Checked 15 October 2026 against the NMLS MLO Testing Handbook and the SAFE MLO Testing FAQ. NMLS lists the test specifications as of April 2021, so confirm the fee and format on the NMLS site before you book.
Cost
NMLS lists the SAFE MLO test fee at $110.
Passing score
The handbook says the SAFE Act requires all MLOs seeking state licensure to pass the NMLS-developed test with a score of 75% or better. NMLS does not publish a pass rate on those pages, so we do not print one.
Format and time
The National Test with UST has 120 items in total, with 115 scored. The test time is 190 minutes, and the appointment is 225 minutes long.
Cancelling or rescheduling
Requests are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time two business days before your appointment. Miss that deadline and the enrollment window closes and the fee is forfeited. For the enrollment steps, follow the NMLS handbook.
Do passed results expire?
NMLS says that if an MLO leaves the industry, or passes a test component without getting a license or active federal registration, for five consecutive years, the earlier test results expire and the person has to retest.
Practice for it
The CertQuestUSA NMLS SAFE MLO bank has 480 original questions, with full papers of 120 questions. They are practice questions, not questions from the real test, and they cannot guarantee a pass.
Other licensing exams and their fees are on the securities exams page.