Designated Broker Licensing Test
In order to begin preparing for the implementation of the federal SAFE act (H.R. 3221, or “HERA,” Public Law No. 110-289), DFI has removed the test study guide from the website. License applicants must study for the test based on the continuing education topics as described in WAC 208-660-600(23). Eventually, the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) will create and administer the based on the standards in the SAFE act.
Taking this step will help ensure that any federal review of the test, and thereby the quality of education of newly licensed loan originators, meets the SAFE requirements.
Candidates seeking to become a Designated Broker in Washington must take a licensing test administered by national testing service PearsonVUE. PearsonVUE offers many testing center locations around the country.
See below for more information about the Designated Broker licensing test.
Test Requirements for Designated Brokers
Individuals applying for approval as a Designated Broker in Washington must take and pass the new licensing test offered by PearsonVUE.
Please hold onto the certificate that says you passed the test. We will ask for information from the certificate when you renew your license.
How To Register For The Test
Please follow these registration instructions (PDF)* from PearsonVUE.
After Passing The Test
Please hold onto the certificate that says you passed the test. We will ask for information from the certificate when you renew your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Must I pass the test prior to becoming a licensed Designated Broker?
Yes. To become a licensed Designated Broker you must take and pass the Designated Broker test.
2) After passing the Designated Broker test, will I have to take the Loan Originator test to get a Loan Originator license?
If you passed the Designated Broker test, and are currently a licensed Designated Broker, you will be given a Loan Originator license without having to take the Loan Originator test.
3) How much does the test cost?
Both the Loan Originator test and the Designated Broker test will cost $52.
The test fee of $52 must be paid at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, voucher or electronic check. Fees will not be accepted at the test center.
4) How do I register to take the test?
Please follow these registration instructions (PDF)* from Promissor.
5) What will be covered in the test?
Study for the test based on the continuing education topics as described in WAC 208-660-600(23).
6) Can I change my test date?
You should call PearsonVUE forty-eight (48) hours before the test to change or cancel a reservation.
Candidates who change or cancel a reservation with proper notice may transfer the fee to a new reservation, or may request a refund.
7) How long after taking the test will I receive my results?
When you complete the test, you will receive a score report marked "pass" or "fail."
8) How many questions will there be?
The Loan Originator test will consist of 100 questions. The Designated Broker test will contain 135 questions.
9) Where do I send my passing certificate to?
Please hold onto your passing certificate for the time being. We will ask for information from your certificate when you renew your license.
* This document is a PDF file, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you may download it for free from Adobe.
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