A Comprehensive Guide to Passing the California Notary Public Exam
To become a notary public in California, you need to pass a state exam administered by CPS HR Consulting. Here is what the exam covers, how to prepare, and what to expect on test day.
About 40% of first-time test takers fail. The exam is not impossible, but it asks specific questions about California notary law that most people do not know without studying. The people who pass are the ones who read the handbook and practice with real questions.
Exam Format
The California Notary Public Exam is a closed-book, multiple-choice test. You get 45 questions and one hour to finish. The passing score is 70%. That means you can miss up to 13 questions and still pass.
The exam covers these topics:
- Administrative procedures for applying and maintaining your commission
- The main notarial acts: acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and copy certifications
- Acceptable forms of ID and how to verify a signer’s identity
- Journal requirements — what must be recorded for each notarization
- Maximum fees and when you’re allowed to collect them
- Possible misconduct, including penalties for violations and the legal implications of errors
- Rules specific to immigration consulting and non-English documents
Eligibility
Before you can take the exam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of California
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
- Complete a state-approved six-hour notary education course
The education course is mandatory. You cannot take the exam without a proof of completion certificate from an approved provider.
How to Register
Register online through the CPS HR Consulting website. Pick a date and location from their schedule. You will receive a confirmation letter by email or USPS that you must bring on exam day.
How to Study
- Read the Notary Public Handbook cover to cover. The Secretary of State publishes this free document, and it covers everything on the exam.
- Take practice exams. Our practice test uses questions in the same format as the real exam.
- Most people struggle with identification rules, subscribing witness procedures, and fee limits. Spend extra time on those sections.
- Study right after your course while the material is fresh. Try to schedule the exam within a week or two of finishing the six-hour class.
What to Bring on Exam Day
- A valid, government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your application
- Your certificate from the six-hour course (proof of completion)
- The completed application with a 2×2 passport photo attached
- Payment: $40 for new applicants, $20 for retakes. Use a check or money order made out to the Secretary of State.
- Sharpened No. 2 pencils — the exam is on paper, not computer
During the Exam
You have one hour for 45 questions. That is roughly 80 seconds per question. Read each question carefully. Some include specific details that change the correct answer.
If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back. Make sure you answer every question. There is no penalty for guessing.
Common Pitfalls
- Identity questions trip up many test takers. The exam tests whether you know which IDs are acceptable and when you can use credible witnesses. People often confuse the rules for one credible witness vs. two. Know the difference: one credible witness works only when the notary personally knows the witness, the witness knows the signer, and the signer lacks acceptable ID.
- Remember that the maximum fee is $15 per notarial act, not per document. A deed with two signers needing acknowledgments costs $30, not $15. The exam will test this distinction.
- California notaries must keep a journal for every notarization. The only exception is for certain real estate documents recorded in the public record.
- Subscribing witnesses cause the most problems. A subscribing witness can sign on behalf of the principal only for specific document types, and the notary must follow a precise procedure.
After the Exam
Results arrive in 15 to 20 business days. If you pass, you submit your application to the Secretary of State, take your oath of office, and file your $15,000 bond and oath with the county clerk.
If you do not pass, you can retake the exam. You pay the $20 retake fee and schedule another session through CPS HR. There is no limit on retakes, and there is no waiting period. You can register for the next available date.
Your score report will show which areas you missed. Use that to focus your studying. Most people who fail do so because they did not read the Notary Public Handbook closely enough. Read it again, take a practice test, and register for the next session.
For study materials and practice questions, see our California Notary Exam Prep page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the California notary exam?
The exam has 45 multiple-choice questions. You have one hour to complete it.
What score do I need to pass?
You need a scaled score of at least 70 out of 100 to pass.
Can I use notes during the exam?
No. The exam is closed-book. You cannot bring notes, textbooks, or electronic devices into the testing room.
How much does the exam cost?
The exam fee is $40 for first-time applicants and $20 for retakes. This is separate from the course fee and the application fee.
How long does it take to get exam results?
Results are typically available 15 to 20 business days after the exam date.
Can I retake the exam right away?
There is no mandatory waiting period. You can register for the next available CPS HR session and retake the exam. The retake fee is $20.
