California Notary Public Exam Exam Guide
At a glance
- Passing score
- 70%
- Exam fee
- $40
- Governing body
- California Secretary of State
Quick answers
How much does the California Notary cost?
The California Notary exam fee is $40 (exam + application; $20 retake).
What is the passing score for the California Notary?
The passing score for the California Notary is 70%.
The California Notary Public Exam is a state-administered assessment that qualifies individuals to serve as notaries public in California. Notaries are independent officers commissioned by the state to witness signings and authenticate documents, playing a critical role in the legal system by helping prevent fraud and ensuring the legitimacy of important transactions.
Anyone seeking to become a notary public in California—whether for a new career, to enhance existing professional credentials, or to serve their community—must pass this examination. The exam is a requirement for all applicants and is administered by CPS HR Consulting under the oversight of the California Secretary of State.
Education Requirements
Before taking the California Notary Public Exam, first-time applicants must complete an approved six-hour notary public education course. This mandatory coursework covers the fundamental principles of notarial practice, ethics, and California law. Applicants renewing an existing commission while it has not yet expired may opt to take an approved three-hour refresher course instead.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
To be appointed as a notary public in California, you must meet several requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of the state. All applicants are required to complete a background check that includes Live Scan fingerprints as part of the application process.
Exam Content and Knowledge Areas
The exam tests your understanding of notarial duties and practices. Key topics include the definitions and procedures for acknowledgments and jurats, proper identification and verification of signers, maintaining a notary journal with accurate records, and the critical ethical and legal restrictions placed on notaries. You will need to understand when and how to refuse a notarization, the rules governing fees and charges, and the proper control and use of the official notary seal.
Core Competencies
- Distinguishing between acknowledgments and jurats and applying the correct procedure for each
- Identifying signers through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
- Maintaining an accurate notary journal with required information
- Understanding ethical duties and prohibited actions
- Applying fee regulations and seal control requirements
- Recognizing situations where notarization must be refused
Cost and registration
The California Notary Public Exam costs $40 USD, which covers both the exam fee and the application. If you need to retake the written examination, the retake fee is $20 USD. You should also budget for other potential costs: a duplicate notary commission certificate costs $10.00 USD if needed.
Exam format
To pass the California Notary Public Exam, you must achieve a score of 70 percent or higher. The exam is administered by CPS HR Consulting under the supervision of the California Secretary of State. Upon successful completion and approval of your application, you will be commissioned as a notary public with a term of office lasting four years from the date specified in your commission.
Frequently asked questions
What is the California Notary Public Exam?
The California Notary Public Exam is a written test you must pass before you can be commissioned as a notary in California. The Secretary of State prescribes the exam, and passing it is a required step in the application process. Once commissioned, a California notary serves a four-year term of office.
How much does the California notary exam cost?
The exam and application processing fee is $40. Budget separately for other commissioning costs such as the required education course, your official seal, journal, and bond, which are priced by outside vendors. Check the California Secretary of State's site for the full, current list of costs.
What score do I need to pass the California notary exam?
You need a score of 70 or higher to pass. The exam is multiple-choice and covers California notary law and procedure, so aim comfortably above that line in your practice before test day. Exam results are mailed to applicants by CPS HR Consulting, the testing provider.
How do I register for the California notary exam?
You register for a test date through CPS HR Consulting, the company that administers the exam for the California Secretary of State. Seating and scheduling details change, so confirm current registration steps, locations, and dates on the Secretary of State's notary pages or with CPS HR Consulting directly. Bring your completed application and proof of the required education when you test.
How many questions are on the California notary exam and how long is it?
The exam is a timed, multiple-choice test on California notary law, but the exact question count and time limit are set by the state and can change. Confirm the current exam format in the official California Secretary of State notary handbook before your test date. What matters most for preparation is knowing the notarial acts, identification rules, and journal requirements cold.
Where should I start studying for the California notary exam?
Start with the state's official notary handbook, then use free practice questions to find your weak spots. Focus early on the difference between acknowledgments and jurats, signer identification, and what must go in your journal, since the exam tests practical application of these rules. Our free practice questions and printable cheat sheet cover exactly these areas at no cost.
Sources
- 1.Notary Public Qualifications — California Secretary of State (accessed Jul 9, 2026)
Official sources
Primary documents used to verify the exam details shown on this page.
- Notary Public QualificationsCalifornia Secretary of Statesos.ca.gov
- Notary Public Frequently Asked QuestionsCalifornia Secretary of Statesos.ca.gov
- California Government Code Section 8201 (Notary Qualifications)California Legislatureleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- California Government Code Section 8211 (Notary Fees)California Legislatureleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- Notary Public Forms, Services, and FeesCalifornia Secretary of Statesos.ca.gov
- California Government Code Section 8204 (Term of Office)California Legislatureleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
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