Roadmap to Licensing - Loan Officer
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Effective September 1, 2007, Texas redefined the requirements for licensing which are outlined in the FAQ tab.  This change enabled Power Training to now offer the Loan Officer Candidate a more extensive pre-licensing education along with renewing loan officers a wider variety of courses to satisfy the 8 core hour requirements.

Roadmap Details

Now, divided into Modules 1 – 8, a Loan Officer Candidate can complete their education all at once or taking one module at a time. 

Cost for New Loan Officer Licensees

-          Package, all 8 modules attended consecutively, tuition is $825 without the calculator $875 with.

-          Individually, tuition is $105 per module without the calculator

Cost for Broker/Loan Officer to renew

-          15 hour renewal classes  $205

Calculators

-          $50 each

Location

The classes will be held a consecutive Monday – Friday, take the weekend off, and then the following Monday – Wednesday.  Class will start at 9:00am – 5:30pm each, with one hour for lunch and two 15 minute breaks.  Class location is the DeVry Campus, 11044 Research Blvd., Bldg. B, Room 103, Austin, Texas 78759.

Module I

This module begins with the early types of mortgages and deeds and the first laws to regulate homeownership.

We will review commonly used terms to better acquaint you with the mortgage lending process and put you on the path to using the right terminology.  We also discover the roles of the processor and basic underwriting guidelines, the use of the appraisal and it’s relation to FIRREA and USPAP.  You will be introduced to the closing process through the review of a title policy, HUD 1 Settlement Statement and the RESPA laws regarding the issuance of HUD1’s.  We will cover the endorsements and review the survey and its use in the ownership process.

Module II

Lenders prior to regulation had no laws to require them to give borrowers any indications of interest rates, costs or products available to them.  Several laws were passed which clearly defined how we take loan applications, prepare good faith estimates, advertise and report information.  These laws also laid out specific determinations of how the Annual Percentage Rate is calculated, how co-signors and “eligible” borrowers were determined.  We will review the Patriot Act and cover a full review of the conventional disclosures, what they mean and how they are completed.  This section will cover:

  1. Fair Housing Act
  2. Truth In Lending Act
  3. Pre-paid Finance Chart
  4. Advertising
  5. Equal Credit Opportunity Act
  6. Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
  7. Section 32 Loans
  8. Patriot Act
  9. Convention Disclosures
     

Module III

This course will pick up with a full review of the Government Disclosures for FHA and VA Loans.  We will define what determines a loan application, what are the key origination documents, common RESPA violations on the loan application, good faith and truth in lending.  A review of the final disposition of the loan will be included.  This course will cover FACTA, credit scores and how to read the Fraud alerts on credit reports.

Module IV

This module will cover the Mortgage Broker Act, affiliation agreements and controlled business arrangements.  The afternoon will start with math basics including LTV/CLTV calculations, learning to calculate the payments including principle, interest, taxes and insurance, review of mortgage insurance, its impact on the loan approval, define mortgage risk, exposure and coverage.

Module V

Take this from the FHA/VA Course Descriptions

Module VI

Take from the Learning to Price the Loan course description

Module VII

Learn what fees it takes to close a mortgage loan, what the reasons the fees exist and how they affect APR.  Definition of PFC and how to identify them.  You will learn how to calculate housing and debt to income ratios and how liabilities are factored into the loan.  Lastly, this module will cover the Home Equity Law.

Module VIII

This piece will cover Ethics and Fraud.  I’ll send more later, thought this would be enough to get going.  Let me know what you think…

Frequently Asked Questions Made Simple

What should I bring with me to Promissor for my test?

  • 2 forms of identification (no exceptions)
  • Promissor confirmation
  • Two #2 pencils
  • Failed test (if applicable)


  • What kind of fees are involved?
  • Test
          Broker $42.00
          Loan Officer $42.00
  • Fingerprinting**
          Broker $17.50
          Loan Officer $17.50
  • Application to TSLD
          Broker $280.00
          Loan Officer $155.00
  • Background Check
          Broker $39.00
          Loan Officer $39.00
  • Recovery Fund
          Broker $20.00
          Loan Officer $20.00

  • All fees payable are non refundable. Tardiness will result in forfeiture of the fee.

    **The Department of Public Safety has contracted with a company called Identix to offer convenient, reliable, affordable applicant fingerprinting within the state of Texas. Because of this, it is not necessary for SML’s in-state applicants to submit fingerprints with the application. Instead, once the department has processed your application, a Fast Pass certificate will be mailed to your home address. This certificate will contain all the necessary information and instructions to contact Identix, set an appointment, and have your fingerprints submitted directly to the DPS and FBI and the results forwarded to our department. The TSML believes that utilizing this system will reduce the number of fingerprint rejections and the time required to conduct a background investigation. If you have any further questions about this, you may contact Identix through their website, https://tx.iisfingerprint.com/, or you may contact the licensing investigator, Robin Bradford, at rbradford@sml.state.tx.us.



    What is the content of the test?
  • Federal Law and Regulations (50% Approximately 37-38 questions)
          Including Equal Credit Opportunity Act, RESPA, and the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z)
  • Texas Mortgage Broker Licensing Act and Regulations (20% Approximately 15 questions)
  • General Math, Knowledge, Terms, and Concepts (30% Approximately 22-23 questions)
          General loan terms, knowledge, or market practices;
          Application and pre-qualification process and role of the mortgage broker/loan officer;
          Secondary Market or Federal Loan program terminology for HUD, FHA, VA, FNMA, and FHLMC;
          Legal terms - Home equity and Texas high-cost lending;
          Mathematical calculations related to mortgage lending


  • Does a passing test score expire?
    No, there is no expiration of passing score or test date.

    How much time will you have to complete the test?
    You will have 2 hours to complete the test. The test will automatically end at two hours.

    What happens if you pass?
    You will receive a score report and instructions on how to apply for your license. No score will be given.

    What happens if you fail?
    If you fail you will be given a score report that includes a numeric score and diagnostic information relating to the examination as well as a list of the areas on the content outline where the candidate performed unsatisfactory.

    What are some other suggestions?
  • Arrive 30 minutes early and check in with the facilitator
  • Go through tutorial (does not count towards test time)
  • Test begins when first question is viewed
  • No calculators, cell phones, recording devices, palm pilots, etc.
  • No books, dictionaries, reading material, scratch paper, etc.
  • No large bags, briefcases, purses, etc.
  • No eating, drinking, or smoking
  • No visitors or guests


  • Things to Know
    • All registrations are binding and are subject to penalties for non-cancellation or late cancellation. Reservations must be cancelled 48 hours prior to class or ½ tuition is due.
    • All tuition is non-refundable and must be paid 5 days prior to class. Tuition can be used towards are future class, or we will accept a substitution student.
    • Your seat is not confirmed until payment is processed. Receipts will be given out at class with your materials.
    • Certificates are issued upon class completion. If the certificate(s) is lost or stolen, a duplicate certificate will be issued upon receipt of the following information, 1. Dates of class and Class title. Power Training does not keep electronic records of class attendance so you will need to keep the information readily accessible should you need it. 2. Power Training has confirmed that the State has not received the certificate as part of a Mortgage Broker / Loan Officer Application for Licensing or Renewal. This process can take up to two weeks and a fee of $50 will be assessed for each lost certificate.

    Don’ts

    • There will no recording of class of any kind.
    • Do not duplicate or share material with a person who has not paid for the material. The material is the sole property of Power Training and copyright infringements will be prosecuted.
    • There will be no use of Cellular Phones, Laptop Computers, Blackberry’s or handheld email devices during class, nor may you receive text messages during class.
    • All cell phones, pagers, etc… must be turned to their silent or off modes during class time.
    • There will be no chewing tobacco or smoking during class.

    Agreements

    All attendees will agree to the following:

    • That you will not take longer than the allotted break times and will take breaks only during allotted times, unless arrangements have been made with instructor prior to class.
    • You will not arrive late for class, return late from lunch or breaks. It is understood that if you do arrive late, return from lunch or breaks late, the instructor has the right to refuse you admittance to class.

    By enrolling and paying tuition, Power Training assumes that you have read this FAQ and agree to all terms.

    Experience/Education Requirements Changes for NEW Applicants

    The following combination of experience and education is required for the issuance of an initial license for mortgage brokers and loan officers received by the department on or after 9/1/2007:


    Mortgage Broker

     

    Loan Officer

     

    36 months of loan origination experience

    AND

    90 hours of Core classroom training, including 6 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker or loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including 2 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker under the MBLAct but was previously licensed as a loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    • 18 months of loan origination experience and, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in either finance, banking, or business administration

    AND

    90 hours of Core classroom training, including 6 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker or loan officer under the MBLAct,

    OR

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including 2 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker under the MBLAct but was previously licensed as a loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    • Holds active Texas license as: Real Estate Broker or Attorney or General Lines Agent (Life, Accident, Health, & HMO; or Property & Casualty); Limited Lines Agent (Multiple Lines); or Managing General Agent

    AND

    90 hours of Core classroom training, including 6 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker or loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including 2 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker under the MBLAct but was previously licensed as a loan officer under the MBLAct.

     

     

     

    • 60 hours of Core classroom training, including hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider, taken within the last two years

    OR

    • 18 or more months of loan origination experience

    AND

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years;

    OR

    • Holds active Texas license as: Real Estate Broker or  Attorney or General Lines Agent (Life, Accident, Health, & HMO; or Property & Casualty); Limited Lines Agent (Multiple Lines); or Managing General Agent

    AND

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years;

     

     

     
    512-451-9112 voice info@powertraininginc.com P. O. Box 9256 Austin, TX 78766-9256