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The American Bankers Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association both offer ongoing training and certification programs for loan officers. Legally, you don't need to be certified. But these programs will boost your credentials and chances of advancing. You'll take a series of courses to improve your knowledge of banking, credit analysis, and mortgage law. You can even choose a program that is designed for your loan specialization. For example, a loan officer can earn a residential or commercial Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) certificate through the Mortgage Bankers Association. The American Banker's Association offers certificates in Commercial Lending, Residential Mortgage Lending, and another in Lending Compliance. Pursuing your professional development with a certification course in underwriting will, once again, increase your credentials and potential for advancement. Underwriting programs are designed for those already in the industry; you will take courses that improve your understanding of loan risk based on things like property types and value, capital, and debt. Two or even four-year degree programs are also available. One skill that underwriting programs will give you is software literacy. While some banks still judge loan applications by set guidelines and human judgement, increasingly they are using specialized underwriting software that evaluates loan applicant. Knowing your way around these programs is a great skill to put on your resume. You will have to do a lot of professional development to be a great loan officer. Laws change often at the state and federal level. You will have to stay on top of these changes. Also, remember that you will need to complete a minimum amount of continuing education hours per year to maintain your license. Whether it be for certification, staying up-to-date, or just continuing education, it's in your interest to keep learning.
Get a professional certification. Take a program in underwriting. Continue to learn.