The Designated Broker for a licensed Mortgage Broker must complete Continuing Education (CE) prior to renewing each calendar year. All Continuing Education courses must be NMLS approved.

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing Education is required for all Designated Broker Registrants who renew. The amount and type of Continuing Education is listed below:

  • Designated Broker Registrant Only
    9 hours of NMLS approved Continuing Education
  • Designated Broker Registrant and MLO Licensee
    9 hours of NMLS approved Continuing Education, including 1 hour in Washington Law.

Tips for Continuing Education Success

It is very important to keep in mind the following when planning your Continuing Education:

  • Only select NMLS approved Continuing Education courses from the NMLS Master Course Catalog. A link to the catalog is below.
  • If you plan to renew before December 31, you will need to take courses listed under the "Regular PE or CE Courses" button on the NMLS Education webpage.
  • Be sure to take Continuing Education (CE), not Pre-Licensing Education (PE).
  • Do not take the same course(s) two years in a row. This does not mean you cannot take a course(s) from the same provider. It means you cannot take the exact course two years in a row. See the SAFE Act’s Successive Year Rule
  • Finish your Continuing Education early.
    • Continuing Education providers have up to 7 days to report completed courses. Until the Education is posted to your record, you cannot renew your license.
    • Some courses are scheduled for a set amount of time and even though you finish early, the results cannot be reported until the class is scheduled to close.

Find a Course - NMLS Course Catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Continuing Education must a Designated Broker take each year?

Continuing Education is required for all Designated Broker Registrants who renew. The amount and type of Continuing Education is listed below:

  • Designated Broker Registrant Only: 9 hours of NMLS approved Continuing Education
  • Designated Broker Registrant and MLO Licensee: 9 hours of NMLS approved Continuing Education, including 1 hour in Washington Law.

Can a Designated Broker take any Continuing Education courses?

No. A Designated Broker must only take NMLS approved courses and those courses must be approved for Continuing Education (CE) and not Pre-Licensing Education (PE). You can consult the NMLS Master Course Catalog for a complete listing of approved courses.

Can Continuing Education be completed online?

Yes. Most if not all NMLS approved providers offer courses online. Some also offer classroom courses, although these courses appear to be offered less frequently.

Once a Designated Broker completes Continuing Education, how does it get reported to DFI?

Upon the scheduled completion of the course, the education provider has 7 days to report it directly to the NMLS. It will show on the individual’s record for viewing by the MLO, the sponsoring company and regulators.

Is there a difference between Continuing Education and Pre-Licensing education?

Yes. Pre-licensing Education is for those applying for a license. Continuing Education is for those already licensed who are renewing their license. The two types of education are not interchangeable so it is critical you take Continuing Education to renew.

What is the cost of Continuing Education for a Designated Broker?

Each provider sets the price for their course. You must contact the course provider directly for course pricing.