Colorado Notary Public Exam Info
As part of the notary application process, the Colorado Secretary of State requires that new applicants (and renewing notaries who have allowed their commission to lapse) pass the Colorado Notary Public Exam. The exam is free and does not add anything to your costs to become a notary.
What the Exam Covers
The online exam tests your knowledge of three areas: Colorado notary law (Colorado Revised Statutes Title 12, Article 55), how to perform notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, copy certifications), and the procedures taught in the required notary training class and the Colorado Notary Handbook.
Expect questions about:
- When you can and cannot notarize a document (conflicts of interest, family members)
- Proper identification requirements for signers
- How to complete a notarial certificate (venue, date, seal, signature)
- Journal entry requirements and what to record
- Fee limits for notarial acts
- What to do if you make an error on a notarization
- When a notary must refuse service
Exam Format and Logistics
The exam is administered online through the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. Key details:
The exam is free. It is open book, so you can reference the notary handbook and statutes while you work through it. Most people finish in about 30 minutes. It runs on any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) on either a PC or Mac. The SOS does not publish a specific passing score, but the exam is designed to be straightforward for anyone who has completed a training course.
The system provides a certificate of testing after you pass. You submit this certificate along with your training certificate as part of your notary application. The SOS will not process your application without both.
How to Prepare
All of the information on the exam is covered in our training course. We also include a practice test at the end of the course that mirrors the format and topic areas you will see on the state exam. Most people who complete the training course pass the state exam on the first attempt.
Tips for exam day:
- Keep the Colorado Notary Handbook open in another browser tab for quick reference
- Read each question carefully before answering (some cover specific statutory requirements)
- Do not rush. You have plenty of time
- If you are unsure about a question, look it up in the handbook rather than guessing
What Happens If You Fail
You can retake the exam. The SOS does not limit the number of attempts, and there is no waiting period or penalty for failing. The exam is administered through the SOS website, so you simply log back in and try again.
That said, most failures come from people who skipped the training course or rushed through it. If you have completed a thorough course and paid attention, you should pass without trouble.
We offer a 100% guarantee that you will pass the Colorado Notary Public Exam after completing our course. If you do not pass, contact us and we will help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Colorado notary exam free?
Yes. The exam is provided by the Secretary of State at no cost.
Is the Colorado notary exam open book?
Yes. You can reference the notary handbook and notary law while taking it.
How long does the exam take?
About 30 minutes for most people.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake it as many times as needed. There is no waiting period or extra fee.
What does the exam cover?
Colorado notary law, how to perform notarial acts, and the guidelines taught in the required training course.
Do I need to take the exam before or after training?
After. You need to complete a state-approved training course before you are eligible to take the state exam. The exam tests material covered in the course.
Do renewing notaries need to retake the exam?
Only if your commission has lapsed. If you renew on time (before expiration), you do not need to retake the exam. You do need to retake the training course for each renewal.
