Greetings, All -
Just wanted to provide an update. I have since completed my NSA training and have been certified by NNA since 12/2025.
Now, to get some signings under my belt.
Happy signing,
Karina 
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I purchase from the NNA separately for background check and NSA Certification exam.
I just paid $10 for the NSA Certification exam. Makes the membership fee absolutely worth it when people are forking out up to $200 for an NSA training/exam packet.
Because I pick up the phone and speak to a live person at NNA. You should think about doing that, too.
I paid $99.00 for background check and exam from NNA online. No membership required, and still listed on Signing Agent com. You can get it without the exam, but did have one company require it, so now just take it each year. You donāt need the membership unless you feel you need to call them with questions, just my opinion.
If you can pick up the phone and get a better deal, itās well worth I guess
Ten for the exam $16 for the background check. I guess so.
You got the power!
When I started in 2005 was never that low. Anyone else out there getting that deal? Iām not a member, not jumping through hoops for 75% off with no justification of why I should or how I arrived at that deal vs their website price. You must have some negotiation skills!
I just called and stated my background was good through July - purchased through NNA - am a current member and would like to purchase the NSA Exam only.
She asked for $10 so I paid it and took the test and got a new NSA Certification. If all you do is go to the website and click on the package and pay the big price thatās on you.
Donāt want to be a member, donāt be a member. Nonmembers complain about paying $89 for the background check that cost me $16. Nonmembers pay $99 for the certification that cost me $10.
So not paying membership fees equal paying the higher costs for the two things you need anyway.
I paid $80 for an annual membership. Pretty sure I came out ahead.
Close enough. What really bothers me is the games they play. You could just as easily trusted them and wound up paying $80 for membership AND the $89/$99 package deal if you hadnāt called.
Which isnāt an issue. This is the game, pretending they do something wrong when notaries donāt want to take the time to speak to someone. I learned when I became a member calling is always the best way to get the best service from the NNA. But finding fault is sometimes what the forum is about. Itās everyoneās fault but our own that we pay too much or need to take an extra step.
I gotcha!
Similar happened to me about 2 years agoā¦I bought only the BGC when renewed because NOBODY asked for the certification test, then someone new requested the exam about 8 months into it, so I called them and they sold me the exam for $10.00. Problem being, my exam was good for a year with a different expiration date than BGC expiration coming due next. Iād rather them be all on the same expiration date. After that, when the BGC came due again, I just did the exam again so all had the same expiration date, called them to remove the first exam that I just took, and they did.
I have no problem with the membership saving $$, and kuddos to you for getting the membership, BGC and exam at that extremely low price for being a member. Apples to oranges, comes out to about the same price +/- and calling them to get the rate lower.
Iāve just always took the stance after my first year, I wasnāt going to be a member of that organization, but do need them for buying the BGC and Exam so I pay a la carte. Not complaining, itās peanuts. 
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If itās actually self-employment income, Iād just run it through Schedule C so SE tax calculates correctly - trying to force a W-2 usually creates more headaches than it solves.
I also believe in ongoing education as a notary. Iād also recommend NNA certification to start and then go over to Notary Stars, with their incredible arrray of live classes and training library. Iāve been attending their free weekly mentorship session for over five years, and every week I learn something new. If youāre a member, you have access to live classes every day of the week (including RON) and to their huge video library. Their classes also include live and digital marketing and their instructors are the best Iāve ever seen.
@phoebeharriet46 Okay..I have to askā¦.what are you referring to here? I donāt see anything here that would warrant this response. Not being sassyā¦just very curious what youāre responding to.
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I, too, appreciate and encourage continuing education. I did take a look at Notary Stars. I am sure once I have a little more capital, Iāll be able to afford additional investments like this:
Thank you for the feedback and recommendation(s).
V/R,
Karina
I have never paid for Notary Stars. Doesnāt seem to stop me from doing between 30 and 40 signings a month.
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