NRMLA CRMP study materials
NRMLA CRMP study resources

NRMLA CRMP study plan

NRMLA CRMP · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Reverse mortgage regulations and program details

  • Outline the federal statutes and regulations that govern reverse mortgages, including the National Housing Act, Regulation Z, and HUD Handbook 4235.1.

  • Define key terms such as HECM, MIP, PLF, and non-recourse feature.

  • Explain the role of NRMLA and its Code of Ethics in professional practice.

  • Identify the consumer protections mandated by Congress for reverse mortgages.

Your checkpoint

Create a one-page regulatory map linking each law or regulation to its purpose and key requirements.

Week 2

Reverse mortgage regulations and program details & HECM program requirements and product features

  • Compare the eligibility criteria for HECM and proprietary reverse mortgages.

  • Describe the financial assessment requirements, including credit history, income, and residual income analysis.

  • Explain the role of HUD-approved counseling and the certificate of counseling.

  • List the property standards and occupancy requirements for HECM loans.

Your checkpoint

Draft a 10-item checklist that a loan originator must verify before submitting a HECM application.

Week 3

HECM program requirements and product features

  • Calculate principal limit factors using age, expected rate, and maximum claim amount.

  • Differentiate between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate HECM payment options.

  • Explain the disbursement options: lump sum, monthly payments, line of credit, and modified tenure/term.

  • Describe the mortgage insurance premium structure and its role in protecting lenders and borrowers.

Your checkpoint

Complete a set of 15 practice problems on PLF and payment options, showing all steps.

Week 4

HECM program requirements and product features & Origination, underwriting, and servicing practices

  • Detail the HECM refinance and purchase transactions, including eligibility and disclosure requirements.

  • Outline the origination process from application to closing, including disclosures and timing rules.

  • Explain the underwriting standards for HECM, including the financial assessment and set-aside calculations.

  • Identify the documents required for closing and their purpose.

Your checkpoint

Create a timeline of the HECM origination process with all required disclosures and deadlines.

Week 5

Origination, underwriting, and servicing practices

  • Describe the servicing responsibilities for HECM loans, including payment disbursement and escrow administration.

  • Explain the events that trigger default and the loss mitigation options available.

  • Outline the HECM claims process and the role of the lender in filing claims.

  • Summarize the requirements for maintaining mortgage insurance and servicing transfers.

Your checkpoint

Write a one-page summary of default and loss mitigation procedures for a HECM servicer.

Week 6

Ethics, consumer protection, and professional responsibility

  • Apply the NRMLA Code of Ethics to common scenarios in reverse mortgage origination.

  • Explain the consumer protections under the Dodd-Frank Act and the SAFE Act.

  • Identify prohibited practices and penalties under federal and state laws.

  • Describe the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in reverse mortgage oversight.

Your checkpoint

Analyze three ethics case studies and propose the appropriate course of action for each.

Week 7

Ethics, consumer protection, and professional responsibility & Reverse mortgage regulations and program details

  • Review advertising and marketing rules for reverse mortgages.

  • Explain the importance of clear communication and disclosure to borrowers.

  • Summarize the requirements for handling borrower complaints and inquiries.

  • Revisit key regulatory updates and recent changes affecting HECM.

Your checkpoint

Develop a compliance checklist for marketing materials and borrower communications.

Week 8

Reverse mortgage regulations and program details & HECM program requirements and product features & Origination, underwriting, and servicing practices & Ethics, consumer protection, and professional responsibility

  • Synthesize knowledge from all domains through comprehensive practice questions.

  • Identify weak areas and review them using targeted resources.

  • Simulate exam conditions with a timed practice test.

  • Finalize a quick-reference sheet of key formulas and rules.

Your checkpoint

Score at least 80% on a full-length practice exam and review all incorrect answers.

Milestones

Week 2: Pass a 20-question quiz on regulations and HECM eligibility with a score of 75% or higher.

Week 4: Complete a case study of a HECM transaction from application to closing, correctly identifying all compliance points.

Week 6: Achieve a score of 80% or higher on a 30-question practice test covering ethics and consumer protection.

Week 8: Pass a full-length practice exam with a score of 80% or higher, demonstrating readiness for the CRMP exam.