Practice Test GeeksNNA - National Notary Association Certification Practice Test
← All NNA Flashcard Decks

Notary Law and Ethics Flashcards

7 cards from real NNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Notary Law and Ethics flashcards as text

  1. What is the key difference between an oath and an affirmation?

    Answer: An oath is a pledge to a Supreme Being, while an affirmation is a pledge on one's personal honor

    Both are legally equivalent and carry the penalty of perjury, but an affirmation has no religious reference.

  2. During a jurat, the signer refuses to take either an oath or an affirmation. What should the notary do?

    Answer: Refuse to complete the jurat

    A jurat requires an oath or affirmation, so it cannot be completed without one.

  3. A notary notices that the signer seems confused, cannot say what the document is, and a relative keeps answering for them. What is the ethical course of action?

    Answer: Decline the notarization because of doubts about the signer's awareness and willingness

    A notary must be satisfied that the signer understands the document and is signing freely before notarizing.

  4. Which statement about notarizing for a family member is most accurate?

    Answer: Many states prohibit it or strongly discourage it because of possible conflicts of interest

    Rules vary by state, but notarizing for relatives risks a conflict of interest, and the NNA advises against it.

  5. Under the NNA's Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility, what is the guiding principle for a notary's conduct?

    Answer: Acting as an impartial witness who serves the public honestly and with integrity

    The Code stresses impartiality, honesty, and protecting the public's trust in notarized documents.

  6. A notary signs a certificate stating the signer personally appeared, knowing the signer did not. What legal exposure may this create?

    Answer: Commission revocation, civil liability, and possible criminal charges for a false certificate

    Knowingly making a false certificate can lead to administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.

  7. Is the notary's employer generally liable for an employee-notary's misconduct?

    Answer: Yes, in many states, if the misconduct happened within the scope of employment and the employer consented or directed it

    Many state laws hold employers liable when an employee-notary's misconduct was within the scope of employment and the employer consented or directed it.