United States · Licensing exam
Start with your state’s own booklet, because that’s what the exam is based on. New York’s and California’s are free online. Some states also make you take a course: 6 hours in California and North Carolina, 3 hours in Pennsylvania. Below are the official guides, approved courses, apps and classes people use. We checked each one’s price and what’s free in October 2026.
The New York Department of State’s own study guide, September 2026 edition. The exam is based on it. It’s dense and legal in places, but it’s the one book you need for New York.
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The Secretary of State’s 2026 handbook, with California’s notary laws. You still need an approved 6-hour course before the exam.
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The Secretary of State’s list of providers whose 6-hour and 3-hour courses count. Use it to check a course before you pay.
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Both states offer free online training and exams through their secretary of state. Oregon requires its Notary Basics course for every applicant.
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Published by the UNC School of Government and prepared by the Secretary of State. It’s the manual for the North Carolina course and exam.
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The biggest US notary membership group. It sells state packages with the required supplies, and in California the 6-hour course. Its New York exam prep course is an add-on.
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Around 500 multiple-choice and 250 true/false questions, plus flashcards. Updated in June 2026 for New York law changes. 4.6 stars from 73 ratings.
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About 500 New York questions and a 50-question mock exam. The real exam’s length isn’t published, so treat the mock length as a guess. Not enough ratings to show yet.
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From the same developer as the New York app. Seven 45-question practice exams and over 1,000 flashcards. Last updated January 2025. 4.7 stars from 21 ratings.
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Short official videos on how to become a notary in North Carolina, who qualifies and how to fill in the application.
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North Carolina’s 6-hour course is classroom-based. The Secretary of State points to community colleges and a few universities. You take the exam with the course.
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Several CUNY and SUNY colleges run short notary exam prep classes, often a single session. Check the college’s continuing education page for current dates and fees.
Checked October 2026
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Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.