SAFE MLO Exam Format & Scoring

Updated October 20, 2026

The SAFE MLO National Test with Uniform State Content has 120 questions (115 scored, 5 unscored pretest). You get 190 minutes, you need 75% to pass, and it costs $110 per attempt. After a failure you wait 30 days to retest. After three consecutive failures you wait 180 days.

Test specifications

Item	Official figure
Questions	120 total: 115 scored plus 5 unscored pretest questions
Time limit	190 minutes (225-minute appointment)
Passing score	75% (set by the SAFE Act)
Fee	$110 per attempt
Retakes	Wait 30 days after a 1st or 2nd failure; wait 180 days after a 3rd consecutive failure
First-time pass rate	53% (NMLS, as of Dec. 31, 2024)

Content outline weights

Content area (NMLS outline)	Weight	Approx. questions of 115 scored
Federal mortgage-related laws	24%	~28
Uniform State Content (SAFE Act, CSBS/AARMR model state law)	11%	~13
General mortgage knowledge	20%	~23
Mortgage loan origination activities	27%	~31
Ethics	18%	~21

Approximate counts are our arithmetic (weight × 115), not an NMLS figure.

Scoring details

The five pretest questions are mixed in at random, and you can't tell which they are. They don't affect your score.
Each candidate gets a different form (linear-on-the-fly testing). Scores are statistically equated so harder and easier forms are fair.
Your score report shows an overall percentage and a range for each section. NMLS doesn't let you review the questions afterward.

Retake rules

After your 1st or 2nd failed attempt: wait 30 calendar days.
After your 3rd consecutive failure: wait 180 calendar days.
If you go 5 years without holding a valid license, your passing result expires and you must retest (12 U.S.C. §5104(d)(3)(D)).

Practice questions

1. What minimum score is required to pass the SAFE MLO national test?

Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. 75%
Correct — 75%.

Source: 12 U.S.C. 5104(d)(3)(A)

2. After failing the SAFE test for the third consecutive time, a candidate must wait how long to retest?

30 days
60 days
90 days
180 days

Show answer and explanation

Answer: D. 180 days
Correct — after every third consecutive failure, the wait is 180 calendar days (NMLS Handbook §10.1, implementing the SAFE Act).

Source: NMLS MLO Testing Handbook 10.1

3. A state-licensed MLO who goes 5 years or more without a valid license (not counting time as a registered MLO) must:

Retake pre-licensing education only
Retake the SAFE test
Only pay a reinstatement fee
Do nothing

Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Retake the SAFE test
Correct — 12 U.S.C. §5104(d)(3)(D) (retest after a lapse of license).

Source: 12 U.S.C. 5104(d)(3)(D)

4. Annual continuing education for a state-licensed MLO under the SAFE Act is:

8 hours
10 hours
12 hours
20 hours

Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. 8 hours
Correct — 8 hours: 3 federal law, 2 ethics, 2 nontraditional, 1 elective.

Source: 12 U.S.C. 5105(b)

5. For a state-licensed MLO, the SAFE Act requires license renewal:

Annually
Never
Every 5 years
Every 3 years

Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Annually
Correct — 12 U.S.C. §5105 requires annual CE and renewal standards.

Source: 12 U.S.C. 5105(a)

Practice with every question

392 questions, each with an explanation for every option and an official source, plus a timed 120-question, 190-minute practice exam.

Try 25 free in the app See launch price

Official sources

FAQ

How many questions are on the SAFE MLO test?

120 questions: 115 scored and 5 unscored pretest questions.

How long is the SAFE MLO test?

190 minutes of test time, within a 225-minute appointment.

What is the passing score?

75%.

How much does the SAFE MLO test cost?

$110 per attempt (NMLS).

How soon can I retake the MLO exam?

After 30 days following a 1st or 2nd failure, and after 180 days following a 3rd consecutive failure.