What is a Certified Mortgage Lender (CML)?

CML

The Certified Mortgage Lender (CML) designation is a certification program that was created by CMLA to demonstrate to consumers and business associates a high level of individual competence, expertise, as well as a dedication to mortgage lending as your chosen career. The CML designation may be earned through a combination of industry experience, education and training, licensing and other credentialing, and participation in industry associations. We encourage all of our members to apply for and maintain their CMLs!

Get Started

apply for your CML
renew my CML
find a CML

How do I apply?

  1. Review the CML point requirements.
  2. Submit your CML application and payment
  3. You will receive an email once a decision has been made regarding your application.

CML Requirements - New Applicants

apply for your CML
Overview
  • Application Fee: $150
  • CML Designation is valid for 3 years
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience working
    in the mortgage lending industry
  • Applicant must be a member of CMLA.
  • The applicant must certify that they have not been convicted of a felony and that they are not listed on the Fannie Mae Excluded Parties List or HUD Limited Denial of Participation (LDP) list.
  • Must accumulate a minimum of 150 total points
Experience
Experience Level Points
Each year of mortgage industry experience 10
Minimum points required for category 20
Maximum points allowed for category 100
 
Related Licenses or Certificates
License Points
Each active license 10
Minimum points required for category 0
Maximum points allowed for category 20
Education
Degrees/Programs Points
Associates Degree 5
Educational Event through CMLA 5
Industry Education (less than 4 hours) 5
Four-Year Degree 10
Industry Education (more than 4 hours) 10
Four-Year Degree in Real Estate or Finance 15
Advanced Degree in Law, MBA or Other Relevant Field 15
CampusMBA Course 20
Minimum points required for category 20
Maximum points allowed for category 50
Participation in Affiliated Associations
Participation Points
CMLA Luncheons 5
CMLA Convention 10
Volunteer for Industry Event(s) 10
Committee and/or Forum Participation (per year) 10
Mortgage Leadership Program Graduate 25
Chair or Co-Chair of a Committee
or Project		 30
Board Member of CMLA or Industry Related Organization 40
Former President of CMLA
Board of Directors		 50
Former President of CMLA
Board of Governors		 50
Minimum points required for category 15
Maximum points allowed for category 50

CML Requirements - Renewing Your CML

renew my CML
Overview
  • Renewal Fee: $100 (or $140 with plaque)
  • CML Designation is valid for 3 years
  • Applicant must be a member of CMLA
  • The applicant must certify that they have not been convicted of a felony and that they are not listed on the Fannie Mae Excluded Parties List or HUD Limited Denial of Participation (LDP) list.
  • Must accumulate a minimum of 50 total points
Experience
Experience Level Points
Each year of mortgage industry experience 12
Maximum points allowed for category 36
CMLA or Industry Activities
Activity Points
CMLA Luncheons 5
CMLA Convention 5
Educational Event through CMLA 5
Mortgage Industry Related Class 5
CampusMBA Course 10
Maximum points allowed for category 15
Participation in Affiliated Associations
Participation Points
Committee and/or Forum Participation (per year) 10
Mortgage Leadership Program Graduate 25
Chair or Co-Chair of a Committee
or Project		 30
Board Member of CMLA or Industry Related Organization 40
Former President of CMLA
Board of Directors		 50
Former President of CMLA
Board of Governors		 50
Maximum points allowed for category 50