Are you interested in a fast-paced, people-driven career in the financial and real estate industries? Becoming a loan originator might be the perfect path for you. Loan originators—also known as loan officers or mortgage loan originators (MLOs)—play a vital role in helping individuals and families secure home financing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to become a licensed loan originator, what the job entails, and why it’s a rewarding career choice.
A loan originator is a licensed professional who helps borrowers obtain loans, most commonly mortgage loans for buying or refinancing homes. They act as the primary point of contact between a borrower and the lender (such as a bank or mortgage company), guiding clients through loan options, collecting required documentation, and ensuring the loan process runs smoothly from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about becoming a loan originator, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to get started:
To begin, you must:
Enroll in a 20-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). This coursework covers federal lending laws, ethics, mortgage loan origination activities, and more.
The SAFE (Secure and Fair Enforcement) MLO exam includes both national and state components. It tests your knowledge of mortgage lending principles, federal regulations, and ethical lending practices.
Most states require a criminal background check and credit report to ensure candidates demonstrate financial responsibility and integrity.
Once you pass the exam and meet all other requirements, apply for your license through the NMLS system. Depending on your state, you may also need to fulfill additional criteria.
You must be sponsored by a licensed employer—like ALCOVA Mortgage—before you can officially originate loans.
To keep your license active, complete 8 hours of continuing education (CE) annually, including updates on lending laws and practices.
Loan originators are more than just paperwork processors—they’re relationship builders and financial problem-solvers. Typical responsibilities include:
To thrive in this career, you’ll need a blend of financial knowledge, customer service skills, and attention to detail. Top traits include:
Loan origination is one of the most rewarding careers in the mortgage and finance industry. Here’s why:
Work for a bank, credit union, or independent mortgage lender. You can specialize in residential, commercial, or refinancing loans.
Many loan originators earn a base salary plus commission. With the right drive, your earnings can scale quickly.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for loan officers is expected to grow as housing demand and refinancing needs remain strong.
You get to help people achieve the dream of homeownership—one of life’s most meaningful milestones.
At ALCOVA Mortgage, we don’t just hire loan originators—we empower them. Our team offers comprehensive training, marketing support, cutting-edge technology, and a culture that values integrity, service, and results.
Whether you’re newly licensed or looking to take your career to the next level, we’re here to help you succeed. Ready to start your journey?
Contact Us Today or explore opportunities on our Careers Page!
Licensed in AL, AR, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV | 308 Market Street SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
© 2025 ALCOVA Mortgage, LLC. All rights reserved.
