California Notary Exam Myths, Checked Against the Rule Text

Do you need 70% of the questions right to pass the California notary exam?

The claim: “You need 70% correct, about 31 of the 45 questions, to pass.”

False. The pass mark is a scaled score of at least 70, and CPS HR Consulting says a scaled score is not a percentage. There is no official number of correct answers that guarantees a pass.

“A scaled score of at least 70 is required to pass the exam.”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information

“A scaled score is NOT a percent score and cannot be calculated by dividing the number correct by the total number of questions on the examination.”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information

Do all 45 questions on the California notary exam count?

The claim: “Every one of the 45 questions counts toward your score.”

False. 40 items are scored. The other five are non-scored items that do not count against your score.

“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”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information

Can you retake the California notary exam as many times as you want?

The claim: “If you fail, you can retake the exam as many times as you need, whenever you like.”

Partly false. You can retake it, but 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.”

Source: CPS HR Consulting: Notary Public exam information