Well, I made it to my 5 year anniversary and just completed the recommission exam! It was a bit difficult because of the wording of many of the questions. I’m so glad I went through the exam study guide more than once. It was absolutely necessary for a good refresher. I would highly recommend it.
4 Likes
@abbottirene Congratulations! 
Preparation efforts & time are well worth it!
Your Professional Profile indicates you’re located in NC. For the examination you’re referencing, it’s for the NC Secretary of State, correct?
======
According to Google AI:
"To become a Notary Public in North Carolina, you must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam is administered by the Secretary of State and covers notarial laws, procedures, and ethics. You have three attempts to pass the exam within 30 days; if you fail, you’ll need to retake the Notary Public course.
Key points about the North Carolina Notary Public Exam:
- Passing Score: 80% or higher.
- Exam Content: Notarial laws, procedures, and ethics.
- Retake Policy: You have three attempts within 30 days. If unsuccessful, you must retake the Notary Public course.
- Course Requirement: All new applicants must complete a 6-hour notary course.
- Application Timeline: You must submit your application within three months of passing the exam and completing the course.
- Exam Administration: North Carolina Secretary of State."
.
3 Likes
It is! We must have a good understanding of the laws so they can be sure that our practices are sound. Your info is spot on.
2 Likes
Congrats! Keep up your good work.
2 Likes
A re-test after a notary’s commission expires should be a standard requirement in all states. You’d be surprised how many commissioned notaries aren’t fully aware of their own state’s notarial laws or procedures. Re-certification would help ensure that notaries remain informed, competent, and confident in their duties — ultimately protecting the public and maintaining trust in the notarial process.
2 Likes
I’ve had to look at my manual at times to make sure I was correct in my understanding. It’s a great resource and a really good way to keep from trouble. 
1 Like
I taught the 8-hour pre-exam classes for several years. My student pass rate was over 95%. I doubt if I’d still have the energy to teach now. Most of the focus of this education is to teach you what the penalties are for doing something illegal with your notary commission. You could be the world’s best notary and fail as a loan signer, which is a reason there are so many loan signer courses out there on the Internet. You’ve taken the first step, but the hardest part comes next.
2 Likes
Awesome and congratulations to you! 
1 Like
I agree! There are so many details and getting things right takes reviewing the docs at the very least, twice. It’s rewarding though. I enjoy meeting new people so it’s always fun.
Thanks! 
I was lucky to pass on the first try. Kind of nerve wracking!!
1 Like
Thanks! I’m glad it’s only every 5 years lol
1 Like
Congratulations on passing the exam! I hate exams, but that’s part of the hustle and bustle.
Continued success.
2 Likes
Thanks!! I’m glad to be done with the process. I’m not going to lie, it was a little stressful 
1 Like
It’s interesting to see some of the questions I see in social media threads. I really should say scary versus interesting. Sometimes I wonder if people even TRY to research the proper resources before hopping on social media for the quick answer.
@tiffany2 Agree! 
percent 
In general, unfortunately, it appears that ‘most’ are not interested in performing due diligence nor Researching data for a solution . . .
======
A paradigm shift is completely necessary to be successful as a business owner. It seems that many continue to maintain a mindset of an ‘Employee.’
Successful Entrepreneurs/Business Owners are normally quite Creative & regularly activate their Think Outside the Box mentality. 
.
1 Like
Yes, that’s part of the reason why I don’t like to take test. Although I don’t know you personally, I’m really happy for you. Really!
2 Likes
Thanks! I do feel a load off. Now I just have to get used to writing my new expiration date. I have to be super careful until it becomes 2nd nature to write it
2 Likes
Vermont decided to have notaries regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). The normal approach for any Vermont professional to renew their license is to take continuing education, which only requires attendance. There is no need to pass a test.
This is in keeping with other professions. You wouldn’t ask a renewing architect to pass a test on calculating the stress on a beam. You wouldn’t ask a CPA to pass a test about balance sheets. You just ask the professional to choose whether they need to review the basics, or learn something new. For some professions, including notaries, the OPR has to approve the course.
1 Like