Illinois Notary Exam Myths, Checked Against the Rule Text
Claims about the Illinois notary exam that circulate in study materials, each checked against the official text. Verdicts quote the source word for word.
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Do you need 70% to pass the Illinois notary exam?
The claim: “You need 70%, or 35 of 50, to pass the Illinois notary exam.”
False. The rule sets the pass mark at 85% on the course final examination, which is at least 43 of 50.
“A student must score at least 85% on the final examination.”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 (Course completion and final examination)
Is the Illinois notary exam all multiple choice?
The claim: “The Illinois notary exam is 50 multiple-choice questions.”
Partly false. It is 50 questions, but they may be multiple choice, true/false or a mix, with no more than half true/false.
“which shall consist of 50 questions from a test bank of a minimum of 100 questions. Questions may be multiple-choice, true/false, or a combination of both, but in no event may more than one-half of the questions be true/false.”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 (Course completion and final examination)
Is the Illinois notary exam a Secretary of State exam taken at a state test center?
The claim: “You take the Illinois notary exam with the Secretary of State.”
False. It is the final examination at the end of a course taught by a provider or instructor certified by the Secretary of State.
“Students must complete a final examination at the end of the course”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 (Course completion and final examination)
“To be accepted by the Secretary, the course of study must be taught by a provider or instructor certified by the Secretary.”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.205 (Course of study and examination)
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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: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (PDF), 5 ILCS 312 Illinois Notary Public Act, 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.205 (course and exam).
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