Read below to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the CRU.

Getting Started

How do I earn the Certified Residential Underwriting (CRU) designation?

There are three levels to earning your CRU designation. Successful completion of Level 1 will earn you the Residential Underwriting Achievement Certificate, Level 2 the Residential Underwriting Professional Certificate and Level 3 the CRU designation. You will need to enroll in each step of the program.

How do I know where to start? Which certificate is first?

Each step is designed to incorporate your experience:

Achievement Certificate: CRU Level 1 courses are recommended for individuals with less than 3 years of experience.

Professional Certificate: CRU Level 2 courses are recommended for individuals with 3-4 years of experience.

CRU Designation: CRU Level 3 courses are recommended for individuals with 4+ years of experience.

Will I receive a certificate at each level?

You will receive a printed certificate for successful completion of Level 1 and Level 2.

When you successfully complete Levelp 3 and earn your CRU designation, you will be presented the CRU designation certificate in a professional plaque at the MBA Residential Underwriting Conference.

Fees

After I enroll in the program do I need to pay separate testing fees?

The testing fees are included in your enrollment or exemption fees for Level 1 and Level 2. You are required to either pay an enrollment fee at each level or a test exemption fee at each level. The CRU designation (Level 3) exam is an additional fee ($150 for MBA members, $300 for nonmembers).

If I do not pass an assessment, are there fees for retesting?

Option 1: If you have successfully completed the coursework for Levels 1, 2 or 3 but need to retake the test, you must pay a retesting fee of $100 for each level.

Option 2: If you applied for an exemption for Levels 1 or 2 and did not pass the test, you will need to pay the enrollment fee (Level 1: $100, Level 2: $200) and successfully complete the coursework for each level in order to retake the tests.

Are courses included with the enrollment fee?

Courses are not included with the enrollment fee. You must register for and purchase required courses separately. You may do so online at www.campusmba.org or by calling (800) 348-8653.

I am currently enrolled in an eTicket with my company. Do I have to pay the enrollment or retesting fees?

If your company subscribes to CampusMBA’s e-Ticket program and you are an e-Ticket participant, you may enroll in Levels I and II at no additional cost. In order to waive these fees, you must enroll through the e-Ticket enrollment page. Should you not pass the final exam on the first attempt, you must pay a retesting fee in order to take the exam again.

If you need help enrolling in a certificate program or course, or for if you have questions regarding testing, please call (800) 348-8653.

My company licenses course content from CampusMBA and hosts the courses on our company’s learning management system. Do I have to pay enrollment fees?

Yes. Click here to download the enrollment form. Your trainer must provide proof of course completion to the CampusMBA registrar.

Testing

When can I take the CRU Level 1 assessment?

Option 1: You may take the assessment after you have enrolled in Level 1 and have completed all of the Level 1 course work.

Option 2: You may take the assessment if you meet all of the requirements and have applied for an exemption to the Level 1 coursework.

When can I take the CRU Level 2 assessment?

Option 1: When you have completed all requirements for Level 1, have enrolled in Level 2 and have successfully completed all of the Level 2 courses.

Option 2: You may take the assessment if you meet all of the requirements and have applied for an exemption to the Level 2 coursework.

When can I take the CRU Level 3 assessment?

When you have completed all requirements for Level 1 and Level 2, have enrolled in Level 3 and have successfully completed all of the Level 3 courses.

I am ready to take the test. How do I gain access to the test?

After you’ve enrolled and have successfully completed all coursework for that step, contact Tanya Tamarkin at (202) 557-2943, or email TTamarkin@mortgagebankers.org to sign up for the test. The online test will appear in the “My Courses” box of your module after you log in. You will have only one opportunity to take the test and pass it.

What score do I have to earn in order to pass each test and how will I know what my score is?

You must score a 75% or better to successfully pass the test. When you enroll in the program or apply for the exemption you will receive a study outline. You will receive immediate feedback on your test results for Level 1 and Level 2. Your Level 3 test results will be provided to you within one week of CampusMBA receiving the appropriate proctor form.

Do I have to have a proctor form for each test?

No, you must only complete a proctor form for Level 3 testing. You will receive a proctor form upon enrollment in Level 3 in your testing package. If you need an additional proctor form, please call (800) 348-8653.

How much time is allowed to take the test? Is the timeframe the same for each step?
You should allow approximately 2 hours for the Level 1 and Level 2 tests. You should allow 2-4 hours to complete the Level 3 exam.

Once I pass the Level 3 test and earn my CRU designation, do I have to do anything to keep my designation?

Yes, you must earn a minimum of five points every two years and must pay a $100 renewal fee to keep your CRU designation active.

Retesting

I have completed all of the required coursework but failed my test. What is the process for taking it again?

You can sign-up for a retest for Level 1, 2 or 3 by calling (202) 557-2943. You will be required to pay a retesting fee of $100.

I applied for the exemption but failed the Level 1 or Level 2 test. What is the process for taking it again?

Once you have applied for the exemption for Level 1 or Level 2, you must pass the assessment on the first attempt. If you do not pass the test on the first attempt, you may test again after enrolling in that step and successfully completing all required coursework. After successful completion of the courses for that step, you can take the test again by calling (202) 557-2943.

How many times can I retake the test?

You may retake the exam as many times as needed to successfully pass. There is no waiting period in between retesting.

Test Exemptions

Can I apply for an exemption to waive the coursework?

You may apply for an exemption to waive the coursework for Levels 1 and 2 only, if you meet the requirements. No exemptions are offered for Level 3. Exemption fees are $100 (members) / $150 (nonmembers) for Level 1 and $200 (members) / $250 (nonmembers) for Level 2. You can apply for an exemption by calling (202) 557-2943.

How do I qualify for an exemption?

Level 1: If you have at least two years of underwriting experience, you can apply for an exemption to waive the coursework and go directly to the test. It is recommended that you have a minimum of three years of mortgage industry experience. Once you have applied for the exemption, you must pass the Level 1 assessment on the first attempt. If you do not pass the test on the first attempt, you may test again after enrolling in Level 1 and successfully completing all required Level 1 courses.

Level 2: If you have completed all the requirements for Level 1 and you have at least four years of underwriting experience, you can apply for the Level 2 exemption to waive the coursework and go directly to the test. Once you have applied for the exemption, you must pass the Level 2 assessment on the first attempt. If you do not pass the test on the first attempt, you may test again after enrolling in Level 2 and successfully completing all required Level 2 courses.

Additional Questions

I still have questions about the CRU program. Is there someone I can talk to for more information?

Absolutely – we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please call a member of our designations team at (202) 557-2943.