AZ Notary Associations and Networks 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of credential examination, offered by the NNA, is widely recognized by signing services and title companies when hiring notary signing agents?
- Arizona Notary Proficiency Test
- NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent (CNSA) exam (Correct answer)
- Arizona State Signing Specialist Exam
- American Bar Association Closing Agent Certification
Correct answer: NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent (CNSA) exam
The NNA's Certified Notary Signing Agent (CNSA) credential is the industry-standard certification recognized by most signing services and title companies.
Question 2: Arizona notaries who perform remote online notarizations (RON) must use an approved technology platform. Where is the list of approved platforms maintained?
- The National Notary Association website
- The Arizona Secretary of State's office (Correct answer)
- The American Society of Notaries directory
- The Arizona Department of Real Estate
Correct answer: The Arizona Secretary of State's office
The Arizona Secretary of State maintains the list of approved RON technology platforms that notaries must use to perform remote online notarizations.
Question 3: A notary in a signing agent network receives a loan package with instructions to notarize a signature that appears forged. The notary should:
- Complete the notarization quickly to avoid delaying the closing
- Follow the signing service's instruction to proceed since they are the client
- Refuse to notarize and report concerns per applicable law and professional guidelines (Correct answer)
- Contact the NNA first for permission to refuse
Correct answer: Refuse to notarize and report concerns per applicable law and professional guidelines
A notary must refuse to complete a notarization if there is reason to believe the signature or signer's identity is fraudulent, regardless of client pressure.
Question 4: Peer-to-peer notary networks and online forums can be valuable for Arizona notaries primarily because they:
- Grant legal authority to perform notarizations in other states
- Allow notaries to charge higher fees by collective agreement
- Share practical tips, answer procedural questions, and provide moral support (Correct answer)
- Serve as the official channel for state rule updates
Correct answer: Share practical tips, answer procedural questions, and provide moral support
Online notary communities provide a space for practical knowledge-sharing and peer support but do not grant legal authority or serve as official state channels.
Question 5: When signing services evaluate Arizona notaries for their networks, background screenings typically check for:
- Membership in the American Bar Association
- Criminal history and prior notary disciplinary actions (Correct answer)
- Personal credit scores and tax filing history
- Endorsements from other notaries in the same county
Correct answer: Criminal history and prior notary disciplinary actions
Background checks for notary signing agent networks commonly examine criminal records and any history of notary misconduct or commission revocation.
Question 6: An Arizona notary wants to expand into real estate loan signings through a signing service network. Which combination of credentials is most commonly required by these networks?
- Active notary commission only
- Active notary commission, NNA CNSA certification, and background check (Correct answer)
- Membership in the Arizona Association of Realtors
- A real estate broker's license and notary commission
Correct answer: Active notary commission, NNA CNSA certification, and background check
Most signing service networks require an active notary commission, the NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent credential, and a recent background check before adding a notary to their panel.
Question 7: How does membership in the American Society of Notaries (ASN) differ from the NNA in practical terms for Arizona notaries?
- ASN membership is required by Arizona law; NNA membership is optional
- The ASN focuses on advocacy and legislative monitoring while the NNA emphasizes certification and training (Correct answer)
- ASN issues notary commissions while the NNA issues surety bonds
- There is no practical difference; both organizations perform identical functions
Correct answer: The ASN focuses on advocacy and legislative monitoring while the NNA emphasizes certification and training
The ASN is known for legislative advocacy and monitoring notary law changes, while the NNA is more prominent for certification programs and training products.
AZ Notary Associations and Networks 5
Which type of credential examination, offered by the NNA, is widely recognized by signing services and title companies when hiring notary signing agents?