I honestly didn't think this test would be as hard as it is. I'm a paralegal with five years of experience and figured I could just skim the handbook and show up. Wrong. Failed the first time with a 68 (need 70 to pass), retook it six weeks later and got a 69. I was mortified.
What finally turned things around for me was actually sitting down with a solid CA NOTARY practice test — not just reading the handbook cover to cover again. Doing timed practice questions helped me figure out where I was losing points: mostly on the journal entry requirements and the acknowledgment vs. jurat distinction. Those two topics alone probably account for a third of the questions.
Third attempt I scored an 82. If you're studying right now, I'd focus heavily on disqualifying interests, the 30-day bond filing window, and situations where you're legally required to refuse. Happy to answer questions if anyone's prepping for an upcoming appointment.