How state officials catch Notary mistakes: What every Notary needs to know | NNA &utm_medium=email&utm_source=braze&utm_content=
Considering the significant increase in the number of newly commissioned notaries and individuals who have chosen to become Loan Signing Agents, the insights presented in this article regarding how state officials identify Notary errors are, frankly, not at all unexpected.
#1 is notarizing without the signer present? That says a lot.
That’s what happens when people get their commission and jump right in without any training. I took three different courses before I walked out the door because i wanted to know what i was doing.
I had a mentor which made the biggest difference in the world. My first assignment was a disaster.
Now I read through the instructions and shake my head. It wouldn’t be in the instructions if they weren’t seeing dumb mistakes returned all the time.
All of the courses you can take won’t help as much as going out and doing a signing for real. I’m not suggesting that the courses aren’t necessary or helpful, but as they say, experience is the best teacher.
Even when the first one is a disaster, I agree you have to get out there.
As I remember, my first one wasn’t a disaster, but it seemed to take forever to finish.
I did a buyers package and went back the next day. I can honestly say I haven’t made the same mistakes again. Getting the county wrong was the least of it LOL
I can’t even imagine why someone would do that. I’ve never even been asked to do that.
Not sure I understand. My error was filling in the wrong county. What is true though and what many new notaries don’t know is sometimes title companies just re-assign an order to be re-done and you’re not even made aware you botched the thing or given a chance to fix it.
On my first order I got home and called the company and said I had made mistakes and we discussed the errors and I went back and re-did the signing.
I actually think having a notary correct their errors is a great way to teach a new notary. You can live in a world where you think you’ve been error free not even knowing someone was sent after you to re-do the whole thing.
Found that out my first year when a notary who had blown a reverse mortgage somehow found out I had been assigned to fix her mistakes and she called me complaining that she was fine to go fix her mistakes and why was I assigned and she wasn’t allowed to go back.
And it can absolutely happen.
@cfletcher 
Appreciate the article reference via direct url link.
On an ongoing basis, I strongly recommend that anyone new to this business sector (even if you’re already a business owner) to undertake a reputable certification course. At a minimum, it would help many avoid those pitfalls.
Regarding finding a reputable training . . . there are many scams to be wary of . . .
This is what is meant when we reference that “it’s a very small world” in this business sector.
Someone new can make an inadvertent (or simple) error on their initial few signings and VOILA! Their name is “out for publication” between & among lenders, title/escrow companies [T/ECs], etc. and those individuals are avoided for possible Signing Orders.
Another reason we advocate for ensuring you receive some professional, reliable, & trustworthy training (not YouTube) prior to accepting your initial Signing Order. Just looking out for your successful Business Launch!
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.
There are multiple factors to consider:
What is your background?
Do you have experience in Real Estate?
Do you have experience in Mortgage Lending?
Do you have experience in Banking?
Etc. ad nauseam . . . => just know that you’re launching a business and the onus is upon you to create the best foundation possible from the onset.
My personal experience:
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 professional signing agent [PSA] 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.
This PSA training program ALSO prepares you to be a successful business owner.
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 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.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Here are 2 separate threads (see direct url links below) that will serve you well. Read them carefully & take notes. There is pure gold within these words . . .
