Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.

We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for loan officers. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

9 Best Loan Officer Certifications

1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)

2. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)

ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No

3. Residential Certified Loan Officer (CLO)

The Certified Loan Officer(CMT) designation creates a recognizable and meaningful seal of quality for residential loan officers.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No

4. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
Practice Management Institute

5. Certified Bank Teller (CBT)

Applicable to financial services professionals who have completed the AIB Bank Teller Certificate and who function as bank tellers.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become Top Banker With Complete Bank Teller Training - 2021
udemy
4.2
(330)

6. Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 365 and Office 2019)

Demonstrate that you have the advanced skills needed to get the most out of Office by earning a Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert certification in multiple Office programs.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)

7. Microsoft Office 365

This exam is designed for students, office workers, or instructors who need to navigate Office 365 at the feature and functionality level, including Outlook Web App, Lync collaboration functionality, SharePoint Online, and Office Web Apps.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Microsoft Office 365
Certifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Microsoft 365 Ultimate Guide
udemy
4
(2,572)

8. Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)

Medical Office Assistants typically perform administrative duties for health care providers in office settings, although some may also perform basic clinical tasks (as allowed by state laws). Their responsibilities will vary by employer, but may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing or bookkeeping.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)

9. Professional Credit Specialist (PCS)

Certification enables you to make your clients, customers, colleagues,employers and others with whom you do business aware of the knowledge and skill you have invested in your career in the credit industry.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying Organization
Credit Professionals International

What is the best certification for a Loan Officer?

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is most common among loan officers. This certification is awarded by the The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience. To become a certified loan officer with Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you need to pass the exam. This certificate requires more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 1 year.

What Certifications Can Impact a Loan Officer Career and Salary?

Loan officers are most often promoted to a branch manager position. A branch manager average salary is $57,426 whereas loan officers make an average salary of $45,817. The Certified Management Accountant certification could help you to get a branch manager position in your career path.

Best Certifications

Loan officers are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA), and Residential Certified Loan Officer (CLO).

online courses for Loan Officers that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

Advertising Disclosure

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Finibi Mortgage CEO, Joe Correa, teaches you how to take your mortgage loan processor career to the next level...

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Learn the Basics of Financial Accounting: Financial Statements, Debits and Credits, The Accounting Cycle and More!...

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Learn from the president and CEO of Finibi Mortgage, Joe Correa, how the entire mortgage process works...

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How To Ace Your Real Estate Financial Modeling Interview Exam For Real Estate Investing Careers...

19. How to Read Financial Statements: Build Financial Literacy.

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Read financial statements and speak the language of business without the drudgery of a traditional accounting course...

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The Complete A to Z Guide to Modeling Real Estate Transactions in Microsoft Excel For Smarter Real Estate Investing...

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Loan Officer Certification FAQs

How To Get A Loan Officer License

To get a loan officer license, you must complete the required pre-licensing education, pass a national or state-specific licensing exam, submit an application and pay the associated fees, and meet any additional state-specific requirements, such as a background check or credit check.

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