NMLS SAFE MORTGAGE LOAN
ORIGINATOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
2026
1. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), which section specifically
prohibits kickbacks and unearned fees?
A. Section 6
B. Section 9
C. Section 8
D. Section 10
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Section 8 of RESPA prohibits anyone from giving or accepting a
fee, kickback, or anything of value in exchange for referrals of settlement service business.
2. According to the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, how many business days
must a Loan Estimate be provided to the consumer after a completed application is received?
A. Within 1 business day
B. Within 7 business days
,C. Within 3 business days
D. Within 10 business days
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Loan Estimate must be delivered or placed in the mail no
later than the third business day after the creditor receives the consumer’s application.
3. Which federal law was enacted to ensure that all consumers are given an equal chance to
obtain credit?
A. HMDA (Regulation C)
B. FCRA (Regulation V)
C. TILA (Regulation Z)
D. ECOA (Regulation B)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits creditors
from discriminating against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,
sex, marital status, or age.
4. A borrower is purchasing a home for $300,000 and putting down 5%. What is the loan-to-
value (LTV) ratio?
A. 95%
B. 90%
, C. 80%
D. 75%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: If the borrower puts down 5%, the loan amount is 95% of the
purchase price, resulting in a 95% LTV.
5. Under the SAFE Act, an MLO must complete how many hours of continuing education
annually?
A. 20 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 15 hours
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The SAFE Act requires licensed MLOs to complete at least 8
hours of NMLS-approved continuing education every year.
6. Which of the following describes a ‘Qualified Mortgage’ (QM) according to the Ability-to-
Repay (ATR) rule?
A. A loan that allows for negative amortization
B. A loan with a term exceeding 40 years
ORIGINATOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
2026
1. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), which section specifically
prohibits kickbacks and unearned fees?
A. Section 6
B. Section 9
C. Section 8
D. Section 10
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Section 8 of RESPA prohibits anyone from giving or accepting a
fee, kickback, or anything of value in exchange for referrals of settlement service business.
2. According to the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, how many business days
must a Loan Estimate be provided to the consumer after a completed application is received?
A. Within 1 business day
B. Within 7 business days
,C. Within 3 business days
D. Within 10 business days
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Loan Estimate must be delivered or placed in the mail no
later than the third business day after the creditor receives the consumer’s application.
3. Which federal law was enacted to ensure that all consumers are given an equal chance to
obtain credit?
A. HMDA (Regulation C)
B. FCRA (Regulation V)
C. TILA (Regulation Z)
D. ECOA (Regulation B)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits creditors
from discriminating against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,
sex, marital status, or age.
4. A borrower is purchasing a home for $300,000 and putting down 5%. What is the loan-to-
value (LTV) ratio?
A. 95%
B. 90%
, C. 80%
D. 75%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: If the borrower puts down 5%, the loan amount is 95% of the
purchase price, resulting in a 95% LTV.
5. Under the SAFE Act, an MLO must complete how many hours of continuing education
annually?
A. 20 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 15 hours
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The SAFE Act requires licensed MLOs to complete at least 8
hours of NMLS-approved continuing education every year.
6. Which of the following describes a ‘Qualified Mortgage’ (QM) according to the Ability-to-
Repay (ATR) rule?
A. A loan that allows for negative amortization
B. A loan with a term exceeding 40 years
