Is the California notary exam difficult?
Asked by: Bulah Wilkinson II | Last update: July 21, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (60 votes)
California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
What percentage of people pass the California notary exam?
On average 97% of our students pass the California Notary Exam the first time. The state does charge you $20.00 for retaking the test and you can only take the exam once per calendar month. What happens if I fail the test? If you should fail the test, you are welcome to take advantage of our "class guarantee".
Is it hard to be a notary in California?
Requirements to Become a Notary Public
be a legal California resident. complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State. satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State. clear a background check.
What is the best way to study for the California notary exam?
- Review the Notary Public Handbook. It contains detailed information about laws and regulations that control notary public services in California. ...
- Take an online notary course. ...
- Practice with sample exam questions. ...
- Practice time management. ...
- Read the questions carefully.
What score do you need to pass CA notary exam?
A score of 70 or more is required to pass the exam. Exam results will not be discussed over the telephone.
California Notary Test: What You Need To Know Before You Go
Is the CA notary test hard?
California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
Are notaries in demand in California?
Demand: The need for notaries is on the rise due to economic growth and increased legal services. This trend creates ample job opportunities. Earning Potential: With California being the highest-paying state for notaries, the average salary stands at $59,055 per year.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
And the toughest notary exam is...
New York has the toughest exam to become a notary with a minimum passing score of 70%. The disconnect is that New York does not require any training requirements which leaves the individual on his own for preparing for the exam from one of the online exam preparation materials.
How much do Notaries make in California per signature?
In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10.
Is the California notary exam multiple choice?
Notary Public Education: CPS HR administers the Notary Public written examination ONLY. Information on mandatory notary education may be found on the Secretary of State's website by clicking here. Exam Content: The Notary Public Examination consists of multiple-choice questions.
What disqualifies you from being a notary in California?
Failure to disclose any arrest or conviction. Conviction of a felony where not more than 10 years have passed since the completion of probation. Conviction of a disqualifying misdemeanor where not more than 5 years have passed since the completion of probation.
Can you make good money as a notary in California?
As of Jan 20, 2025, the average annual pay for a Notary in California is $63,928 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.73 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,229/week or $5,327/month.
Can California notaries notarize remotely?
California notaries public are authorized under current law to perform electronic notarizations as long as all the requirements for a traditional paper-based notarial act are met, including the use of a seal for all but two specific documents used in real estate transactions. California law requires a person to appear ...
Is it hard to become a notary public in California?
Notary Education: To become a California notary, you must first take a California notary course. New notaries in California must take a six-hour notary training course. Renewing notaries are required to take a three-hour notary course. Notary Learning Center offers live notary training seminars.
How long is the California notary course?
All persons seeking appointment as a notary public must satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State approved six-hour course of study prior to appointment.
How long does it take to get results from CA Notary exam?
Results from your Notary Public Examination will be emailed (if you provided an email address on the upper right hand corner of your application) or mailed via United States Postal Service 15-20 business days following the examination. Exam result information will not be discussed over the phone.
Is becoming a notary in California worth it?
Becoming a notary public in California offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it expands career opportunities as many industries require notarized documents. It boosts professional profiles and employability. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for additional income through charging fees for services.
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent.
How hard is the notary exam in California?
The California notary exam is not too difficult, if you are willing to study and memorize all the required skills and rules to be a Notary Public. The notary exam will have 45 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 70% correctly to pass.
Is it stressful to be a notary?
Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.
Is there a demand for online Notaries?
States such as California and Texas often see higher demand, increasing the potential for new notaries to secure more jobs. With an average of 5-10 notarizations per day, a notary in these states could earn between $125 and $500 daily.
Is it hard to work as a notary?
As a self-employed notary, enjoying a steady source of income may be difficult. This is because the flow of jobs may be unpredictable and estimating how often your clients will need your services may be difficult.
Can I make a good living as a notary in California?
This is actually a living wage career, but doesn't require a degree or extensive training. Around two hundred thousand people are making a good living as a notary public in California. You could be one of them if you wanted to be, and we can help you!
What is the total cost to become a notary in California?
The cost to become a Notary in California ranges between $313 to $595, depending on the company you choose for your Notary training and supplies and the county in which you file your bond and oath of office.
How much do full time notaries make in California?
Notary Public Salary in California. $61,200 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $71,600 is the 75th percentile.