You know exactly what companies who are going to impliment esign are not going to require background checks?!?!
Please lend me your cystal ball.
I think if you reread what I wrote, you might catch what I meant.
I recently participated in a training webinar with Pavaso. They do eSignings of non-notarized docs with printing and wet signings of notarized docs. Their system is set up to do eNotarizations. They don’t require a background check to register with them as an eNotary. (Of course, the title companies that contract with Pavaso might require background checks.)
For eNotarizations for general notary work, one could sign up with Docusign or Docverify if you live in one of the states they support. They don’t require background checks.
Depending on the rules of your state, you may be able to use a general purpose digital certificate, together with a program such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader, or Adobe Acrobat. These companies don’t require a background check, and don’t even care if you’re a notary or not. These companies include Identrust and Globalsign
Yearly background checks SHOULD BE required for teachers.
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After my much complaints and lobbying , Fidelity is NOW accepting CRIMCHECK as one of the 3rd companies to get background results. Its less than $25.
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Did you pass the test???
Bobbie
I would love to get the answer to the test question or some of them!!
I purchased a used NNA Notary Signing Agent Training Course book from Amazon, read it and referenced it for the the exam. I passed the first try. I will definitely keep the book for future reference. Just be sure you get the 2010 edition. Good luck!
The questions vary somewhat each year and some of the question strike me as mere filler vs. substance. It is what it is.
Having an update to your background check makes more sense than having to pass a recertification test every year. Things don’t really change that much and some of the questions concern minute details of the suggested agent code of conduct. I say suggested because the certified signing specialist designation which was origianally proposed was based on the code of conduct. The code is an invention of the NNA and the basis for the signing specalist designation. The program never came to fruition, so it remains an arbitrary requirement of the NNA and their certification process only. I would think if it has to be taken to acquire the NNA certification that it be limited to one time only. The signing agent may have certain new developments which might prevent a clean background check, so I can understand why they would want that done on a yearly basis
Please give us the requirements for annual BGC’s in your state by your state laws for notaries. To my knowledge, the only requirements for BGC’s are set by the Secretary of State for each state because they are the agency governing all notaries in their individual states. In California, which has some of the strictest notarial laws in the country, a BGC is only required once every four years. I am not aware of any state with a requirement for an annual BGC. That is something set up and required only by the NNA, which incidentally is not authorized to do that.
Interesting you mention California. I have done loan signings for agencies, title companies, law firms and escrows. Not one has ever asked me for a background check. If they did I would let them know I am in compliance with my state that requires fingerprinting along with a background check by the State Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation every 4 years. Maybe they know?
That said, I now primarily work with direct customers including lawyers, businesses and the general public which is very worthwhile at our increased state rate of $15 per notarized signature, plus mobile/travel fees. So, times may have changed. I don’t begrudge anyone for operating their business the way they want as long as they are in compliance with the law. I like continuing education and might spend money on it that someone else wouldn’t. But then, I won’t pay for an “extra” background check not required by my state. I enjoy my work and I’m good at it. That’s what matters to me : )
Where can I find the best study info for the NNA exam
I got this book from Amazon used. It helped a lot for exam prep.
Thanks for the info, I’ve already passed the exam since my post!
I am applying with Orange Coast Title, they require YEARLY NNA certification AND yearly BGC. I think they are in kahoots with NNA.
You are no doubt correct. That is exactly what the NNA certification requires. The NNA is creating a monopoly on the “certified signing agent” designation. Time to report this to your Congressional representatives and your Senators. The NNA, title and escrow companies need to be regulated so they do not violate any laws governing monopolies and coercion.
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Hi all. I am new here and have gone through the NNA for the Notary Public and, most recently, the NSA program. I am at the part to take the test and am being told that I have one chance essentially to take this test. I SUCK at tests and don’t want to fail. I’ve been going down through this feed and seeing the common theme of how the NNA is seen. Thank you for being so open about it so someone new like me can see more of the bigger picture. Is there anyone here that has gone through the NNA exam that would be willing to help me pass it? I’ve been through their training and have a study guide, but tests are my enemy… lol. Thanks in advance! My email address is kstaronka@comcast.net.
Kasey
Take a good course, it’s worth the money. I recommend Notary2Pro.com. Excellent course and reasonable. NNA is a good place to start. Like all professions there are benefits to belonging. You need someone to put your name out there and you have to market yourself also. I retired from the insurance industry and joined many professional groups, it’s your business. Just spend wisely.
I am fairly new as a signing agent. In Colorado, we have to pass a test to get the notary commission. The majority of real estate sales are closed at title companies, so the majority of loan signings for a mobile notary are through signing companies. Snapdocs was keeping me fairly busy until 2 weeks ago. Now crickets. My profile now has me listed with medium approval. Their note said I needed the NNA certification. It looks like to get business from them and other assignment companies, I need to do the test, as well as the background check.
As a 36 year real estate agent, I have discovered the same thing in my work with banks. I do valuations for them. Sometimes they are interior inspections. About 6 years ago, they started requiring background checks. Our state does on going checks through our state Bureau of investigations in that, if I commit a crime, they are notified. I pay frequently for these “background checks” which are performed by data divers. The accuracy level is pretty low. I have spent hours online with these companies and Lexis Nexus correcting things. If you have a common name it is worse. Background companies created the “need” for their product. Different companies i work with require their own background companies.
Now I find that notary assignment companies require different checks that include driving history. So, one more check. So, every year I submit to half a dozen background checks. I am convinced they are a scam perpetrated by the background companies’ sales pitch.
That and the test by NNA, but it is just an extra cost of doing business. If you don’t need it to do business, then don’t submit.
Some people just do not test well, and some have trouble with online tests.