Pa Notary Practice Test 2026 — Free Questions & Explanations 🔎

PA Notary Exam Study Guide

This PA Notary exam study guide breaks down the essential components of the certification process. Learn about the test format, registration, and scoring to help you become a notary in PA.

📚 PA Notary Basics

What is the PA Notary exam?: The PA Notary exam is a mandatory test administered by Pearson VUE to assess a candidate's knowledge of the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA).
Who needs to take the PA Notary exam?: New applicants for a notary commission and current notaries with a lapsed commission must pass the PA Notary exam.
What is covered on the PA Notary test?: The test covers PA notary powers, duties, limitations, liabilities, and electronic notarization rules.
Is the PA Notary exam online?: No, the PA Notary exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE test center.

📝 PA Notary Format

How many questions are on the PA Notary exam?: The PA Notary exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the PA Notary test?: Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the PA Notary exam.
What is the passing score for the PA Notary exam?: You need a scaled score of 75 or higher (scale 0-100) to pass. The exam has 30 multiple-choice items, 25 scored and 5 unscored pretest items, so the pass mark is not a simple percentage of questions correct.
Can I retake the PA Notary exam?: Yes, you can retake the exam as many times as needed within your eligibility period, but you must pay the exam fee each time.

📅 PA Notary Registration

How do I register for the PA Notary exam?: First, apply through the PA Department of State. Once approved, you will receive an authorization to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
What is the PA Notary exam cost?: The exam fee is $65 per attempt, payable to Pearson VUE.
What are the PA Notary requirements?: You must be at least 18, a resident or employed in PA, complete 3 hours of education, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Where are the PA Notary test centers?: There are numerous Pearson VUE test centers located throughout Pennsylvania.

📊 PA Notary Results

When do I get my PA Notary results?: You will receive your PA Notary exam results immediately after completing the test at the center.
What happens if I fail the PA Notary exam?: If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before booking a retake, pay the $65 fee again, and (if your failed attempt was online via OnVUE) take the retake at a physical Pearson VUE test center. You can retake as often as needed within your 6-month authorization window.
How long are my PA Notary exam results valid?: Passing results are valid for the duration of your application processing period.
Is the PA Notary exam hard?: With proper study using a PA Notary study guide and practice tests, most candidates pass on their first try.

💵 PA Notary Salary

What is the average PA Notary salary?: The average annual salary for a notary in PA is approximately $45,000, though this varies for mobile notaries.
Can I make extra money as a PA Notary?: Yes, becoming a mobile notary or loan signing agent can significantly increase your PA Notary income.
How much can a PA Notary charge?: PA Notary fees are set by the state, typically $5 per notarization, but travel fees for mobile notaries can be higher.
Is becoming a PA Notary worth it?: Yes, obtaining a Notary License PA is a low-cost investment that can enhance your resume and provide additional income.

Topics: Electronic records, remote acts.
Questions: ~4-5 questions

PA Notary Practice Test Questions

PA Notary Score Calculator

The total cost to become a PA Notary is approximately $300 - $350. This is a relatively low investment for a credential that is valid for four years. Try our Arizona Notary practice test.

If you are searching for a PA notary practice test free, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the PA Notary exam topics in order.

PA Notary Test Day Checklist

PA Notary Renewal Requirements

PA Notary Exam Questions and Answers

To become a PA Notary, you must complete a 3-hour approved education course, submit an application to the Department of State with a $42 fee, pass the Pearson VUE exam, and obtain a surety bond.

The PA Notary search is an online tool provided by the Department of State to verify the status of a commissioned notary public in Pennsylvania.

PA Notary fees include a $42 application fee, $65 exam fee, approximately $75 for the education course, and varying costs for the bond and seal.

PA Notary renewal requires completing the 3-hour continuing education course and submitting a reappointment application before your commission expires (you may apply up to 90 days early; the Department recommends filing 2-3 months ahead).

Yes, current notaries can apply to become an Online Notary PA (remote online notary) by submitting a separate application and notifying the Department of State of their chosen technology vendor.

You can find PA Notary classes near me at local community colleges, or take the required 3-hour education course online through approved providers listed on the state website.

The PA Notary exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (25 scored, 5 unscored pretest) in 60 minutes. You need a scaled score of 75 or higher to pass.

The PA Notary exam is considered moderately difficult if you haven't studied the RULONA laws. Using a PA Notary practice test is highly recommended.

A PA Notary commission is valid for four years. You must renew before the expiration date to maintain your status.

Yes, obtaining a Notary License PA requires purchasing a $25,000 surety bond (raised from $10,000 for notaries appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026) to protect the public from financial errors.

Many readers pair this guide with the bank notary services to check their readiness before exam day.

PA Notary: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros	Cons
Passing the PA Notary exam preparation process strengthens your knowledge across all domains	Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients	Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
Study materials and practice tests are widely available	Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers	Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively	Testing center availability may require advance scheduling

Sample PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

A Pennsylvania Notary Public discovers their notary journal has been lost or stolen. What is the immediate required action?
- A. Purchase a new journal and continue notarizing.
- B. Notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency immediately.
- C. Wait 72 hours before reporting to see if it reappears.
- D. Only notify their bonding company.
Answer: B. Notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency immediately.
Upon discovering a lost or stolen notary journal, the notary must immediately notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency. This is crucial to prevent fraudulent use of the journal and to protect the public.
A Pennsylvania Notary Public is asked to administer an oath or affirmation to a deponent for a sworn statement. What is the maximum fee the notary may charge for this act?
- A. $2.00
- B. $5.00
- C. $7.00
- D. $10.00
Answer: B. $5.00
Similar to acknowledgments, the maximum fee for administering an oath or affirmation is $5.00 for the first individual and $2.00 for each additional individual taking the oath or affirmation.
A notary is asked to 'note a protest of a negotiable instrument,' a less common notarial act. The instrument in question is a three-page document. According to the fee schedule set by the Pennsylvania Department of State, what is the maximum fee the notary can charge for this specific notarial act?
- A. $5.00
- B. $15.00
- C. $3.00
- D. $9.00
Answer: D. $9.00
The fee schedule set by the Pennsylvania Department of State specifies that the maximum fee for noting a protest of a negotiable instrument is $3.00 per page. Since the document has three pages, the correct maximum fee is 3 pages x $3.00/page = $9.00.
A Pennsylvania notary public is presented with a document for notarization. Which of the following pieces of information is *not* explicitly required to be recorded in the notary's journal for this act?
- A. The date and time of the notarial act.
- B. The type of notarial act performed.
- C. The full text of the document being notarized.
- D. The method used to identify the principal.
Answer: C. The full text of the document being notarized.
While the notary must record a description of the document or proceeding, including the type of document, it is not required to record the full text of the document itself. This protects privacy and is impractical.

Take the full PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam practice test

PA Notary Questions and Answers

What is the Pennsylvania Notary Public exam?

The Pennsylvania Notary Public exam is a required test administered by the Pennsylvania Department of State. It verifies that applicants understand PA notary law before receiving their commission. All new notary applicants must pass this exam as part of the state's certification process.

What is the format of the PA Notary exam?

The PA Notary exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (25 scored plus 5 unscored pretest items) with a 60-minute time limit. To pass, candidates must achieve a scaled score of 75 or higher. The exam is proctored by Pearson VUE, either at a test center or online via OnVUE (only one online attempt is allowed; retakes must be at a physical test center).

What topics are covered on the Pennsylvania Notary exam?

The exam covers the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) as adopted in Pennsylvania in 2014, including acknowledgments, jurats, notarial certificates, oaths, affirmations, copy certifications, and prohibited acts. It also tests knowledge of electronic and remote notarization rules.

What are the steps to become a notary in Pennsylvania?

To become a Pennsylvania notary, you must: complete a 3-hour education course from an approved provider, pass the state notary exam, submit an application through the PA Department of State, obtain a $25,000 surety bond, take the oath of office, and record the bond, oath and commission with your county's Recorder of Deeds within 45 days of appointment.

How long does a Pennsylvania notary commission last?

A Pennsylvania notary public commission is valid for four (4) years. At the end of the commission term, notaries must renew their commission by completing a 3-hour approved continuing education course and submitting a renewal application (with the $42 fee) to the Department of State before the commission expires. The exam is only required again if the commission has lapsed, even by one day.

What is the bond requirement for Pennsylvania notaries?

Pennsylvania law requires all notary public applicants to obtain a $25,000 surety bond (effective March 28, 2026; previously $10,000) within 45 days of appointment, before entering into their duties. This bond protects the public from financial harm caused by a notary's misconduct or negligence. The bond must remain active for the entire 4-year commission term.

How should I use the PA notary practice test to prepare?

Start with the PA notary practice test to find your weak areas, read the explanations for every question you miss, then retake it until you score consistently above the passing mark for the PA Notary exam.

Is there a free PA notary practice test free?

Yes. This page includes a free PA notary practice test free with an explanation for every answer, matched to the current PA Notary exam format. You can take it online with instant scoring and review the topics you miss.

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test