MILWAUKEE, Sept. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — To prevent license suspensions and year-end processing delays, 24hourEDU has released its complete 2026 suite of NMLS-approved online self-paced Continuing Education (CE) courses for Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) nationwide.
Under the SAFE Act, MLOs must complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved education annually to maintain their mortgage license. However, missing key state and national submission dates can leave loan originators unable to conduct business starting January 1.
Below is the official 2026 NMLS CE deadline schedule, followed by key course details available through 24hourEDU.
Key 2026 NMLS Continuing Education Deadlines
While the official NMLS annual renewal portal is open from November 1 through December 31, course completion reporting takes time. The NMLS outlines three national milestones for MLOs:
- SMART Deadline (Saturday, December 5, 2026): The official NMLS target date to guarantee that course completion hours are processed, uploaded to the provider roster, and applied in time for a seamless January 1 license renewal.
- At-Risk-to-Miss Deadline (Saturday, December 12, 2026): MLOs can still complete their CE requirements, but delayed provider reporting or state processing backlogs put January 1 license renewal at risk.
- Guaranteed-to-Miss / Final Cutoff (Saturday, December 26, 2026): The absolute last day to submit CE for standard processing. Any completion after this date will result in license expiration on January 1, preventing the MLO from originating loans until reinstatement is granted.
State-Specific Early CE Deadlines
State regulatory agencies across the country set deadlines significantly earlier than the national NMLS schedule. MLOs licensed in the following jurisdictions must complete their CE by these early cutoff dates:
- October 1: Georgia (GA)
- November 1: West Virginia (WV), Washington, D.C. (D.C.)
- November 30: Kentucky (KY), South Carolina – DCA (SC – DCA)
- December 1: Delaware (DE), Idaho (ID), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Oklahoma (OK), Vermont (VT), Puerto Rico (PR)
- December 15: Washington (WA), Utah – DRE (UT – DRE)
Note: MLOs holding licenses in multiple states must follow the earliest applicable deadline among their active jurisdictions to ensure continuous licensure.
Fast, Flexible Online CE with 24hourEDU
To assist loan originators in meeting their state and national deadlines without interrupting their workday, 24hourEDU’s pre-approved 8-Hour SAFE MLO Course Combo (NMLS #18551 / #18603) offers a fully self-paced, video-driven online format.
Key features of the 24hourEDU 2026 CE program include:
- Complete NMLS Compliance: Covers required core topics including 3 hours of Federal Law, 2 hours of Ethics, 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending, and 1 hour of Elective/State-specific law.
- Fast Next-Day NMLS Credit Reporting: 24hourEDU submits completed credits to the NMLS banking portal within 24 hours at no extra charge, removing processing friction.
- 100% Online & Mobile-Friendly: Complete modules anytime, on any device, supported by complimentary digital e-textbooks and expert instructor support.
“Waiting until late December creates unnecessary operational risks for mortgage professionals, especially those licensed in states with early fall cutoffs like Georgia or West Virginia,” said a Joseph Tollefson, Director of Sales for 24hourEDU. “Our pre-approved 2026 self-paced courses give originators a fast, flexible, and fully compliant route to get their hours reported well before these deadlines.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if an MLO misses the December 31 deadline?
A: The MLO’s license will expire on January 1. To resume loan origination, the MLO must complete designated NMLS “Late CE” courses during the reinstatement window running from January 1 through February 28.
Q: Does pre-licensing education (PE) taken in 2026 count toward 2026 CE?
A: Yes. MLOs who completed their initial 20-hour PE course and earned their license in 2026 are exempt from CE requirements for the 2026 renewal cycle.
About 24hourEDU
24hourEDU is a provider of NMLS-approved mortgage pre-licensing and continuing education. An affiliate of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), 24hourEDU delivers flexible, affordable, and fully compliant online training designed to keep mortgage professionals licensed and growing.
Media Contact:
Jesse Kennedy
24hourEDU NMLS Approved Provider# 1405107
Email: jesse@24houredu.com
Website: www.24houredu.com
