California Notary Exam: Passing Score, Cost, Retakes
CPS HR Consulting gives the California notary exam for the Secretary of State: 45 items in one hour, a scaled score of at least 70 to pass, $40 ($20 if you failed your last exam), and no more than one attempt per calendar month.
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| Who gives it | CPS HR Consulting |
|---|---|
| Questions | 45 items (40 scored, 5 non-scored) |
| Time limit | 1 hour (60 minutes) |
| Passing score | Scaled score of at least 70 |
| Exam fee | $40; $20 if you failed your last exam |
| Retakes | Once per calendar month at most |
| How to register | Online with CPS HR (Test Schedule) |
| Results | About 15-20 business days; valid 1 year |
Every answer below quotes the official source it comes from. Where no official source states a fact, we say it is not published by the state. We make no pass-rate claims.
Who administers the California notary exam?
CPS HR Consulting administers the California notary exam as part of the Secretary of State's commissioning process.
“complete the tasks outlined in the California Secretary of State’s Notary Public Checklist. This includes passing an exam administered by CPS HR Consulting (that’s us)”
How many questions are on the California notary exam?
45 items. 40 are scored and 5 are non-scored items that do not count against your score.
“The examination is a total of 45 items with a one hour time limit.”
Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information
“There are 40 items on the below content areas. There are also five non-scored items on the exam, these items do not count against a candidate’s exam score”
How long is the California notary exam?
One hour. CPS HR's FAQ says candidates are permitted 60 minutes.
“The Notary Public exam is 45 items and candidates are permitted 60 minutes to complete the exam.”
What is the passing score for the California notary exam?
A scaled score of at least 70. A scaled score is not a raw percentage.
“A scaled score of at least 70 is required to pass the exam.”
How much does the California notary exam cost?
$40 for new and reappointment applicants, or $20 if you failed your last exam, payable to the Secretary of State.
“Payment of fee : $40 for new/reappointments and $20 for applicants who failed their last exam.”
Source: CPS HR Consulting: California Notary exam FAQ
“Fees are made payable to Secretary of State.”
How often can I retake the California notary exam?
No more than once per calendar month. A second attempt in the same month is invalid and its fees are forfeited.
“Candidates can test ONLY once per calendar month. If the exam is taken more than once in a calendar month, the second score will be invalid and any fees paid will be forfeited.”
How do I register for the California notary exam?
Register online with CPS HR Consulting by picking a location and date from its Test Schedule.
“You may register for a Notary Public exam online. To register online, go to Test Schedule and review locations and dates for your area.”
When do California notary exam results come, and how long are they valid?
Results are available about 15-20 business days after the exam, and they are valid for one year from the exam date.
“Exam results are available approximately 15-20 business days after the exam date.”
Source: CPS HR Consulting: California Notary exam FAQ
“Test results are valid for one year from the date of the examination.”
Sources
- CPS HR Consulting: California Notary exam FAQ
- CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information
- California Secretary of State: Notary FAQs
California notary exam myths, checked against the rule text
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Independent study aid. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state agency, exam vendor or course provider. All questions are original practice questions written from official public sources; they are not actual exam questions. Laws and fees change, so confirm details with the official source before you rely on them. Official sources: CA Secretary of State: Notary qualifications, 2026 Notary Public Handbook (PDF), CPS HR Consulting: California notary exam.
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