PA Notary Practice Test
Updated for October 2026What changed for the Pennsylvania Notary Public exam and commission in 2026
- Effective March 28, 2026, the required Pennsylvania notary surety bond increased from $10,000 to $25,000 for anyone appointed or reappointed on or after that date; notaries already commissioned may keep their existing bond until that commission expires. (source)
- The Pennsylvania Notary Public exam (Pearson VUE) has 30 multiple-choice items, 25 scored and 5 unscored pretest, with a 60-minute time limit and a $65 exam fee per attempt; the passing standard is a scaled score of 75 on a 0-100 scale, per the March 2026 Candidate Information Bulletin. (source)
- Retakes: after Department approval you have a 6-month window to pass, you may retake no more than once per 24-hour period, and results stay valid for 1 year (4 Pa. Code § 167.15); only one attempt may be taken online via OnVUE, and any later attempt must be at a physical test center. (source)
- The application fee remains $42 for both initial appointment and renewal, and every applicant must complete a 3-hour Department-approved education course within the 6 months immediately preceding the application (no exemptions). (source)
- Within 45 days of appointment you must obtain the bond, take the oath of office, record the bond, oath and commission with the Recorder of Deeds of the county where you keep an office, and register your official signature; missing the deadline voids the commission and you must reapply. (source)
- Commissions run 4 years; you may file for renewal up to 90 days before expiration, and if you apply even one day after the commission lapses you must retake the exam. (source)
- Maximum notary fees since March 28, 2026 (4 Pa. Code § 167.3): $5 per acknowledgment, oath/affirmation, verification, witnessed signature or certified copy ($2 for each additional name in the same certificate, $3 per page for a protest), plus up to $20 per act for electronic or remote notarizations; an itemized receipt is required. (source)
- Remote online notarization has been permanent in Pennsylvania since October 29, 2020 (Act 97 of 2020); commissioned notaries must notify the Department of State and use an approved technology provider before performing electronic or remote notarial acts. (source)
Last verified: September 17, 2026 against the Pennsylvania Department of State, the Pennsylvania Code (4 Pa. Code Chapter 167) and Pearson VUE.
Note: The PA Notary exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Ensure you have completed the mandatory 3-hour education course within six months before scheduling your exam.
PA Notary Exam Study Guide
This PA Notary exam study guide breaks down the essential components of the certification process. Learn about the test format, registration, and scoring to help you become a notary in PA.
- Topics: Electronic records, remote acts.
- Questions: ~4-5 questions
PA Notary Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
PA Notary Acts & Wording
PA Notary Exam Questions covering Acts & Wording. Master PA Notary Test concepts for certification prep.
PA Notary Application & Appointment
Free PA Notary Practice Test featuring Application & Appointment. Improve your PA Notary Exam score with mock test prep.
PA Notary Bond & Oath
PA Notary Mock Exam on Bond & Oath. PA Notary Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
PA Notary Commission Maintenance
PA Notary Test Prep for Commission Maintenance. Practice PA Notary Quiz questions and boost your score.
PA Notary e-Notarization & RON
PA Notary Questions and Answers on e-Notarization & RON. Free PA Notary practice for exam readiness.
PA Notary Fees & Charges
PA Notary Mock Test covering Fees & Charges. Online PA Notary Test practice with instant feedback.
PA Notary Identifying Signers
Free PA Notary Quiz on Identifying Signers. PA Notary Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
PA Notary Journal & Records
PA Notary Practice Questions for Journal & Records. Build confidence for your PA Notary certification exam.
PA Notary Law & Regulations
PA Notary Test Online for Law & Regulations. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
PA Notary Liabilities & Penalties
PA Notary Study Material on Liabilities & Penalties. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
PA Notary Oaths & Affirmations
Free PA Notary Test covering Oaths & Affirmations. Practice and track your PA Notary exam readiness.
PA Notary Official Seal & Security
PA Notary Exam Questions covering Official Seal & Security. Master PA Notary Test concepts for certification prep.
PA Notary Procedures & Legal
Free PA Notary Practice Test featuring Procedures & Legal. Improve your PA Notary Exam score with mock test prep.
PA Notary Prohibited Acts & UPL
PA Notary Mock Exam on Prohibited Acts & UPL. PA Notary Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
PA Notary Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
30
21 out of 30 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~75% (Estimated)
The total cost to become a PA Notary is approximately $300 - $350. This is a relatively low investment for a credential that is valid for four years. Try our Arizona Notary practice test.
If you are searching for a PA notary practice test free, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the PA Notary exam topics in order.
PA Notary Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Government ID (Driver's License/Passport)
- ✓Pearson VUE Authorization Letter
- ✓Arrive 30 Minutes Early
- ✓Review RULONA Summary
- ✓Leave Personal Items in Locker
- ✓Know Your Exam Access Code
- ✓Relax and Pace Yourself
- ✓Read Questions Carefully
PA Notary Renewal Requirements
Education
3 Hours
Apply
Up to 90 Days Before
Cost
$42 Fee
PA Notary Exam Questions and Answers
To become a PA Notary, you must complete a 3-hour approved education course, submit an application to the Department of State with a $42 fee, pass the Pearson VUE exam, and obtain a surety bond.
The PA Notary search is an online tool provided by the Department of State to verify the status of a commissioned notary public in Pennsylvania.
PA Notary fees include a $42 application fee, $65 exam fee, approximately $75 for the education course, and varying costs for the bond and seal.
PA Notary renewal requires completing the 3-hour continuing education course and submitting a reappointment application before your commission expires (you may apply up to 90 days early; the Department recommends filing 2-3 months ahead).
Yes, current notaries can apply to become an Online Notary PA (remote online notary) by submitting a separate application and notifying the Department of State of their chosen technology vendor.
You can find PA Notary classes near me at local community colleges, or take the required 3-hour education course online through approved providers listed on the state website.
The PA Notary exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (25 scored, 5 unscored pretest) in 60 minutes. You need a scaled score of 75 or higher to pass.
The PA Notary exam is considered moderately difficult if you haven't studied the RULONA laws. Using a PA Notary practice test is highly recommended.
A PA Notary commission is valid for four years. You must renew before the expiration date to maintain your status.
Yes, obtaining a Notary License PA requires purchasing a $25,000 surety bond (raised from $10,000 for notaries appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026) to protect the public from financial errors.
Many readers pair this guide with the bank notary services to check their readiness before exam day.
PA Notary: Pros and Cons
- +Passing the PA Notary exam preparation process strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- −Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- −Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- −Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- −Testing center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Passing the PA Notary exam preparation process strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
📝 How many questions are on the PA Notary exam, and how many are scored?
The Pearson VUE PA Notary exam has 30 multiple-choice items: 25 scored questions plus 5 unscored pretest items you can't identify, given in a 60-minute time limit.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST✅ What score do you need to pass the PA Notary exam?
You need a scaled score of 75 out of 100. Because the scale isn't a simple percent-correct count, the safest approach is to keep practicing on a PA notary practice test until you're consistently well above passing.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST💰 What is the PA Notary exam fee?
The Pearson VUE exam fee is $65 per attempt. This is separate from the $42 Department of State application fee and the roughly $75 cost of the required 3-hour education course.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST📚 What law does the PA Notary exam test you on?
The exam covers Pennsylvania's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), adopted in 2014, including acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, affirmations, copy certifications, prohibited acts, and electronic/remote notarization rules.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST🏦 How much is the required Pennsylvania notary surety bond?
Effective March 28, 2026, new and reappointed PA notaries must carry a $25,000 surety bond, up from the previous $10,000. Notaries already commissioned before that date may keep their existing bond until it expires.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST🎓 Do I need a class before I can take the PA Notary exam?
Yes. Every applicant must complete a 3-hour Department-approved notary education course within the 6 months immediately before applying — there are no exemptions, even for renewing notaries.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST📅 How long does a Pennsylvania notary commission last?
A PA notary commission runs for 4 years. You can file for renewal up to 90 days before it expires, but if you apply even one day after it lapses, you must retake the exam from scratch.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST⏱️ Can I take the PA Notary exam online?
Only one attempt may be taken online through Pearson's OnVUE remote proctoring. If you need to retake the exam, that retake must be done in person at a physical Pearson VUE test center.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST🖋️ What are the maximum fees a PA notary can charge?
Since March 28, 2026, the cap is $5 per acknowledgment, oath/affirmation, verification, witnessed signature, or certified copy (plus $2 per extra name and $3 per page for a protest), and up to $20 per act for electronic or remote notarizations.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TEST📄 What must a new PA notary do within 45 days of appointment?
Within 45 days you must obtain your bond, take the oath of office, and record the bond, oath, and commission with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where you keep an office — miss the deadline and the commission is voided.
START PA NOTARY PRACTICE TESTOfficial Resources
- Pennsylvania Department of State — Notaries Program: the official state office that commissions PA notaries, publishes application forms, and lists approved education providers and bonding requirements.
- PA Department of State — Notary Application Information: step-by-step guidance on initial appointment and renewal, including fees, timelines, and the 90-day early-renewal window.
- Pearson VUE — Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam: the official test administrator's page for scheduling the exam, exam-day policies, and the current Candidate Information Bulletin.
Sample PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A Pennsylvania Notary Public discovers their notary journal has been lost or stolen. What is the immediate required action?
- A. Purchase a new journal and continue notarizing.
- B. Notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency immediately.
- C. Wait 72 hours before reporting to see if it reappears.
- D. Only notify their bonding company.
Answer: B. Notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency immediately.
Upon discovering a lost or stolen notary journal, the notary must immediately notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency. This is crucial to prevent fraudulent use of the journal and to protect the public.
A Pennsylvania Notary Public is asked to administer an oath or affirmation to a deponent for a sworn statement. What is the maximum fee the notary may charge for this act?
- A. $2.00
- B. $5.00
- C. $7.00
- D. $10.00
Answer: B. $5.00
Similar to acknowledgments, the maximum fee for administering an oath or affirmation is $5.00 for the first individual and $2.00 for each additional individual taking the oath or affirmation.
A notary is asked to 'note a protest of a negotiable instrument,' a less common notarial act. The instrument in question is a three-page document. According to the fee schedule set by the Pennsylvania Department of State, what is the maximum fee the notary can charge for this specific notarial act?
- A. $5.00
- B. $15.00
- C. $3.00
- D. $9.00
Answer: D. $9.00
The fee schedule set by the Pennsylvania Department of State specifies that the maximum fee for noting a protest of a negotiable instrument is $3.00 per page. Since the document has three pages, the correct maximum fee is 3 pages x $3.00/page = $9.00.
A Pennsylvania notary public is presented with a document for notarization. Which of the following pieces of information is *not* explicitly required to be recorded in the notary's journal for this act?
- A. The date and time of the notarial act.
- B. The type of notarial act performed.
- C. The full text of the document being notarized.
- D. The method used to identify the principal.
Answer: C. The full text of the document being notarized.
While the notary must record a description of the document or proceeding, including the type of document, it is not required to record the full text of the document itself. This protects privacy and is impractical.
Take the full PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam practice test
PA Notary Questions and Answers
About the Author
Notary Public Law Expert & State Notary Exam Specialist
Georgetown University Law CenterAttorney Sarah Williams is a licensed attorney and National Notary Association (NNA) certified notary with a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. She has 13 years of experience in notarial law, document authentication, and real estate closings. Sarah coaches candidates through state notary public examinations, notary signing agent certification, and loan signing agent training programs.
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