How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator?If you’ve ever thought about a career in mortgage lending, you might wonder how to become a mortgage loan originator with no experience. The good news is: this is one of the few financial services careers where you can get licensed, trained, and start earning commission quickly—even without a prior background in finance or sales.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to break into the mortgage industry from scratch, what skills you’ll need to succeed, and where to find support along the way.
→ Read more: Mortgage Loan Originator vs. Loan Officer: Understanding Career Differences
What Is a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)?
What Is a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)?A Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) is a licensed professional who helps people apply for home loans. MLOs guide clients through the mortgage process, from gathering financial documents to closing the deal. They work at banks, credit unions, mortgage brokerages, and fintech lenders.
Unlike some banking jobs, becoming a mortgage loan originator is all about licensing, training, and hustle—you don’t need a college degree or prior industry experience to start.
→ Read more: Mortgage Loan Originator License Requirements
How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator With No ExperienceStep 1 – Complete Pre-Licensing Education (NMLS)
The first step in learning how to become a mortgage loan originator with no experience is completing your pre-licensing education. All MLOs in the U.S. must take courses approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
- Required Hours: 20 hours minimum (some states require additional hours)
- Where to take it: Online through providers like The CE Shop, Mortgage Educators, or Kaplan.
Course topics include:
- Federal mortgage laws
- Ethics and consumer protection
- Loan origination processes
- Non-traditional mortgage lending
Step 2 – Pass the SAFE MLO Test
After your coursework, you’ll need to pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test, which covers everything you learned in your classes.
- Exam Fee: About $110
- Passing Score: 75% or higher
- Pro Tip: Use practice exams from your education provider to prep.
Once you pass your exam, apply for your mortgage loan originator license through the NMLS platform. This process includes:
- Submitting a background check
- Completing fingerprinting
- Paying application fees (varies by state)
→ Read more: Who is required to have an NMLS number?
Step 4 – Find Your First Mortgage Company
Now you’re licensed, but how do you land your first job? Here’s how:
- Look for companies that offer new loan officer training, like Loan Factory, Rocket Mortgage, or independent brokerages.
- Search entry-level mortgage loan originator jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, and company career pages.
- Attend local mortgage networking events or online webinars to meet hiring managers.
Step 5 – Get Hands-On Training & Start Building Your Pipeline
Many companies provide on-the-job training, where you’ll learn:
- How to use loan origination software
- How to qualify clients
- How to work with real estate agents and referral partners
Loan Factory, for example, offers free weekly training from Thuan Nguyen, the #1 Loan Officer in the U.S., plus tech tools that streamline the entire mortgage process for beginners.
→ Read more: Mortgage Loan Originator Salary in the US
What Skills Help New Mortgage Loan Originators Succeed?
Even without experience, great MLOs often have these skills:
- Strong communication & people skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- A willingness to learn mortgage guidelines and processes
- Basic tech skills (using apps, CRM tools, mortgage software)
- Grit and resilience — since success comes from building your referral network over time
→ Read more: Mortgage Loan Originator Jobs - A Path to Success
How Long Does It Take to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator?If you’re focused, you can go from zero to licensed in as little as 4–6 weeks:
Step | Timeframe |
Pre-licensing education | 1–2 weeks |
SAFE exam prep and testing | 1–2 weeks |
Background check & license approval | 1–2 weeks |
Job search & onboarding | 2–4 weeks |
Some people complete the entire process in a month, while others take a few months if balancing other responsibilities.
→ Read more: What Is a Mortgage Loan Originator License?
Bonus Tip: Join a Company That Supports New Loan Officers
Finding the right company is key when learning how to become a mortgage loan originator with no experience. Look for one that:
- Offers free training & mentorship
- Provides modern tech tools to automate your workflow
- Doesn’t charge you junk fees, desk fees, or have unrealistic production minimums
- Gives you access to a wide variety of loan products so you can close more deals
For example, Loan Factory offers new loan officers:
- Access to +240 lenders for all loan types (conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, commercial, land loans, etc.)
- Free MOSO mortgage platform
- 100% commission minus a flat fee ($595 per closed loan)
- No monthly fees, no desk fees, no minimum production
- Leads in 42 states
- Free training
→ Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Mortgage Loan Officer Training Programs
Ready to Start Your Mortgage Career?
Let's Start Your Mortgage Career Today!Breaking into mortgage lending may seem intimidating, but with the right steps and company behind you, anyone can learn how to become a mortgage loan originator with no experience.
FAQ: Mortgage Loan Originator
Frequently Asked Questions: Mortgage Loan OriginatorWhat is an MLO?
An MLO (Mortgage Loan Originator) is a licensed professional who helps people get home loans. They guide borrowers through the application process and connect them with lenders.
What is an example of a mortgage originator?
A mortgage originator could be a loan officer at a bank, a mortgage broker, or an independent MLO helping clients secure financing for a home.
Is becoming an MLO worth it?
Yes! It offers high income potential, flexible hours, and a fast path to entry—even without experience. If you enjoy sales and helping people, it's a great career to start.
