Notary Public Tests

In many states of U.S, passing a written test is mandatory before an applicant can become a notary public. Qualification requirements vary from state to state. The exam is held at many authorized test centers throughout a state. Information regarding test centers, dates and exam times is found in the notary application kit. Many states offer a variety of courses to improve the passing rate of notary public tests.

Applicants who prepare for notary public tests require deep knowledge in the state notary laws, the correct notarization procedures required by the state, and the various criminal penalties for improper notarizations. A notary is an officer certified by the Secretary of State. Among his official duties are administering oaths, certifying affidavits, taking acknowledgement and depositions, and recording notarial protests.

A passing score is set by all states for the written notary public test. For example, applicants must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions to pass the New York notary test. In general, the states declare all test results as either passed or failed, and never provide a numerical score. Notary tests contain true or false queries and multiple choice questions. Applicants are allowed a limited time to answer all these questions. They select answers by filling in circles (x95) on a machine-readable score sheet at the exam center.

The type of notary examination given in each state may be different. In New York, the test is given on a walk-in basis. The exams are not pre-scheduled, and the tests are ‘first come, first serve’ exams. The exam fee is $15.00, payable by cashier’s check or credit card to the state department. Other important requirements are government issued photo identification and a thumb print before taking the exam.

Upon passing the test, the completed and notarized application with the required fee may be sent to the state department with the pass slip. The oath of office is taken in front of the notary and then the application is signed. Failure to apply for a notary commission within the restricted time, normally two years, of the date of the test invalidates the results. In New York, a person can retake the exam as often as he wants. There is no waiting period for re-examination. Each time, he has to pay the exam fee.

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