Your guide to the NMLS practice test

3. Know the NMLS test breakdown

While this information was listed previously in this article, we figured it should also be included in this list. You will be given 190 minutes (about 3 hours) to take the NMLS test. You will have to answer 120 multiple-choice questions, 115 of which will be scored and five unscored. These questions cover several different areas, which include:

• Federal mortgage-related laws: 24%
• Uniform state content: 11%
• General mortgage knowledge: 20%
• Mortgage loan origination activities 27%
• Ethics: 18%

4. Read every question over

This is good practice not only for the NMLS test, but for all tests. Reading every question twice ensures that you understand every aspect of the question. Because multiple-choice tests are so detail-oriented, understanding the question in its entirety is crucial.

5. Use your time wisely

If you use your time wisely, you will be able to revisit questions you perhaps needed more time on. If you are unsure about a question, you can skip it and revisit it later.

6. Answer all questions

The NMLS test differs from some other exams in that there are no penalties for answering a question incorrectly. Therefore, make sure you answer all questions before you complete the exam. This will give you the best chance of passing.

7. Eliminate negatives

Positive answers are more likely correct than negative ones, according to this handbook. Be aware of questions that have double negatives—read those carefully. Try reading the question without the negatives to gain a clearer understanding of what the question is actually asking.