What the course covers
The 6-hour course covers everything the California Secretary of State requires under Government Code §8201(a)(3). Six modules, each about 60 minutes:
- California notary public law — appointment, jurisdiction, grounds for revocation
- Notarial acts — acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, affirmations, copy certifications
- Signer identification — acceptable IDs, credible witnesses, fraud detection
- Journal requirements — mandatory entries, thumbprints, storage and retention
- Seal, bond, and fees — specifications, filing deadlines, maximum fee schedule
- Ethics, liability, and emerging issues — RON, advertising rules, immigration restrictions
Each module ends with a quiz. The final module includes a 30-question comprehensive exam — you need 70% to pass. Retakes are free.
How our online notary course works
Enroll and get instant access. No approval wait, no start dates. You log in and begin immediately.
Work at your own pace. Some students finish in one sitting. Others spread it across a week. Your progress is saved automatically — stop and resume from your dashboard any time.
Mobile-friendly. Complete the course from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Get your certificate instantly. Pass the final exam and your Proof of Completion certificate is generated immediately. Download it, print it, and bring it to your state exam appointment.
Why California CE Academy
We are a Secretary of State-approved notary education vendor based in Vallejo, California. Our founder has been a working mobile notary in the Bay Area since 2004. The course was written from field experience — what California notaries actually encounter, not just what the Government Code says.
The price is $49 for the 6-hour course and $29 for the 3-hour refresher. No upsells, no hidden fees, no mandatory “add-on” study guides.
What to do after finishing the course
Completing the education course is step 1 of 7 in the California notary commissioning process. After you finish:
- Register for the state exam at cpshr.us
- Pass the 45-question proctored exam (70% to pass)
- Submit fingerprints via Live Scan
- Wait for your commission certificate by mail (2–6 weeks)
- Purchase a $15,000 surety bond ($40–$100 premium)
- File your oath and bond at your county clerk within 30 days
- Order your notary seal and journal
Full step-by-step walkthrough: How to become a notary public in California (2026)
Start your California notary course now
Enroll in the 6-Hour Course — $49
Enroll in the 3-Hour Refresher — $29
Questions? See our FAQ or email [email protected].