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1419 19th Street
Bakersfield, California 93301

FAQ’s

Questions regarding how to become a notary or renew your commission in California!

Then you have come to the right place.  Below you will find the answer to many of our more commonly asked questions.

Q – I started My Course, How Do I Log Back In

A – To log back into your course, please click this link: https://becomeacalifornianotary.com/2023/school/?view=login and you will be redirected to our login page. You can access your course with either your username (which was provided by us and looks like smith7827567165 ) or with the email address you signed up with.

Q –  After completing our Online Notary Council Course, how do I register for and take the California State Exam?

A –  You may go to the CPS HR Website (http://www.cpshr.us/notary/notary)  for exam dates and testing sites nearest you.  You may register for a notary public exam either online or by phone up to 15 business days prior to the exam.  To register by phone, please contact CPS at (916) 263-3520, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm. A confirmation scheduling letter will be sent to you via email or USPS, depending on how you registered. Also at the website, you may print the Notary Public Application (or have mailed to you if you registered by phone), which you will need to complete and bring with you to the testing site.

Q –  When is the Next State Exam?

A –  You can find the next State Exam in your area here: http://www.cpshr.us/notary/notary

Q –  Where are the State Exams?

A –  State exams are all up and down California, to find the next one in your area click here.

Q –  How do I prove I have completed your online course?

A –  Once you have successfully completed our online state-accepted notary course, you will be given a certificate of completion. You will need to print this certificate and take it with you to your Notary Public Exam.

Q –  I have misplaced my completion certificate.

A –  Don’t worry, you can always log back into your account on our site and reprint your certificate of completion letter.

Q – How much does the Notary Public Exam cost?

A – You will need to bring a $40.00 separate check or money order, payable to the Secretary of State,  to the testing site for ALL new applicants. You will need to bring a $20.00 separate check or money order, payable to the Secretary of State, to the testing site for applicants that have previously taken the exam and failed.

Q – How long is the Notary Public Exam?

A – The Notary Public Exam consists of multiple-choice questions.  It is a closed book exam, administered by proctors from CPS HR ONLY!  You will need to allow 1 – 2 hours for proctor instructions and testing.

Q – How long does it take to receive the test results to the Notary Public Exam?

A – Results from you Notary Public Exam will be emailed (if you provided an email address in the upper right-hand corner of your application), or mailed to you via USPS approximately 15 business days following the exam.  Exam results will not be discussed over the phone.  A 70% is passing.

Q – If I fail the Notary Public Exam, how soon can a take it again?

A – Candidates not passing the exam will be mailed a fail notice.  Candidates can test ONLY once per calendar month.  If the exam is taken more than once, the second score will be invalid and all monies paid and fees will be forfeited.

Q – How long will it take to receive my notary commission after I pass the exam?

A – The notary public commission is issued by the Secretary of State’s office.  Processing times vary.  To check current processing times, please visit the Secretary of State website at http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/checklist.htm

Q – How long is the Notary Public Commission valid for?

A – The term of office for a notary public is 4 years, starting with the commencement date stated in the commission issued by the Secretary of State.

Q – Will I be allowed to take the Notary Public Exam if I’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony?

A – Yes, although ALL applicants are required to disclose on their application ALL arrests for which trials are pending, and ALL convictions, including convictions that have been dismissed.  If you have any questions concerning the disclosure of convictions or arrests, you may contact the Secretary of State’s office PRIOR to signing the application.  Failure to disclose any conviction or felony may result in the Secretary of State’s denial of your application.