How to become a mortgage loan officer in PA

Many people in the United States want to try working as a mortgage loan officer because of its financial rewards and other benefits. Depending on the state where you plan to work, your earnings can be lower or higher than the national average. Still, it is a great way to earn money whether you treat it as a primary or secondary source of income. 

So, how does one become a mortgage loan officer in Pennsylvania? What are the educational requirements needed, if any? And how long does it take to get a mortgage loan officer license in PA? 

In this article, Mortgage Professional America will answer all these questions and more. We will discuss the steps on how to become a mortgage loan officer in PA along with the requirements needed to get a license. We will also highlight how much you can earn if you decide to go for this career. 

What are the steps on how to become a mortgage loan officer in PA? 

Just like the other states in the US, obtaining a license and passing is necessary if you want to work as a mortgage loan officer in PA. You also need to pass the required examination and qualify for the other criteria. Here is a quick look at the six steps on how to become a mortgage loan officer in this state: 

1. request an NMLS account 

2. finish NMLS-approved pre-licensure education 

3. pass the SAFE mortgage loan officer test 

4. have the state and FBI run criminal background checks 

5. finish NMLS application 

6. get employer sponsorship 

Let’s further explore the steps on how to become a mortgage loan officer in PA: 

1. Request an NMLS account  

If you want to work as a licensed mortgage loan officer in PA, you must request an account with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). This system is used not just in Pennsylvania but nationwide to register and track mortgage loan officers. 

You will receive a personal NMLS number after you create an your account with the NMLS. You must keep your NMLS number during your career as a mortgage loan officer in PA. 

2. Finish NMLS-approved pre-licensure education  

Next, finish the pre-licensure education program approved by the NMLS. Here, you will learn complete: 

• 3 hours of ethics 
• 9 hours of electives 
• 3 hours of federal law 
• 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending 
• 3 hours of Pennsylvania state-specific education 

The combined hours of these courses will be equal to the required time to meet the educational training criteria which is 20 hours of coursework. To help you get ready for these courses, you can read our guide on the basics of loan officer training. 

3. Pass the SAFE mortgage loan officer test  

To evaluate your knowledge on the pre-licensure educational program, you have to take the SAFE test. This will also assess if you are ready to become a mortgage loan officer in PA.  

The SAFE test is required by the SAFE Act. This legislation governs the licensing of mortgage loan officers as well as their eligibility criteria for the registration. 

Curious about the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008? Here is what you need to know about the SAFE Act. 

4. Have the state and FBI run criminal background checks  

As for the fourth step, you need to consent to criminal background checks which will be conducted by the state of PA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This procedure is needed to prove that you have no history of any crimes. Mortgage loan officers must have a clear record so that you can work legally in the US. As for the fees, you need to pay $36.25 for the state and FBI criminal background checks. 

5. Finish NMLS application  

You must then finish your application with NMLS before getting sponsored by a mortgage lender. This will gather all the vital details about your mortgage loan officer applications and requirements submitted. Afterwards, you can now work as a licensed mortgage loan officer in PA and seek sponsorship. 

6. Get employer sponsorship 

Once you finish the previous steps on how to become a mortgage loan officer in PA, the last thing to do is to get an employer-lender to sponsor you. Commercial banks and mortgage companies employ mortgage loan officers. This makes one of the variations between them and mortgage brokers. 

While mortgage loan officers work for their employer-lender, mortgage brokers are hired independently by their clients. Both professions help prospective borrowers with their property loan needs. 

Learn the difference between mortgage loan officers and mortgage brokers when you watch this clip: 

Want to learn how to become a mortgage broker in the US? Find out in this article. 

Benefits of becoming a mortgage loan officer in Pennsylvania 

After knowing the steps on how to become a mortgage loan officer in PA as well as its income potential, you can also check out these perks below: 

1. job stability 
2. flexible work environment 
3. networking opportunities 

Let’s shed light on each of these benefits:: 

1. Job stability 

The first advantage when you become a mortgage loan officer in PA is having a stable job. The need for mortgage loan officers, not just in this state, tends to remain strong even after economic crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite challenges, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated in 2023 that the employment of loan officers will still grow. People will always need to buy and refinance homes. In turn, this can provide job security for mortgage loan officers. 

2. Flexible work environment 

Many mortgage loan officers in Pennsylvania work flexible hours. If you choose this career, you have the option to set your own hours. You can also work from the comforts of your home. 

As such, this flexible work environment will allow you to balance your professional responsibilities with personal life. This can make it easier for you to manage family commitments or other interests. 

3. Networking opportunities 

Working as a mortgage loan officer allows you to meet a variety of professionals, like real estate agents and other financial experts. Having close ties can be beneficial for your career, as networking can lead to new clients and partnerships. 

In our Best in Mortgage section, we feature the top mortgage professionals not only in Pennsylvania but across the country. You can read their testimonies here as well as their achievements. Learning their insights might help you understand what it takes to succeed in the mortgage industry. 

By understanding how the best mortgage professionals work and what they have accomplished, you can find inspiration and guidance for your own career in this field. 

How much do mortgage loan officers make in PA? 

A mortgage loan officer can expect an average annual income of $192,068. You can also earn an additional amount of $35,500 per year in commissions according to Indeed. This is higher than the average income of $183,419 across the US. Plus, these figures are not fixed. There is always a possibility of earning more if you dedicate yourself to the job and do whatever it takes to be successful. 

If you’re not convinced that mortgage loan officers can earn more than the average salary with hard work and perseverance, check out this podcast. You might be amazed that a rookie mortgage loan officer was able to close a $23 million deal:   

To maximize your earning potential, you have to build your credibility and get clients to trust your business. Whether you are a mortgage loan officer or a mortgage broker, some strategies are effective when getting prospective clients. Here’s an article on how you can attract first-time home buyers.  

How long does it take to become a mortgage loan officer in PA? 

The answer is up to you! If you can finish all the requirements as soon as possible, then you can work as a mortgage loan officer in Pennsylvania in no time. Still, you need to consider the time spent by the governing institutions that handle the processes involved. 

For example, the waiting period for the release of your mortgage loan officer license is beyond your control. Another one is getting sponsored by a commercial bank or property loan provider. A delay can also happen if your application for license is denied. 

So, if you want to avoid unwanted delays, you should prepare all the necessary paperwork before applying. Make sure that your criminal record is clear. And when you become a mortgage loan officer in PA, you should market your brand wisely to attract prospective clients. 

Here is a video tutorial on how to get your first deal fast as a mortgage loan officer: 

Many factors, including changes in the US mortgage rates, can affect your chances of attracting clients. Here is what a Pennsylvania-based mortgage broker has to say about the impact of lower mortgage rates on client sentiment. 

Becoming a mortgage loan officer in PA: is it worth it? 

Starting your journey as a mortgage loan officer in PA is not a walk in the park but it can prove to be worthwhile. Like other professions in the mortgage sector, you need to work hard and stay determined. You should always strive to improve and exert more effort. Seasoned mortgage professionals might give you this advice especially when you’re still starting out. 

You will receive the fruits of your labor if you keep improving your business—regardless of your experience level. You will face hurdles as you go along but treat them as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. When working as a mortgage loan officer in PA, remember this quote: Hard work always wins in the end. 

Not living in PA? You might want to check our other guides: 

• How to become a mortgage loan officer in California 
• How to become a mortgage loan officer in Florida 
• How to become a mortgage loan officer in Georgia 
• How to become a mortgage loan officer in Texas 

What do you think about this guide on how to become a loan officer in PA? Tell us in the comments section below.