NMLS Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the continuing education requirements for mortgage loan originators?
2. What is BioSig-ID and do I need a NMLS ID to use BioSig-ID?
3. Having trouble enrolling a new BioSig-ID password?
4. How do I reset my BioSig-ID password?
5. In what format are courses from Empire Learning offered?
6. What happens if I fail an exam?
7. How is the seat time requirement measured?
8. When will I receive my Certificate of Completion for courses completed through Empire Learning?
9. Does Empire Learning report my completed courses to the NMLS?
10. Does Empire Learning have any firm offerings or discounts?
1. What are the continuing education requirements for mortgage loan originators?
All state-licensed mortgage loan originators must complete at least 8 hours of continuing education annually. Continuing education must include:
- Three (3) hours of Federal law and regulations
- Two (2) hours of ethics that shall include instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending issues
- Two (2) hours of training related to lending standards for the nontraditional mortgage product market
- One (1) hour of undefined instruction on mortgage origination, typically referred to as an elective
Some states require one or more hours be completed in a state-specific topic. You can view the continuing education requirements for your specific state here.
2. What is BioSig-ID and do I need a NMLS ID to use BioSig-ID?
BioSig-ID is a third party authentication software used by the NMLS to verify student identity. At various times during the online course, you, the student will be requested to validate your identity using BioSig-ID. A BioSig-ID validation will be required during the course and prior to taking the end-of-course assessment. You will need to use our NMLS ID number to login through BioSig-ID.
The NMLS has put together a great list of resources for learning more about BioSig-ID or troubleshooting.
3. Having trouble enrolling a new BioSig-ID password?
The first time you draw, the password is always accepted. Additional attempts will be compared to the first one. We have found that small uppercase L's and 7's drawn in the middle of the box are the easiest to recreate and for the system to recognize. Here is an additional resource for helpful tips as well as a step-by-step BioSig enrollment guide.
4. How do I reset my BioSig-ID password?
Once you attempt to draw your BioSig-ID and fail three consecutive times a notice will appear that a code has been sent to your email address. You will want to copy the code that was sent to your email and input it on the screen. You will then be able to pick a new password. Here is a really helpful video on how to reset your BioSig-ID password.
5. In what format are courses from Empire Learning offered?
Courses from Empire Learning are delivered in a convenient, online format that allows your learning to be completed at any time, from anywhere with an internet connection.
Our multimedia courses include text, videos, and interactive exercises. Each course is broken down into multiple units with several text sections, interactive exercises, video and key point reviews, and brief quizzes. You must complete every unit to take a brief final exam.
6. What happens if I fail an exam?
You can retake any quiz or exam as many times as needed to complete a course. Students can view feedback on any missed quiz or exam questions.
7. How is the seat time requirement measured?
NMLS requires a minimum amount of "seat time" to successfully complete CE courses. Seat time is the amount of time spent interacting with course materials and answering any questions. A timer is displayed on every page in the course materials showing how much time has been spent in the course as well as the minimum amount of time required to complete a course.
Courses are all based on a 50-minute hour. For example, a 1-hour course will have a seat time requirement of 50 minutes and an 8-hour course will have a seat time requirement of 6 hours and 40 minutes.
8. When will I receive my Certificate of Completion for courses completed through Empire Learning?
Completion Certificates are provided immediately after passing the final exam for your course. Certificates can be accessed from the My Account page at any time after being awarded.
9. Does Empire Learning report my completed courses to the NMLS?
Yes, we report credits every business day to the NMLS. Once credits are reported, they should quickly appear in your NMLS account so you can complete your license renewal.
10. Does Empire Learning have any firm offerings or discounts?
Yes - please reach out to our director of firm accounts at John@EmpireLearning.com or 214-500-5305.