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Notary Public Exam — Core Principles

Commission (PA): practice questions

Our Notary Public bank has 16 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1 · Pennsylvania

When must a new applicant complete the basic education course?

  1. Any time during the prior two years
  2. In the six months before applying
  3. Within the 12 months before applying
  4. Within 90 days before taking the exam
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B. In the six months before applying — 57 Pa.C.S. 322(b); 4 Pa. Code 167.11(b)(6).

Question 2 · Pennsylvania

What education must a notary complete to renew a commission that has not yet expired?

  1. No education, only a renewal fee and new bond
  2. Six hours of continuing education every two years
  3. Three hours of approved continuing education
  4. The full basic education course and a new state examination
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C. Three hours of approved continuing education — 57 Pa.C.S. 322(c); 4 Pa. Code 167.12(b)(6).

Question 3 · Pennsylvania

What result is needed to pass the Pennsylvania notary examination?

  1. 85% on each section
  2. A raw score of 80%
  3. A scaled score of 70
  4. A scaled score of 75 or higher
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D. A scaled score of 75 or higher — 4 Pa. Code 167.15(d)(1).

Question 4 · Pennsylvania

Which applicant is NOT required to pass the Pennsylvania notary examination?

  1. A former PA notary whose commission lapsed one day ago
  2. A first-time applicant who completed the basic course
  3. A notary renewing a PA commission that has not yet expired
  4. A notary holding a current commission from New Jersey
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C. A notary renewing a PA commission that has not yet expired — 57 Pa.C.S. 322(a); 4 Pa. Code 167.15(a)(2) (an expired commission counts as not holding one).

Question 5 · Pennsylvania

A notary moves out of state and no longer works in Pennsylvania. What is the effect?

  1. The commission stays valid
  2. The notary must post a larger bond
  3. The notary is deemed to have resigned
  4. The notary may act only remotely
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C. The notary is deemed to have resigned — 4 Pa. Code 167.45(d).

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