• What is the difference between your online, seminar and self-study courses?
• How long do I have access to the Allstate Notary Preparation online course?
• Does my seminar registration include access to online study material?
• Is my credit card transaction secure when I register?
• Can I take the official state Notary Public exam through Allstate Notary Preparation?
• Is the proctored state exam that follows your seminars the official state exam?
• What is the exam pass-rate for people who attend your seminars?
• Do you offer any group discounts?
• What if I cannot pay by credit card. Do you accept any other form of payment?
• What is Allstate Notary Preparation's money-back guarantee?

• I recently took the notary exam. Can I check my exam results online?
• What are the steps to becoming a California Notary Public?
• What are the costs involved in becoming a Notary Public?
• How long does it take to become a notary public or renew an existing commission?
• How can I get more information from the California Secretary of State?
• Can I take the official notary public exam online?
• How much does the Notary Public exam cost?
• How many times can I take the exam?
• What is the format of the exam?

• Q. What is the difference between your online, seminar and self-study courses?
  A. The material is the same in all three courses - only the presentation format differs.
  • The online course is completely online - you can read the material online or print a .pdf file of the study material. A printed workbook is not included.
  • The self-study course includes a workbook that is mailed to you.
  • The seminar course is a live course - the cost includes a workbook that you receive at the seminar and access to online study material so you can study before you attend the seminar.

• Q. How long do I have access to the Allstate Notary Preparation online course?
  A. Your online course access is valid for 4 years starting from the date your registration is processed.

• Q. Does my seminar registration include access to online study material?
  A. Yes. When you register for the notary seminar you also get access to the online study material so that you may study ahead if you choose.

• Q. Is my credit card transaction secure when I register?
  A. Your course registration fee is securely processed using Verisign SSL and encryption technology. Allstate Notary Preparation does not retain your credit card information after your registration has been completed.

• Q. Can I take the official state Notary Public exam through Allstate Notary Preparation?
  A. Yes. The state exam is administered directly following the conclusion of each of our seminars.

• Q. Is the proctored state exam that follows your seminars the official state exam?
  A. Yes. CPS Human Resource Services comes to our seminar locations and administers the official California state notary public exam to our candidates.

• Q. What is the exam pass-rate for people who attend your seminars?
  A. Over 90% of our students pass the state exam on their first attempt.

• Q. Do you offer any group discounts?
  A. Yes. Please contact us for details and rates.

• Q. What if I cannot pay by credit card. Do you accept any other form of payment?
  A. Yes. We accept cash, check or money order. If you would like to mail your payment, please include your name, address, telephone number and email address (and seminar date if applicable) and send it to Allstate Notary Preparation, P.O. Box 191404, San Diego, CA 92159.

• Q. What is Allstate Notary Preparation's money-back guarantee?
  A. If you complete any one of our approved courses but still do not pass the official state exam after two attempts your Allstate Notary Preparation registration fee will be refunded.

EXAM FAQs

• Q. I recently took the notary exam. Can I check my exam results online?
  A. Yes. If you wrote your email address on the top of your notary application, CPS will email your login information to you. Your exam results are available in approximately 15 days of your exam date on the CPS Human Resource Services website.

• Q. What are the steps to becoming a California Notary Public?
  A. The steps are as follows:
  • Obtain and complete the Notary Public Application
  • Register for the exam with us or through the CPS Human Resource Services website or by calling CPS at (916) 263-3520.
  • Be sure to read the Testing Information in advance
  • Register for an approved course of study
  • Complete the approved course of study and obtain your completion certificate
  • Obtain a 2x2 color passport pohoto and bring it with you to the state exam
  • Take and pass the state exam
  • Have your fingerprints taken
  • Receive your commission package
  • Purchase your notary supplies
  • File your oath and bond within the 30 day time limit

• Q. What are the costs involved in becoming a Notary Public?
  A. Seminar and supply costs vary by vendor. Exam and fingerprint fees are set fees.
  The costs are as follows:
  • Approved Educational Course - $69.95 for our seminar, $54.95 for our self-study course with workbook or $34.95 for our online course
  • Color Passport Photo - approximately $10.00 - $15.00
  • Exam Fee - $40.00 for first time applicants and renewing notaries.
  • Fingerprint Fees Effective January 1, 2008: $32.00 to the DOJ and $19.00 to FBI, plus $18.00-25.00 "rolling fee" depending where you have the livescan taken.
  • Notary Supplies - Anywhere from $75.00 and up depending upon what supplies you purchase and where you purchase your supplies.

• Q. How long does it take to become a notary public or renew an existing commission?
• A. It takes approximately 6 weeks to receive your new commission starting from the date you take the state exam. Your exam results are sent out within 7-10 working days of your exam date. After you receive your pass notification, you must submit your fingerprints for a background check. The Secretary of State's office receives your background check, processes your application and then mails your commission to you within approximately 6 weeks.

• Q. How can I get more information from the California Secretary of State?
  A. Visit the California Secretary of State's official website.

• Q. Can I take the official notary public exam online?
  A. No. The official notary public exam is NOT offered online by the State of California. You must register with a testing service and attend an official test site to take the exam.

• Q. How much does the Notary Public exam cost?
  A. The fee for the official exam is $40 for new applicants and reappointments and $20 if you have previously sat for the exam and failed.

• Q. How many times can I take the exam?
  A. You can take the exam as many times as you need in order to pass, but you may only take the exam one time per calendar month.

• Q. What is the format of the exam?
  A. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions. The exam time allowed is 50 minutes.