Qualified Individual Requirements: Mortgage Experience and Test Taking

Qualified Individual Requirements for Mortgage Broker Licenses

A Qualified Individual (QI) is a designated person responsible for ensuring compliance with mortgage licensing laws for mortgage brokers. QI requirements vary significantly by state and can include mortgage experience, testing, and MLO licensing requirements.

This comprehensive matrix details the QI requirements for mortgage broker licenses across all states. Understanding these requirements is essential for successfully obtaining and maintaining your mortgage broker license through NMLS.

State Licensing Matrix

View state-by-state requirements and costs

State / License Type No QI Required QI Designated Only QI Mortgage Experience Required QI MLO License & Exams Required Notes
Alabama - Mortgage Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Colorado - Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
District of Columbia - Mortgage Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Iowa - Mortgage Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Maine - Loan Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Minnesota - Mortgage Originator YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Nebraska - Mortgage Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
South Dakota - Mortgage Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Virginia YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Wisconsin - Mortgage Broker YES N/A N/A N/A Group 1. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Alaska - Mortgage Broker Lender N/A YES N/A N/A Group 2. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Georgia - Mortgage Broker N/A YES N/A N/A Group 2. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Michigan - Mortgage Broker N/A YES N/A N/A Group 2. Control Person can file this Role without taking a Test or having Mtg Experience
Arizona - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Arkansas - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
California - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Connecticut - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Delaware - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Florida - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Hawaii - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 5 years mortgage experience
Idaho - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Illinois - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Indiana - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Kansas - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Kentucky - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Louisiana - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Maryland - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Massachusetts - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Mississippi - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Missouri - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Montana - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Nevada - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
New Hampshire - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
New Jersey - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
New Mexico - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
New York - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
North Carolina - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
North Dakota - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Ohio - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Oklahoma - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Oregon - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Pennsylvania - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Rhode Island - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
South Carolina - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Tennessee - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Utah - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Vermont - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Washington - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
West Virginia - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have 3 years mortgage experience
Wyoming - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A YES N/A Group 3. QI must have mortgage experience
Texas - Mortgage Broker N/A N/A N/A YES Group 4. QI must have MLO license, file MU4 and take SAFE exam

Showing 51 states. Contact us for detailed information about specific requirements.

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Key Differences: Broker vs. Lender QI Requirements

Mortgage Broker QI: Requirements can differ from lender QI requirements in the same state. Some states require more stringent qualifications for brokers.

Experience Verification: States requiring mortgage experience typically want documentation of residential mortgage loan origination activity.

Testing Requirements: When MLO licensing is required, the QI must pass both the National SAFE Test and any state-specific component exams.

Multiple States: If operating in multiple states, your QI must meet the requirements of each state where you are licensed.

QI Group Classifications

Group 1: No QI required - Control Person designation only
Group 2: QI designated but no experience/testing required
Group 3: Mortgage experience required (typically 3-5 years)
Group 4: MLO license, MU4 filing, and SAFE exam required

Common QI Challenges for Mortgage Brokers

Documentation Requirements

Proving mortgage experience can be challenging. Maintain detailed records of your mortgage lending activities, including dates, volumes, and responsibilities.

Test Preparation

For states requiring MLO licensing, comprehensive study and preparation for the SAFE exam is essential. Many candidates require multiple attempts.

Multi-State Operations

Operating in multiple states means your QI must meet the most stringent requirements. Consider having multiple QIs if necessary.

Continuing Education

States requiring MLO licensing for QIs also require ongoing continuing education to maintain the license in good standing.

Expert Guidance on Broker QI Requirements

Herb Thomas specializes in mortgage broker licensing and QI compliance. With decades of experience, he can help you navigate the complex requirements, prepare for exams, and structure your application for the fastest approval.

Call 214-692-7611 Email hthomas@thomas-law.com

Related Resources

→ Qualified Individual - Lender Requirements → Mortgage Broker License Matrix → Estimated Processing Time - Broker → NMLS Training Videos

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