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California Notary Exam Prep

450+ practice questions

The California Notary Public exam is a 45-question, multiple-choice test administered by CPS HR Consulting on behalf of the California Secretary of State. Of the 45 questions, 40 are scored and 5 are unscored pilot questions. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the exam and must achieve a scaled score of 70% to pass. Before sitting for the exam, all applicants must complete a mandatory 6-hour pre-licensing education course from an approved provider. According to the National Notary Association, there are approximately 4.4 million active notaries in the United States, with California being one of the largest commissioning states. ExamPal offers 450+ practice questions designed to cover every topic tested on the real exam.

Exam Details

Exam Overview

Administered by

California Secretary of State

Exam Format

45 questions (40 scored + 5 unscored), 60 minutes

Passing Score

70% scaled score

Exam Fee

$40 (retake: $20)

Prerequisite

6-hour pre-licensing education course

Commission Term

4-year term

Topics Covered

ExamPal covers all major topics tested on the California Notary exam. Our questions are grounded in official study materials.

Notary Laws & Regulations

California Government Code sections governing notary public duties, powers, and limitations.

Notary Procedures

Proper identification, journal entries, certificate completion, and oath administration.

Document Types

Acknowledgments, jurats, proofs of execution, copy certifications, and depositions.

Identification Requirements

Acceptable forms of ID, credible witnesses, and signature verification procedures.

Fees & Bond Requirements

Maximum fee schedules, $15,000 surety bond requirement, and 4-year commission renewal procedures.

Ethics & Liability

Conflicts of interest, misconduct, penalties, and professional responsibility.

Why study with ExamPal

Everything you need to prepare for and pass the California Notary exam, in one app.

  • 450+ exam-style practice questions
  • Timed mock exams simulating the real 45-question format
  • Detailed explanations grounded in the official California Notary Public Handbook
  • FSRS spaced repetition for efficient review
  • Mistakes notebook to track and retry weak areas
  • Pass Guarantee with Quarterly or Annual plan

California Notary Exam — Common Questions

How many questions are on the California notary exam?
The California notary exam has 45 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 40 are scored and 5 are unscored pilot questions used for future exams. You have 60 minutes to complete the test.
What score do you need to pass the CA notary exam?
You need a scaled score of 70% to pass. The exam is administered by CPS HR Consulting, and results are available approximately 15 business days after the exam.
How much does the California notary exam cost?
The exam and application processing fee is $40. If you need to retake the exam, the fee is $20. Payment must be by check or money order — cash is not accepted at exam sites.
Do I need to take a course before the California notary exam?
Yes. California requires all new applicants to complete a 6-hour pre-licensing education course from an approved provider before sitting for the exam.
Can you take the California notary exam online?
No. The California notary exam must be taken in person at an approved testing location. Exam schedules and locations are posted on the CPS HR Consulting website.
What happens after you pass the California notary exam?
After passing, you must complete Live Scan fingerprinting for a background check, obtain a $15,000 surety bond, and file your oath and bond with your county clerk within 30 days. Your commission is valid for 4 years.

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