Pennsylvania Notary Examination — Information & Free Practice
US-PA · Examination information
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Pennsylvania Notary Examination
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Format
- Proctored computer-based examination; testing center or one permitted OnVUE attempt
- Exam questions
- 30 multiple-choice items: 25 scored and 5 unscored pretest items
- Time limit
- 60 minutes
- Passing score
- Scaled score of 75
- Exam fee
- $65 per attempt
Examination outline
Obtaining Notary Commission
- Purchase a $25,000 surety bond in order to protect customer from financial loss.
- Take the oath of office before the recorder of deeds within 45 days of appointment.
- Provide official signature at prothonotary office or the recorder of deeds office within 45 days of appointment so that acts of the notary can be authenticated.
- Obtain an official stamping device that meets the requirements of the law in order to authenticate notarial acts performed.
- Obtain a journal in order to create a public record for every notarial act performed.
Performing Notarial Acts (Paper-based, Electronically, or Remotely)
- Ensure the customer appears physically or remotely before the notary, properly identify the person, and assess comprehension and willingness in order to protect against fraud.
- Examine the document to be notarized to assess document completeness, determine the named signer, and assess if the notarial certificate is present and sufficient.
- Advise the customer of any fees for the notarial act and provide itemized receipts.
- Contemporaneously record all required information for the notarial act in the journal to create a chronological compliant public record.
- Perform the requested notarial act in order to fulfill the customer's intended purpose.
- Complete, sign and affix the official stamp on the notarial certificate to evidence the notarial act.
Notary Commission Management and Compliance
- Report any changes in the notary's information or status to the Pennsylvania Department of State within the specified time period in order to keep the Department informed.
- Keep the stamping device and journal in a secure location in order to maintain custody and control, and prevent loss or fraudulent use.
- Keep the mandatory surety bond in full force and effect in order to protect customer from financial loss.
- Recognize prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary action.
Examination sources
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 7, complete examination content outline heading
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 7, Section I caption
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 7, Section II caption
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 7, Section III caption, first line
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 7, Section III caption, continuation
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 7, scored and pretest item counts
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 8, Scaled Score
- 4 Pa. Code Chapter 167 — Notaries Public
4 Pa. Code § 167.15(d), examination results
- 4 Pa. Code Chapter 167 — Notaries Public
4 Pa. Code § 167.15, complete administration requirements
- Department of State — Examination Requirement
Examination Requirement, named vendor
- Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 9, Test Schedules