Notary Classes
There are many personal, as well as professional reasons why you might want to become a licensed Notary Public. Besides making a decent living as a mobile Notary or Notary Loan Signing Agent, you may also have a general interest in being an entrepreneur or serving in a notary role for an educational institute, at a hospital, in your current employment/place of business, or perhaps you may have a passion for serving others within your community.
Regardless of your reason, ensuring you have the right training and staying abreast of your state notary laws are two very important aspects of being a notary that you must always pay close attention to.
There are several classes you can take to either increase your knowledge base as a Notary Public, and training courses available that will give you the tools to extend the type of services you can provide. One of the most lucrative services a notary can provide as those related to loan signings.
By taking notary classes about services and loan signings, you’ll be able to increase your earning potential as a notary public. You’ll be able to offer more services and help your clients through the loan signing process more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, you’ll be able to better protect yourself against liability by understanding all state-specific regulations related to notarization and loan signings.
Notary Classes & Training
My first recommendation would be to check out the complete list of training topics that is offered by The National Notary Association, (NNA). “This organization has been recognized as the leader in notary products and America’s top source for notary classes and supplies.”
The NNA offers classes that are suitable for a new Notary Public to the most seasoned veteran notary. The great perk about taking a class through the NNA is that you can register for a class or training tailored for your specific state, therefore the information you receive during the training is specific to your state notary laws. Taking training through an organization such as the NNA is also highly recognized as a credible training resource.
The NNA provides comprehensive notary training, whether you are a seasoned professional or brand new to the industry. Their classes cover all the essentials of notary public law and procedure, including information on proper record keeping, authentication processes and more. Additionally, they offer valuable insight into specific state laws and regulations so notaries can be well-prepared to meet their responsibilities.
The National Notary Association also offers a Notary Public hotline where notaries can get answers to their most difficult questions and situations. When you sign up to become a member, your annual membership gives you personal live phone call assistance specific to your state notary laws.
My second recommendation would be to check with your local organizations regarding training opportunities. The Secretary of State’s office is a great resource for notaries. For example, in Rochester NY, my local town offers continuing education courses during the school year for Notary Publics. This is really great for someone who is interested in becoming a notary for the very first time, but the class is also offered to more experienced notaries who would like a refresher course. I recommend the latter because notary laws change.
What was presented in notary classes in 2019 will look different today, especially in NY due to the pandemic and ever-changing regulations. When you take the class on how to become a Notary Public, the cost of materials is included in the price, and the instructor also provides a sample test to prepare students for the exam. The exam is scheduled and taken separately.
In much larger cities and states, such as California for example, you may find a broader range of instructor-led training notary classes performed in a classroom setting to cater to a much larger audience.
It is also important to note that ongoing education for Notary Publics is a requirement in some states, so it’s essential that you research the laws of your state for more information. In most cases, a certain number of hours must be performed each year in order to stay current. By attending these continuing education courses, you can gain a better understanding of the laws and regulations that pertain to your state’s notary services. In addition, you may obtain valuable advice from other more experienced Notaries Publics on how to best deliver your services.
Join a Round-Table Discussion Group
Another opportunity to gain more training is to join roundtable groups or chit-chat groups. In Rochester, NY once a month, interested Notary Publics get together in a round-table format, usually via Zoom, to discuss topics involving Notary Public services, laws, and procedures.
The groups also serve as a safe space for Notary Public to voice their questions and concerns, as well as provide advice and support to one another. By joining these groups, Notary Publics are able to build relationships with other professionals in the field that can help them better understand their roles as a Notary.
Not only does attending these roundtable or chit-chat groups benefit members in terms of gaining knowledge and understanding of the Notary Public profession, but it can also be a great way to stay connected with other professionals. It is an opportunity for members to connect with others who share similar interests and passions, which can lead to further opportunities down the road.
You can find these types of groups via social media outlets such as Facebook or IG if you are a member, or through individual Notary Public platforms such as Notary Stars, Professional Notary Services, or The Loan Signing System to name a few. These groups are exceptionally beneficial because you have an opportunity to network and meet other local, state-wide, or national notaries who will likely share in your experiences.
Benefits of a Notary Coach on top of Notary Classes
My last recommendation for training is to connect with a notary mentor or coach. Your fellow notaries are not your enemy. I like to think of other notaries, experienced or not, as a member of the notary public family. We are our own community so we should focus on sticking together and lending that extra assistance if need be. A notary mentor does just that. They coach you on notary laws and provide guidance to help strengthen your notary skills. They are also someone to call upon when you are faced with an unfamiliar situation.
Having someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field can be incredibly helpful when working towards becoming a certified notary. A mentor or coach can help guide you through the process and provide insight on how to best prepare for your exams and other requirements. Additionally, they can provide you with valuable advice on what it takes to succeed in the notary profession and how to best retain your certification once achieved. Having a mentor or coach is one of the most important steps toward becoming a successful notary, so make sure to take advantage of this opportunity if it’s available.
As a notary with 18 years of experience, I certainly don’t have all of the answers. In NY, the remote notary laws are changing so this is one area where I am going to want to lean on my other local and state-wide notaries for support. I try to make it a priority to be willing to learn so I can grow, and I highly seek support from the notary community to do just that.
If you’re looking for a coach, check out Bill at the NotaryCoach.com. Bill has some great services to offer and is a worthwhile investment.