North Carolina Notary Public
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How to Pass the North Carolina Notary Exam
The North Carolina Notary Public exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 80% or higher (80 correct) to pass. To succeed, you must first complete the required 6-hour state-approved notary education course. Study G.S. Chapter 10B closely — it governs all North Carolina notarial acts. Focus on proper execution of acknowledgments, jurats, and verifications, acceptable identification of signers, journal requirements, electronic notarization rules, and penalties for misconduct. Practicing with NC-specific questions is the most effective way to prepare.
Topics Covered
Who Takes This Exam?
Aspiring Notaries
Anyone seeking a Notary Public commission in North Carolina must pass this state licensing exam administered by the SOS.
Commission Requirements
You must be 18+, complete required education, pass the background check, and submit your application to the North Carolina SOS.
Master Your North Carolina Notary Public Exam
Learn from expert insights and avoid the most common pitfalls that trip up test-takers in North Carolina, and master key terms in our Glossary.
Study Tips
Expert strategies for success
Complete the 6-hour education course first
North Carolina requires a state-approved 6-hour notary education course before you can sit for the exam. Your course materials are the primary source — study them thoroughly.
Study G.S. Chapter 10B in full
All NC notary law is governed by G.S. Chapter 10B. Read it carefully and cross-reference with your course materials to understand how each provision applies in practice.
Memorize certificate wording
The exam tests specific notarial certificate language. Memorize the required wording for acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths — mistakes here are costly on the exam and in practice.
Practice at 80% or higher consistently
The passing score is 80%. Before your exam, aim to score 85–90% consistently on practice tests so you have a comfortable margin on test day.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid on test day
G.S. Chapter 10B provisions
NC notary law under Chapter 10B is detailed. Candidates often miss specific provisions around proper notarial certificate wording, journal entries, and the distinctions between notarial act types.
Signer identification requirements
North Carolina specifies which forms of ID are acceptable and when credible witnesses may be used. Getting these rules wrong is one of the most common exam errors.
Electronic notary requirements
NC has separate rules for electronic notarization and RON. Many candidates confuse the two or don't know the specific registration and platform requirements for each.
Notarial certificate wording
The exact wording required on notarial certificates for acknowledgments, jurats, and verifications is tested frequently. Small deviations can invalidate a notarial act.
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Free North Carolina Notary Exam Practice PDF
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Your Questions Answered
Quick answers to the most common questions about the North Carolina notary licensing exam
How do I become a notary public in North Carolina?
To become a North Carolina notary, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of NC, and able to read and write English. You must complete a state-approved 6-hour notary education course, pass the notary exam, and then qualify before a register of deeds in any NC county.
What is the passing score for the North Carolina notary exam?
You must score at least 80% to pass the North Carolina notary exam (answering at least 80 out of 100 questions correctly).
How many questions are on the North Carolina notary exam?
The North Carolina notary exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam is administered through the NC Secretary of State's office after completion of the required 6-hour education course.
What topics are covered on the North Carolina notary exam?
The exam covers NC notary statutes (G.S. Chapter 10B), types of notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, verifications, oaths and affirmations), proper signer identification, journal requirements, electronic notarization, and notary misconduct and penalties.
How long is a North Carolina notary commission valid?
A North Carolina notary commission is valid for 5 years from the date of the oath of office taken before the register of deeds.
Can North Carolina notaries perform remote online notarization?
Yes. North Carolina authorizes remote online notarization (RON). NC notaries must obtain a separate electronic notary commission and use a state-approved RON platform to perform notarial acts for signers who are not physically present.
Your First Step to Getting Licensed
Questions are manually curated by our content team using official Secretary of State exam outlines and study materials. We adhere to strict Editorial Standards to ensure accuracy. Each question covers topics from the Notary Public exam — so you practice with questions that closely mirror the actual NC Secretary of State licensing exam.
General Information
18 questions
Notarial Acts
57 questions
Misconduct & Fines
8 questions
Notarial Definitions
13 questions
Record Book
10 questions
Full Question Bank
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Hard Questions
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Built for One Goal: Pass the Notary Exam on Your First Try
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3 Full-Length Practice Tests Included
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