Quick Reference: California Notary Exam Difficulty 2025
Exam Statistics:
- Passing Score: 70% (approximately 32 out of 45 questions correct)
- Time Limit: 60 minutes (about 1 minute 20 seconds per question)
- Total Questions: 45 (40 scored + 5 non-scored trial questions)
- Exam Type: Closed-book, proctored, law-based exam
- Retake Policy: Once per calendar month, $20 fee each time
Key Terms Defined:
- Moral Turpitude: Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit that are incompatible with notary duties
- "Shall" vs. "May": "Shall" means mandatory, "May" means optional - critical distinction on the exam
- Trial Questions: 5 non-scored questions used by CPS HR Consulting to test future exam questions
- Process of Elimination: Strategy of eliminating obviously wrong answers to improve guessing odds
Is the California Notary exam hard? The honest answer is: Yes, if you rely on common sense.
Unlike a driver's ed test where the "safe" answer is usually right, the Notary Public exam is a law exam. It tests your ability to memorize specific statutes, dollar amounts, and deadlines that often feel arbitrary. If you guess based on what "feels fair," you will fail.
Here is the realistic difficulty breakdown for 2025 and why thousands of smart people fail on their first try.
1. The Numbers: Pass Rates & Passing Scores
First, let's look at the math. You aren't aiming for perfection; you are aiming for competency.
California Notary Exam Scoring Breakdown
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Total Questions | 45 (40 scored + 5 trial) |
| Questions Needed to Pass | Approximately 32 correct |
| Time Limit | 60 minutes |
| Time Per Question | About 1 minute 20 seconds |
The Math: There are 45 questions total. To pass, you need to answer roughly 32 questions correctly.
Note: The exam includes 5 "non-scored" trial questions, but you won't know which ones they are. Treat every question as real.
Coach's Tip: Don't let the 70% fool you. Because the exam is heavy on specific data (fines and dates), missing just one topic cluster (like the $750 vs. $1,500 fines) can drop you below the passing threshold immediately.
2. Why Smart People Fail (The Top 3 Traps)
Candidates often walk out feeling confident, only to receive a "Fail" notice 15 days later from CPS HR Consulting. Here is what trips them up.
Trap #1: The "Common Sense" Fallacy
The Trap: You see a question like, "A nice old lady forgot her ID, but she has her Bible with her name in it. Can you notarize?"
Your Brain: "Yes, be helpful."
The Law: NO. Without statutory ID or credible witnesses, you must refuse. The exam punishes "customer service" instincts that violate the code.
The Reality: The California Secretary of State requires strict adherence to Government Code § 8200-8230. Being "nice" doesn't override the law.
Trap #2: The "Fines" Shuffle
The Trap: The exam asks for the penalty for "negligent failure" to discharge duties.
The Confusion: You remember there is a fine, but is it $750 or $1,500?
The Reality: They will list both $750 and $1,500 as options. If you don't know the exact tier, you have a 50% chance of guessing wrong.
Civil Penalty Tiers (Must Memorize)
| Fine Amount | The Violation |
|---|---|
| $750 | Negligence, Overcharging fees |
| $1,500 | Willful failure, Advertising violations ("Notario Publico") |
| $2,500 | Thumbprint failure, Peace Officer journal refusal |
| $10,000 | Identity failure, False Acknowledgment |
Trap #3: Tricky Wording ("Shall" vs. "May")
The Trap: Questions often hinge on a single word.
- "The notary shall..." (Mandatory).
- "The notary may..." (Optional).
Example: A notary may charge $15, but they shall keep a journal. Misreading these words changes the answer entirely.
Memory Trick: "Shall" = Must (mandatory). "May" = Can (optional). When you see "shall," it's a requirement. When you see "may," it's a choice.
3. The Hardest Topics (Where You Lose Points)
Based on recent test-taker data, these are the sections that cause the most failures.
1. Civil Penalties (The "Big 4")
You must memorize exactly which crime goes with which fine.
- $750: Negligence, Overcharging.
- $1,500: Willful failure, Advertising violations ("Notario").
- $2,500: Thumbprint failure, Peace Officer journal refusal.
- $10,000: Identity failure, False Acknowledgment.
2. Thumbprint Requirements
You don't need a thumbprint for everything. You need it for Deeds and Powers of Attorney.
The Killer Question: "Does a Trustee's Deed resulting from foreclosure require a thumbprint?"
The Answer: NO. It is a specific exception found in Government Code § 8206. Most people guess "Yes" because it's a deed.
Common Trap: Not all deeds require thumbprints. Trustee's Deeds from foreclosure are specifically exempt under Government Code § 8206. Memorize this exception.
3. Conflict of Interest
Can you notarize for your boss? Yes. Can you notarize for your boss if you get a commission on the deal? No. The distinction between "Employee" status and "Direct Financial Interest" is subtle and frequently tested.
The Rule: You cannot notarize if you have a direct financial interest in the transaction. Being an employee is generally okay, but receiving a commission or fee based on the document's outcome is not.
4. Exam Day Strategy: How to Beat the Clock
With only 60 minutes, time management is your best weapon.
The 'First Pass' Rule
Go through the entire exam and answer the easy questions first (e.g., "How old must a notary be?"). If you hesitate for more than 10 seconds, skip it and come back.
Why: You want to secure the "gimme" points first, then use remaining time for difficult questions.
Process of Elimination
On tricky questions, cross out the obviously wrong answers (usually the ones that suggest breaking the law to be "nice"). This increases your guessing odds from 25% to 50%.
Why: Eliminating one wrong answer improves your chances significantly.
Review the 'Absolute' Words
Be skeptical of answers that say "Always" or "Never." California law almost always has an exception (e.g., you can't use a credible witness... unless specific conditions are met).
Why: California notary law is full of exceptions. Absolute statements are usually wrong.
5. Study Strategy: What to Focus On
High-Value Study Topics
- Fines & Penalties: Memorize the exact dollar amounts ($750, $1,500, $2,500, $10,000)
- Timelines: Memorize exact day counts (10 days, 15 business days, 30 days, immediately)
- Thumbprint Requirements: Know when thumbprints are required (Deeds, POAs) and exceptions
- ID Requirements: Understand Group 1 vs. Group 2 ID requirements
- Notarial Acts: Know the difference between Acknowledgments, Jurats, and Proofs of Execution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the California Notary exam open book?
No. It is a closed-book, proctored exam. You cannot bring your handbook, cheat sheets, or notes into the testing room. The exam is administered by CPS HR Consulting at physical testing locations.
How many times can I retake the exam?
You can retake the exam as many times as needed within a 2-year period (validity of your course certificate). However, you can only take the exam once per calendar month. Each retake requires a $20 exam fee.
Do I get my score right away?
No. Results are mailed or emailed roughly 15 business days after the exam by CPS HR Consulting. You will not get a numeric score if you pass (just a "Pass" notice). You only see your score percentage if you fail.
Is the exam harder than the Real Estate exam?
Most candidates find the Notary exam easier than the Real Estate exam because the scope of material is smaller (one handbook vs. vast property laws). However, the precision required for fines and timelines is just as strict. You must memorize exact numbers, not just concepts.
What is the pass rate for the California Notary exam?
The California Secretary of State does not publish official pass rates. However, based on test-taker feedback, the first-time pass rate is estimated to be around 60-70%. Many candidates fail due to not memorizing exact fine amounts and deadlines.
Can I use a calculator on the exam?
No. Calculators are not allowed. The few fee-related questions are simple arithmetic (e.g., $15 + $15). There is no math that requires a calculator.
How long should I study for the exam?
Most successful candidates study for 2-4 weeks, focusing on memorizing fines, timelines, and notarial act procedures. The key is memorization, not just understanding concepts.
What happens if I run out of time?
If you don't finish all 45 questions, unanswered questions are marked as incorrect. This is why time management is critical. Answer easy questions first, then go back to difficult ones.
Are the trial questions harder than the scored questions?
No. You won't know which questions are trial questions, so treat all 45 questions as if they count. The trial questions are used by CPS HR Consulting to test future exam questions.
Next Steps: Prepare to Pass
Now that you understand the difficulty:
- Memorize the Fines: Focus on the exact dollar amounts ($750, $1,500, $2,500, $10,000)
- Memorize the Timelines: Know exact day counts (10, 15 business days, 30, immediately)
- Practice Time Management: Take practice exams under 60-minute time limits
- Study the Handbook: Read the Official 2025 California Notary Public Handbook thoroughly
Start practicing with 164 practice questions to ensure you pass on your first attempt.
Last updated: January 2025. Based on the Official 2025 California Notary Public Handbook and test-taker feedback from CPS HR Consulting exam administrations.