The NMLS annual renewal period opens November 1, and there’s one thing you can take care of before the window even opens: your Continuing Education.

Getting your CE completed early means that when November 1 rolls around, you can focus on submitting your renewal instead of scrambling to finish courses at the same time. Your CE must be completed and reported to NMLS before your renewal can be approved.

Not sure whether you’re ready? Run through this quick CE Season Checklist.

1. Check Your NMLS Education Record

Before signing up for anything, see what you’ve already completed.

Log into your NMLS account and check your Education Record for the current year. You’ll be able to see your completed courses, completion dates and the credit hours that have been reported.

If you already completed CE, this is also a good opportunity to make sure everything was reported correctly. Education providers have up to seven calendar days to report course completions, although MaxClass typically reports within 24–48 hours.

Need help? Learn how to view your NMLS Education Record.

2. Know What Your State Requires

For most MLOs, CE starts with the 7-hour federal CORE requirement, followed by the elective hours needed to satisfy your license requirements. If you hold licenses in multiple states, you only need to complete the federal CORE once — but you may need additional state-specific electives.

And don't assume every state follows the same deadline. While many states have year-end deadlines, some require CE to be completed earlier.

Double-check before you enroll: View MaxClass's state-by-state CE requirements.

3. Choose the Right CE Courses

This is where things can get a little confusing, especially when you're licensed in multiple states.

The good news? You don't need to take your federal CORE over and over. Once you've accounted for that requirement, it's a matter of choosing the right electives for the states where you hold licenses. In some cases, a state-specific elective can also satisfy another state's general elective requirement.

In other words: check before you add a bunch of courses to your cart. Don't worry, our CE selector makes it easy. Just choose the states you're licensed in, and it will show you exactly what your requirements are for renewal.

See how to select the CE courses you actually need.

4. Complete Your CE — Now, Not December 30

Yes, we know. There's always someone who waits until the last possible minute. Don't be that someone.

Completing your CE now gives you time to make sure your credits are reported correctly and resolve any issues before you're trying to renew your license. More importantly, you don't have to wait until November 1 to complete your CE. November 1 is when the NMLS renewal window opens — not when CE season starts.

Get CE off your plate now, and you'll have one less thing to worry about during an already busy end of the year.

5. Confirm Your Credits Were Reported

Finished your courses? Great. There's one more quick check.

Head back to your NMLS Education Record and confirm that your completed courses and credit hours appear correctly. Remember, certificates are for your records; CE credits are reported directly to NMLS by your approved education provider.

Once everything is there, you're ready for the next step.

6. Put November 1 on Your Calendar

CE complete? Check. Credits reported? Check.

Now you're ready for renewal.

When the NMLS renewal window opens on November 1, log into your account, select the licenses you're renewing, complete the renewal process and pay the required fees. Depending on your employment situation, your company may also need to take action on your renewal.

And don't forget to check your NMLS dashboard afterward. Submitting your renewal doesn't necessarily mean you're finished — your state regulator still needs to review and approve it.

Read the complete guide to renewing your MLO license.

Your CE Season Checklist

☐ Check your NMLS Education Record
☐ Review the requirements for every state where you're licensed
☐ Determine which CORE and elective courses you need
☐ Complete your CE
☐ Confirm your credits have been reported to NMLS
☐ Return to NMLS on November 1 to submit your renewal
☐ Watch your NMLS dashboard for approval or outstanding requirements

That's it. No December scramble required.

Get Your CE Done Today

Renewal season doesn't have to be stressful. Take care of your CE now, make sure your credits are reported, and you'll be ready to hit the ground running when the NMLS renewal window opens November 1.

MaxClass makes it easy to find the courses you need, complete your NMLS-approved CE online, and keep that license happy.

Complete your CE today →