Guide to NMLS Late CE Courses

By

Knowledge Coop

January 1, 2026

If you’re a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) and you’ve missed the deadline for completing your annual continuing education (CE), don’t worry — you’re not alone, and we’ve got you covered with our Late Continuing Education (Late CE) courses. Let’s break it down in a straightforward way so you can get back on track and keep your MLO license in good standing.

What Is NMLS Late CE for MLOs?

Every MLO is required to complete annual continuing education under the SAFE Act (The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act). But what happens if life gets in the way and you miss the deadline? That’s where Late CE comes into play.

NMLS Late CE is a special type of training that allows you to make up for missed continuing education requirements. These courses are specifically designed to help you renew your MLO license even if you’re running behind. The key difference? Late CE courses apply retroactively to the previous year to fulfill the missed requirement.

Late CE Requirements

Here are the essentials:

  • National Requirement: Every state requires at least 7 hours of NMLS-approved Late CE coursework. This includes:
    • 3 hours of federal law and regulations.
    • 2 hours of ethics, including fraud and consumer protection.
    • 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending.
  • State-Specific Requirements: Like traditional CE, some states require additional hours of Late CE to reinstate your license. Be sure to review all the states where you’re licensed to ensure you meet their unique requirements. In addition to state-specific courses, some states may require 8 hours of federal Late CE. We offer Late CE courses for:
    • Arizona SAFE 1 Hour
    • California-DFPI SAFE 1 Hour
    • Connecticut SAFE 1 Hour
    • District of Columbia SAFE 1 Hour
    • Florida SAFE 1 Hour
    • Georgia SAFE 1 Hour
    • Hawaii SAFE 1 Hour
    • Idaho SAFE 1 Hour
    • Kentucky SAFE 1 Hour
    • Maryland SAFE 1 Hour
    • Massachusetts SAFE 1 Hour
    • Minnesota SAFE 1 Hour
    • Missouri SAFE 1 Hour
    • Nevada SAFE QE 1 Hour
    • New Jersey SAFE 2 Hour
    • New Mexico SAFE 1 Hour
    • New York SAFE 3 Hour
    • North Carolina SAFE 1 Hour
    • Oregon SAFE 2 Hour
    • Pennsylvania SAFE 1 Hour
    • Rhode Island SAFE 1 Hour
    • South Carolina-BFI SAFE 1 Hour
    • South Carolina-DCA SAFE 1 Hour
    • Utah-DRE SAFE 1 Hour
    • Washington SAFE 1 Hour
    • West Virginia SAFE 2 Hour
  • Unique Courses Each Year: The SAFE Act doesn’t allow you to take the same CE course two years in a row. That’s why we offer brand-new NMLS Late CE courses every year, keeping you compliant and up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

Common Questions

Can I finish my regular CE courses after the deadline & have them count as Late CE?

No. Once the CE deadline has passed, the NMLS requires any remaining education to be completed as Late CE, not regular CE. Regular CE courses, even if started before the deadline but completed after, do not convert to Late CE. To reinstate your license, you must take courses that are specifically approved and reported as Late CE for the year you missed.

Do I have to take both federal & state Late CE?

It depends on what you missed.

  • If you missed only federal CE, you only need federal Late CE.
  • If you missed state CE, you must take state Late CE for each applicable state.
  • If you missed both, you must complete both federal and state Late CE before you can reinstate your license.

Always double-check your missing requirements with NMLS and/or your State Licensing Agency to avoid taking repeat courses.

Does 2025 Late CE apply to earlier missed CE years?

Yes. Our 2025 Late CE catalog can be used to satisfy Late CE requirements for any missed CE year from 2010 through 2025. As long as the course is approved as Late CE and meets NMLS requirements, it can be applied to older missed renewal years. You do not need to find a course from the exact year you missed.

‍Can I retake the same course to satisfy Late CE?

No. The NMLS does not allow you to use a course you’ve already taken to satisfy Late CE requirements. Each Late CE course has a unique Course ID, which appears in your NMLS portal. The 2025 Course ID is provided in the course title so you can confirm that the course is not one you’ve taken before. If the Course ID matches a course already in your record, the NMLS system will not allow it to count as Late CE.

Why Choose Knowledge Coop for Online CE?

We’re excited to now offer NMLS Late CE courses designed to make your life easier! Here’s why you’ll love learning with us:

  1. NMLS-Approved: The Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System (NMLS) approves all our Late CE courses, so you can trust you’re meeting your MLO license requirements.
  2. State-Specific Options: If your state requires additional CE hours, we’ve got you covered with tailored courses.
  3. Convenience: Our online platform makes it simple to complete your training from anywhere, anytime.
  4. Fresh Content: Our online CE courses are updated every year to comply with the “successive years” rule and provide the latest industry insights.
  5. Engaging & Entertaining: CE from the Knowledge Coop stands out because it’s not just educational — it’s engaging and fun! With top leaders in the industry as guests, high-quality materials, and an interactive learning approach, you’ll enjoy every moment of your training.
  6. Support: Have questions? Our friendly team is always here to help you every step of the way.

How to Get Started

Ready to tackle your Late CE? Here’s how:

  1. Check Your Requirements: Login to NMLS and determine how many hours you need for your national and state-specific Late CE.
  2. Select Your Courses: Browse our NMLS-approved Late CE catalog and choose the courses that fit your needs.
  3. Complete Your Training: Take the courses online at your own pace.
  4. Renew Your License: Once you finish your Late CE, you’ll be eligible to renew your MLO license and get back to helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams.

Don’t Wait — Get Started Today!

Missing a CE deadline doesn’t have to be stressful. With our NMLS Late CE courses, you can quickly and confidently fulfill your requirements and keep your MLO license active.

Let’s get your career back on track! Explore our Late CE courses now and complete your training in no time.

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