning April 1st in all national SAFE 20 hour prelicensing classes with no extra charges. Most of the content from the extra 25 questions on the new national test are based on material already taught to our students, we will be modifying portions of the training to cover test prep for the UST portion of NMLS test.
How does it affect those who are already licensed nationally with some State licenses?
Those who are already licensed will not have to retake any education or take the UST portion of the test. The will not be negatively affected by the changes.
Licensees will not be able to become licensed in the UST adopting states unless they pass the UST portion of the National SAFE exam. Existing licensees will be able to take only the 25 question UST that will relieve them of the requirement to pass a separate test in the adopting states (reminder: 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).
LoanOfficerSchool.com will soon have self-study preparation material offered for all of those existing licensees who would like to take the UST portion (25 questions) in order to pursue adding more states to their national license.
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.
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.
States Adopting:
Adopting 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
Adopting UST on 7/1/13: AL, KS, NE, VT
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