Loan Officer Certification Texas | Step-by-Step Licensing Guide

If you’re new to the mortgage industry and wondering how to become a loan officer in Texas, you’re in the right place. This guide explains everything about the loan officer certification Texas process—step by step, with trusted sources—so you can start your career with confidence.

What Is a Loan Officer?

A loan officer (also called a Mortgage Loan Originator – MLO) is a licensed professional who helps homebuyers and homeowners secure financing for their homes. They evaluate applications, recommend loan programs, and guide clients through the process from pre-approval to closing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for loan officers in the U.S. was $65,740 in 2023, with top earners making well over six figures

Why Become a Loan Officer in Texas?

Texas is one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the country. Cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio are experiencing record levels of home sales and population growth.

That means:

High demand for mortgage professionals.
Opportunities to earn substantial income.
A career that does not require a college degree.

Loan Officer Certification Texas: Step-by-Step

Loan Officer Certification Texas

To legally originate mortgages in Texas, you must be licensed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) and the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (SML)

Here’s the roadmap:

1. Meet Basic Eligibility

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma (college degree not required).
Have a valid Social Security Number.

2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education

20 hours of NMLS-approved coursework (covering federal law, ethics, and lending).
3 hours of Texas-specific law.
You can find approved courses on the official NMLS Course Provider List.

3. Pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Exam

National + State (Texas) exam.
Administered by the NMLS.
You must score at least 75% to pass【source: NMLS SAFE Test】.

4. Submit Background Checks

FBI fingerprint check.
Credit report review (to ensure financial responsibility).

5. Apply for Your License

Submit through the NMLS online system.
Pay application + background check fees.

6. Get Sponsored by an Employer

To activate your license, you must be sponsored by a licensed mortgage company, bank, or lender in Texas.

→ Read more: A Guide for mortgage loan officer in Texas

How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?

Most people complete the process in 4–8 weeks, depending on how quickly they finish their coursework and exam scheduling.

Cost of Loan Officer Certification in Texas

Here’s the typical breakdown:

Pre-licensing education: $300–$500
NMLS SAFE exam: $110
Application & background fees: $200–$300

Total: around $600–$900【source: Mortgage Educators Licensing Cost Breakdown】.

Career Outlook in Texas

High demand due to population and housing growth.
Loan officers in Texas often earn commission-based income, which means unlimited earning potential.
According to the MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association), U.S. mortgage origination volume is expected to grow steadily through 2025【source: MBA Mortgage Market Forecast】.

Why Join Loan Factory as a New Loan Officer?

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but Loan Factory gives you everything you need to succeed:

Keep 100% commission (only $595 flat fee per file).
Free access to MOSO, the #1 digital mortgage platform in the U.S. – replacing costly tools like Loan Sifter, Arive, HomeBot, and Canva (saving $900+ monthly).
240+ wholesale lenders, including FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and Non-QM programs.
Mentorship from Thuan Nguyen, America’s #1 Loan Officer.
Training & support with in-house underwriting and $500 full-service processing.