NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is the NSA's responsibility when a borrower states they did not receive a copy of the loan documents before the signing appointment?

Provide the borrower with copies from the signing package to review immediately
Cancel the signing because federal law requires advance document delivery
Inform the hiring party and proceed according to their instructions (Correct answer)
Reschedule the signing until the borrower can review documents in advance

Correct answer: Inform the hiring party and proceed according to their instructions

The NSA should report the situation to the hiring party, who will determine how to proceed based on loan type and applicable disclosure timelines.

Question 2: What identifying information about a document signer should be recorded in the notary journal?

Email address and phone number only
Social security number and date of birth
Name, address, type of ID presented, and ID number (Correct answer)
Only the signer's name and signature

Correct answer: Name, address, type of ID presented, and ID number

Journal entries should include the signer's name, address, type of identification presented, and the ID number to document that identity was properly verified.

Question 3: Which document gives borrowers on a primary residence refinance the right to cancel the loan within three business days?

Notice of Right to Cancel (Right of Rescission) (Correct answer)
Closing Disclosure
Deed of Trust
Truth in Lending Disclosure

Correct answer: Notice of Right to Cancel (Right of Rescission)

The Notice of Right to Cancel, required by TILA/Regulation Z, gives eligible borrowers three business days to rescind a refinance transaction.

Question 4: A signer presents a foreign passport as identification. Is this generally acceptable for a loan signing notarization?

Only if accompanied by a green card or visa
Yes, a foreign passport is a valid government-issued photo ID (Correct answer)
Only if the lender pre-approves the foreign ID
No, only US-issued documents are acceptable

Correct answer: Yes, a foreign passport is a valid government-issued photo ID

A foreign passport is a government-issued photo ID and is generally acceptable for notarization in most US states, though the NSA should check state-specific requirements.

Question 5: An NSA realizes after leaving a signing that one required notarial certificate was not completed. What should they do?

Return to the borrower's home and complete it without telling the hiring party
Immediately notify the title company or lender so they can arrange a cure (Correct answer)
Complete the certificate from memory and mail it in
Wait to see if the lender notices before taking action

Correct answer: Immediately notify the title company or lender so they can arrange a cure

Promptly notifying the hiring party allows them to arrange a re-sign or other cure before the loan is funded with a defective document.

Question 6: Why is it critical for an NSA to remain current with their state's notary laws and any updates to NSA best practices?

So they can advise borrowers on recent changes to mortgage regulations
To qualify for higher fee schedules from signing services
Because laws and standards evolve, and practicing with outdated knowledge can lead to invalid notarizations or legal liability (Correct answer)
To maintain eligibility for federal mortgage settlement programs

Correct answer: Because laws and standards evolve, and practicing with outdated knowledge can lead to invalid notarizations or legal liability

Notary laws and professional standards change; failing to stay current can result in defective notarizations, commission revocation, or civil liability.

Question 7: What is the purpose of an 'errors and omissions' (E&O) insurance policy for an NSA?

To provide coverage for documents lost during shipping
To protect the NSA from claims arising from mistakes made during the course of notarial duties (Correct answer)
To cover the borrower's legal fees if the loan transaction fails
To reimburse the lender for losses caused by mortgage fraud

Correct answer: To protect the NSA from claims arising from mistakes made during the course of notarial duties

E&O insurance protects the NSA financially if a clerical error or oversight during the signing results in a claim or lawsuit.

Question 8: During a refinance signing, the borrower realizes the interest rate on the Note differs from what they were quoted. The NSA should:

Strike through the incorrect rate and write in the quoted rate before notarizing
Recalculate whether the difference is within an acceptable tolerance and proceed if so
Advise the borrower to sign and dispute the rate later with the lender
Confirm the borrower's concern, stop the signing, and contact the hiring party (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Confirm the borrower's concern, stop the signing, and contact the hiring party

Any discrepancy between quoted and document figures must be reported to the hiring party immediately; the NSA cannot advise on or alter loan terms.

Question 9: Which type of notarial act is most commonly required for a Deed of Trust or Mortgage in a real estate closing?

Copy certification
Acknowledgment (Correct answer)
Oath administration
Jurat

Correct answer: Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act for real estate documents, where the signer confirms voluntary execution of the instrument.

Question 10: Before presenting documents to borrowers, what should an NSA do with the loan package?

Sign the documents on behalf of the borrower
Review the package to ensure it is complete and in order (Correct answer)
Submit the package to the title company first
Remove any pages that appear redundant

Correct answer: Review the package to ensure it is complete and in order

The NSA should review the loan package before the signing to confirm all documents are present and properly organized.

Question 11: An NSA is offered a $100 tip by a grateful borrower after a smooth signing. What is the most ethical response?

Accept it as a personal gift unrelated to the notarial act
Accept only if it does not exceed the state's maximum notary fee
Decline and explain that tips could create the appearance of a conflict of interest (Correct answer)
Accept it but report it on the signing confirmation

Correct answer: Decline and explain that tips could create the appearance of a conflict of interest

Accepting gratuities beyond the agreed fee can compromise the NSA's neutrality and create ethical concerns.

Question 12: A borrower signs a document but then crosses out a clause and initials it. The NSA should:

Refuse to notarize it and inform the lender so a corrected document can be provided (Correct answer)
Notarize the page and note the alteration in the journal
White out the crossing and proceed
Accept it as a valid alteration if both parties agree

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize it and inform the lender so a corrected document can be provided

Alterations to loan documents after preparation are unacceptable; the NSA should stop and contact the lender to provide a corrected document.

Question 13: When preparing for a signing, the NSA receives a 150-page PDF loan package. The contracting company's instructions do not specify printing requirements. What is the industry best practice for printing these documents?

Print the entire package double-sided on letter-sized paper to save resources.
Print the package on a mix of letter and legal-sized paper as formatted in the PDF, defaulting to letter size if unsure. (Correct answer)
Convert the entire package to legal-sized paper to ensure no text is cut off.
Print only the pages that require a signature or notarization.

Correct answer: Print the package on a mix of letter and legal-sized paper as formatted in the PDF, defaulting to letter size if unsure.

Loan packages are frequently a mix of letter and legal-sized pages. The best and most professional practice is to use a printer (preferably a dual-tray laser printer) that can print each page on the correct paper size as designated in the PDF file. Printing everything on one size or double-sided can lead to document rejection.

Question 14: Regarding the financial aspects of an assignment, what is a recommended post-signing best practice for a Notary Signing Agent to ensure timely payment?

Only accept cash payments directly from the borrower at the signing table.
Submit a detailed invoice to the contracting company promptly after the signing is complete and the package is shipped. (Correct answer)
Wait for the contracting company to send a payment automatically, as invoicing is not standard practice.
Add your fee to the borrower's closing statement yourself before the signing.

Correct answer: Submit a detailed invoice to the contracting company promptly after the signing is complete and the package is shipped.

To ensure proper and timely payment, NSAs should have an effective system that includes submitting a clear and detailed invoice to the company that hired them. This should be done promptly after the service is rendered and the documents are properly returned. The invoice should detail the service provided, date, amount due, and payment terms. Accepting payment from the borrower is generally not permitted, and NSAs do not have the authority to alter closing statements.

Question 15: What is the correct procedure if a borrower asks to keep all copies of the loan package after signing?

Allow the borrower to keep one set of copies where permitted, but retain all originals for return to the hiring party (Correct answer)
Let the borrower decide which documents to keep since it is their transaction
Provide the borrower with all originals since they are paying for the loan
Deny all requests to keep documents as borrowers are not entitled to copies

Correct answer: Allow the borrower to keep one set of copies where permitted, but retain all originals for return to the hiring party

Borrowers are typically entitled to certain copies (e.g., the Closing Disclosure and RTC), but original signed documents must be returned to the hiring party.

Question 16: What is a 'straw buyer' in the context of mortgage fraud that an NSA should be aware of?

A co-signer who guarantees the loan but does not live in the property
A first-time homebuyer who qualifies for special assistance programs
A person who purchases property on behalf of another to conceal the true buyer's identity (Correct answer)
A buyer who uses straw-colored ink to sign documents

Correct answer: A person who purchases property on behalf of another to conceal the true buyer's identity

A straw buyer is used in mortgage fraud schemes to disguise the true beneficial owner, often to circumvent lending rules or launder money.

Question 17: An NSA arrives at a signing and discovers the loan package is missing the Closing Disclosure. What should they do?

Contact the hiring party immediately and await instructions (Correct answer)
Proceed with the signing using the other documents
Reconstruct the document from memory or a template
Ask the borrower to print a copy from their email

Correct answer: Contact the hiring party immediately and await instructions

A missing required document must be reported to the hiring party immediately; the NSA should not proceed without all required documents.

Question 18: An NSA arrives at a signing appointment and is greeted by the borrower's son, who states he will be signing on his father's behalf using a Power of Attorney (POA). The NSA was not informed of this arrangement beforehand. What is the NSA's immediate course of action?

Proceed with the signing if the son presents an original, notarized POA document.
Halt the signing and immediately contact the contracting company for instructions. (Correct answer)
Ask the son to sign his father's name and then his own name with "POA" next to it.
Notarize the signatures but make a detailed note in the journal that a POA was used unexpectedly.

Correct answer: Halt the signing and immediately contact the contracting company for instructions.

The use of a Power of Attorney must be pre-approved by the lender and title company. An NSA cannot unilaterally decide to accept a POA at the table. This is a significant change to the signing, and the NSA must stop and contact the hiring entity to receive guidance and approval before proceeding.

Question 19: What is the purpose of obtaining an NSA certification from an approved organization?

To gain authority to explain loan terms to borrowers
To demonstrate competency, increase credibility, and meet hiring requirements of many signing services and lenders (Correct answer)
To obtain a federal license to conduct loan signings
To waive the state notary bond requirement

Correct answer: To demonstrate competency, increase credibility, and meet hiring requirements of many signing services and lenders

NSA certification signals to clients that the signing agent has been trained and tested on loan document procedures, ethics, and best practices, making them more marketable.

Question 20: Which of the following is required when notarizing a document?

The notary must ensure the signer is willing and aware of the document's contents (Correct answer)
The notary must provide a copy of the document to the signer
The signer must be a legal resident of the United States
Only the presence of a witness is required

Correct answer: The notary must ensure the signer is willing and aware of the document's contents

A notary's core duty extends beyond just witnessing a signature; they must ensure the signer is fully aware of the document's contents and is signing voluntarily. This means the signer understands the nature and effect of the document and is not acting under duress. This requirement safeguards individuals from unknowingly entering into agreements or being forced to sign against their will.

Question 21: What is the primary legal effect of a notarial acknowledgment on a real estate document?

It guarantees the accuracy of the document's contents
It transfers legal title to the new owner
It certifies the document was drafted by a licensed attorney
It makes the document eligible for recording in the county recorder's office (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It makes the document eligible for recording in the county recorder's office

A notarized acknowledgment authenticates the signature so the document can be accepted for public recording.

Question 22: The Notice of Right to Cancel form must be signed and dated by the borrower AND:

Each borrower who has an ownership interest in the property (Correct answer)
The lender's loan officer must co-sign
The seller must acknowledge receipt
The NSA must also sign as a witness

Correct answer: Each borrower who has an ownership interest in the property

Each borrower with an ownership interest in the home must receive and sign their own Notice of Right to Cancel, not just the primary borrower.

Question 23: An NSA notices a discrepancy between the borrower's name on the identification and the name printed on the loan documents. The correct action is to:

Note the discrepancy and contact the hiring party for guidance before proceeding (Correct answer)
Notarize the signature using the name on the ID only
Allow the borrower to sign both names on each document
Strike through the incorrect name and write the correct one before notarizing

Correct answer: Note the discrepancy and contact the hiring party for guidance before proceeding

Name discrepancies must be reported to the hiring party before the NSA proceeds, as corrections require authorization from the lender or title company.

Question 24: Which scenario represents a proper use of a borrower's contact information obtained during a signing assignment?

Selling the contact information to a mortgage lead generation company
Adding the borrower to a marketing mailing list for the NSA's services
Using the information to send the borrower a holiday greeting card
Contacting the borrower only if the lender or title company authorizes follow-up for a legitimate signing-related purpose (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Contacting the borrower only if the lender or title company authorizes follow-up for a legitimate signing-related purpose

Borrower contact information obtained through a signing may only be used for the purpose for which it was provided — not for marketing or resale.

Question 25: A borrower asks a Notary Signing Agent to email a copy of their signed loan documents to a family member. What should the NSA do?

Ask the title company via text message before deciding
Forward copies to the family member and CC the lender
Decline and explain that documents must be returned only to the lender or title company (Correct answer)
Email the documents as requested since the borrower consented

Correct answer: Decline and explain that documents must be returned only to the lender or title company

Signed loan documents are confidential and must be returned only to the designated lender or title company, not third parties.

Question 26: Which action would be considered a violation of the NSA's duty of confidentiality?

Returning documents sealed in an envelope to the title company
Recording the type of notarial act in the journal
Reporting a suspected fraud to the hiring company
Discussing loan details of a signing with a family member (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Discussing loan details of a signing with a family member

Sharing borrower loan information with unauthorized individuals, including family members, violates the NSA's confidentiality obligations.

Question 27: What should an NSA do if a borrower refuses to sign the Right of Rescission notice?

Explain its purpose and contact the lender or signing service for guidance (Correct answer)
Skip the document and proceed with other signatures
Complete the closing without that document and note it in the return package
Sign as witness on the borrower's behalf

Correct answer: Explain its purpose and contact the lender or signing service for guidance

The NSA should explain the document's purpose and immediately notify the lender or signing service, as the rescission notice is legally required.

Question 28: A borrower in a refinance transaction is signing the Notice of Right to Cancel. Which of the following is the MOST critical procedural step for the Notary Signing Agent regarding this document?

Notarizing the borrower's signature on the document.
Ensuring the document is signed and dated by the borrower.
Making sure the rescission period dates are filled in correctly and providing the borrower with two copies. (Correct answer)
Explaining the financial implications of canceling the loan.

Correct answer: Making sure the rescission period dates are filled in correctly and providing the borrower with two copies.

The Notice of Right to Cancel is a crucial document in many refinance transactions, granting the borrower a three-day period to cancel the loan. The Notary Signing Agent must ensure the form is properly dated to reflect the start of this rescission period and must provide each borrower with two completed copies. This procedure is a strict requirement under federal law (TILA).

Question 29: An NSA overhears a borrower's phone conversation revealing the borrower is in financial difficulty. This information should be:

Documented in case it is later needed for a dispute
Noted in the signing status report as context
Kept completely confidential and not referenced in any communication (Correct answer)
Shared with the lender as it may affect loan approval

Correct answer: Kept completely confidential and not referenced in any communication

Incidentally overheard personal information is just as confidential as information disclosed directly and must not be shared.

Question 30: What is typically included in the closing disclosure of a loan document package?

A summary of the property's inspection report
The borrower's credit score and income details
The buyer's personal bank statements
A detailed breakdown of the loan terms and closing costs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A detailed breakdown of the loan terms and closing costs

The Closing Disclosure (CD) is a critical document provided to borrowers three business days before closing a loan. Its purpose is to clearly and comprehensively outline all the final terms of the loan, including the interest rate, monthly payments, and total closing costs. This transparency allows borrowers to review and understand all financial aspects before finalizing the transaction.

NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA) Exam

The NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent exam tests knowledge of mortgage loan closing documents, notarial procedures, and professional ethics required to perform real estate loan signings. Candidates must score at least 80% on each of the three sections to earn certification.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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