How difficult is the notary exam?

That’s a great question, and one that we get all the time. The short answer is: it depends!

So while some people will breeze through it with no problem, others may find themselves doing a lot of studying and practicing beforehand.

The best way to know how difficult the exam will be for you is by taking an online practice test. There are many of these available online, so check them out before deciding whether or not you want to study further!

New York

New York has one of the toughest exams to become a Notary. The Empire State requires notary applicants to undergo and pass an exam with a minimum score of 70 percent to obtain an appointment. However, the state does not require any education, so candidates are on their own to learn the topics covered in the test. Applicants have one hour to complete the test, and the tests are watched. In short, no books, notes, or study aids are allowed, and all electronic gadgets must be turned off during your exam.

Helpful Resources For New York’s Exam: 

For New York – How difficult is the notary exam?

Score Reporting 

All exam results are reported as either passed or failed; you will not get a numerical score. Mail will soon notify you as soon as your exam results are available. If you pass the written exam, you will receive a notice in the mail. Apply by submitting your application form and license fee. (Complete application details are provided in the application form instructions.) Lastly, if you fail the written exam, you will receive a notice in the mail. You may retake the exam on another date and time of your choice. Examination results are only valid for a period of two years.

About the NY Exam 

The exam is multiple choice. Exam topics include: License law, general terms and information related to the duties and functions of a notary public, as outlined in the “Notary Public License Law” booklet available from the Division of Licensing Services. Applicants will be allowed 1 hour to complete the exam. The allotted time begins at the conclusion of the instructions. In addition, this exam is offered in the following languages: Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese. If you wish to take the exam in one of these languages, please notify an exam proctor when you report to the exam center.

To schedule your exam click here.

California

California has some of the strictest application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — involving a required training course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state. Based on the state’s Notary Public Handbook, the test is proctored, and applicants must score at least 70 percent to obtain a California certification. Renewing Also, notaries must also take the exam again when time to renew. 

Helpful Resources For California’s Exam – How difficult is the notary exam?

Exam Results

Exam results will be available 15 business days after the examination. CPS HR Consulting will mail the exam results to applicants. A score of at least 70 is required to pass the exam. Exam results will not be discussed over the telephone.

Tips for notary exam

Before taking the exam, it is recommended that the applicant review the Notary Public Handbook. Notary Public Class (us) offer Notary training seminars in California.

We have worked with people who had no background in notaries at all and helped them pass the exam on their first try. We’ve also helped people who had never taken an exam before make it through this one without any problems. Lastly, if there’s anything we’ve learned from working with our clients over the years, it’s that there are some simple steps anyone can take to increase their chances of success—and those steps start with hiring us as your tutor!

North Carolina

North Carolina requires new commission candidates to take a required training course and pass an exam with a minimum score of 80 percent. Additionally, NC requires the highest passing scores for Notaries in the U.S. Applicants for renewal must pass a test for each time. 

Standards for the recommissioning test are stringent. 

Renewing notaries has 30 minutes to complete testing. 

Helpful Resources For North Carolina’s Exam: 

Registration in North Carolina’s required course and exam can be located on North Carolina Secretary of State site. 

Louisiana

Louisiana examination requirements are different than any other state in the U.S. In fact, applicants must take and pass the statewide Notary examination. How difficult is the notary exam?

If an attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana, you are exempt.

The Louisiana examsoffered twice a year. On the first Saturday in June and December.

It is in three parts (scenario, research and multiple-choice components, all of which must be passed) and lasts approximately five hours. It is given at regional test centers. Non-attorney applicants must also take a pre-assessment test administered by the Secretary of State to determine the applicant’s probability of passing the statewide exam.

Helpful Resources For Louisiana’s Exam: The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office has information on becoming a Notary and offers exam study materials for purchase.

Requirements to obtain a Notary Commission are becoming tougher and more complicated in many states. Read on to discover which states have the most demanding state Notary tests, and obtain helpful links to resources to assist new and renewing Notaries pass these exams.

Helpful Resources For New York’s Exam: 

Lastly, to schedule your exam click here.

In conclusion

Before you stress about it, we want to make sure you know one thing: You can do it! We’ve seen people who thought they’d never pass the notary exam do just that, and we know what it takes to make that happen.