Pennsylvania Notary Exam: Passing Score, Cost, Retakes
Pennsylvania's notary exam is a computer-based test at Pearson VUE centers: 30 items (25 scored) in 60 minutes, a scaled score of 75 to pass, $65 per attempt, retakes at most once per 24 hours within your 6-month window.
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| Who gives it | Pearson VUE, for the Department of State |
|---|---|
| Questions | 30 items (25 scored, 5 pretest) |
| Time limit | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 or higher |
| Exam fee | $65 per test |
| Retakes | At most once per 24 hours, within 6 months |
| How to register | After DOS approves your application; Pearson VUE emails you |
| Results | 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 Pennsylvania notary exam?
Pearson VUE, as a computer-based test at its test centers in nearly all Pennsylvania counties.
“The examination will be a computer-based test offered at Pearson VUE test centers in nearly all Pennsylvania counties.”
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania notary exam?
30 items: 25 scored and 5 unscored pretest items.
“30 total items (25 scored items; 5 pretest items)”
Source: Pearson VUE: Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (March 2026)
How long is the Pennsylvania notary exam?
60 minutes.
“You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam,”
Source: Pearson VUE: Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (March 2026)
What is the passing score for the Pennsylvania notary exam?
A scaled score of 75 or higher.
“An applicant shall attain a scaled score of 75 or higher to pass the examination.”
How much does the Pennsylvania notary exam cost?
$65 per attempt.
“The cost of the examination is $65 per test.”
How often can I retake the Pennsylvania notary exam?
As often as needed within your 6-month authorization, but no more than once in any 24-hour period. If you don't pass within six months, you retake the basic education course and reapply.
“An applicant may retake the examination within the 6-month period, but no more than one time per 24-hour period.”
Source: 4 Pa. Code § 167.15 (Notary public examination)
“Applicants who are unable to pass the examination within six months will be required to retake the basic education course and reapply for appointment and commission to the Department.”
How do I register for the Pennsylvania notary exam?
Apply to the Department of State first. After it approves your application, you receive Pearson VUE's testing information by email.
“After the Department’s review and approval of their notary application, applicants who are required to take the examination will be provided with information via email on Pearson VUE’s testing procedures and sites.”
How long are Pennsylvania notary exam results valid?
1 year from the exam date.
“Examination results are valid for a period of 1 year from the date of the examination.”
Sources
- PA Department of State: Examination requirement
- Pearson VUE: Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (March 2026)
- 4 Pa. Code § 167.15 (Notary public examination)
Pennsylvania 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: PA DOS: Notaries, PA DOS: Examination requirement, PA DOS: Bonding requirement.
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