@angela4 Over the past nearly two decades, many longtime & well-respected Notary Cafe members have expressed identical sentiments from their direct experience.
In addition, they’ve also expressed disappointment in the broad-sweeping inaccuracies that are provided in their Training materials and via the Hotline.
Another item that has been a recurring source of contention is that for YEARS the background checks [BGCs] were only “renewed” at the time of the Notarial Commission renewal (once very FOUR years).
Unfortunately, several years ago this Colossus Organization decided that it would alter the renewal interval to every 2 years to increase the revenue to their bottom line (after they began providing BGC services).
Fast-forward a few additional years & that same organization altered the required “renewal” interval to ONE YEAR. At that point in time, they also convinced the Title/Escrow Companies [T/ECs] that the only ‘worthy’ BGC was theirs & that a “renewal” should also be required by them of their signing agents ANNUALLY . . .
Well, here we are now many years later continuing to face increasing expenses to operate alongside a strong DOWNWARD trend of Signing Order fees.
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@angela4 You’re correct that this organization could do MUCH MORE to support Professional Signing Agents [PSAs] & Notaries Public across the US instead of continuing to repeatedly create more ways to extract hard-earned cash from each of us.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PROFESSIONAL, REPUTABLE & TRUSTWORTHY TRAINING & MENTORING:
As new members seek insights regarding launching their business, a Key Element to Success is providing themselves with an appropriate foundation and undergirding that will serve & support their business.
When I initially started performing this work, I successfully completed MULTIPLE training/certification programs including Notary2Pro & NNA and many others. I have extensive experience in skill sets that require certification and recurrent evaluation tests; i.e., I’ve maintained my Project Management Professional [PMP] certification for more than 20 years. So, I understand what it usually entails and the elements that should be included within a comprehensive training program.
Regarding the NNA training specifically, it’s lacking across multiple topics & categories. Many NNA “graduates” choose to take additional training courses elsewhere, because they sense they’re insufficiently prepared. Their primer has errors throughout. Their hotline is less than reliable for accurate responses.
In my experience with undergoing the multiple training programs for certified notary signing agent [CNSA] certification, hands-down without question, Carol Ray’s Notary2Pro training programs are optimum in this industry. I’ve successfully completed ALL of the multiple training/certification programs that Carol offers through her company Notary2Pro. Her programs are thorough & detailed. These also prepare the business owner to operate a business. In addition, she offers Mentoring services. I found those to be excellent & INVALUABLE when I was initially starting out in this business sector. The prices are surprisingly reasonable. 
I’ve professionally compared the training/certification programs available at Notary2Pro with the others I’ve successfully completed. The ONLY training/certification program I recommend is Notary2Pro.
A list of companies that hire Notary2Pro graduates (with minimal or no experience) is provided to successful course graduates. => This list is pure GOLD! Study up, refresh your notes, & let Carol know when your initial few signings are scheduled. She is a wonderful mentor & can be on standby in case you encounter difficulties or have questions during your first few signings. She’s the Best! Her support will help you Build your Confidence in providing this service. 
In addition, Notary2Pro works diligently to keep this list up-to-date regarding vetting and viability. As we all know, some reliable clients can encounter financial difficulties and that, in turn, can negatively impact CNSAs directly.
Of course, your best bet would be to visit their website at https://www.notary2pro.com/ , research, and make the choices appropriate for your situation. The training & mentoring programs by Carol Ray are comprehensive & thorough. 
P.S. I receive no compensation or remuneration of any type or kind as a result of my first-hand experiential review above.
P.P.S. Unfortunately, Carol passed (February, 2022) from our earthly plane. I hope she Rests In Peace. I’m grateful to have made her acquaintance and studied under her tutelage.
Thankfully, her children are continuing to provide these professional services!
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