Connecticut Notary Public Exam Overview
The Connecticut Notary Public Exam is administered on behalf of the Connecticut Secretary of State. Connecticut has a straightforward but comprehensive examination process that tests your knowledge of notarial law and procedures.
Passing this exam qualifies you to become a Connecticut Notary Public—serving nearly 3.6 million residents in one of the nation's most business-friendly states with a generous 5-year commission term.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 50 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 1 hour |
| Passing Score | 80% (40 correct answers) |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Education Required | Not required (self-study) |
| Commission Term | 5 years |
| Bond | Not required |
Why Become a Connecticut Notary?
- No bond required — Connecticut is one of few states without bond requirement
- 5-year commission — Longer than most states
- No pre-education — Study on your own schedule
- Business-friendly state — Strong corporate and legal services market
- Attorney exemption — CT attorneys have streamlined process
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Notary Fundamentals (25%)
Commission Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Connecticut resident or maintain office in CT
- Able to read and write English
- No felony convictions
- Apply through the Secretary of State
Appointment Process:
- Submit application to Secretary of State
- Pay $120 application fee (includes $60 state fee + $60 town clerk fee)
- Take and file oath of office
- Commission begins upon oath filing
Oath of Office:
- Must be administered by town clerk
- Filed in the town where notary resides
- Swear to faithfully perform duties
- Commission not valid until oath filed
2. Types of Notarial Acts (30%)
Acknowledgments:
- Signer acknowledges signing voluntarily
- Most common notarial act in Connecticut
- Used for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney
- No oath required
Jurats:
- Signer swears or affirms content is true
- Must sign in notary's presence
- Notary administers oath or affirmation
- Common for affidavits
Oaths and Affirmations:
- Administered for various purposes
- May be verbal without document
- Used for depositions, oaths of office
- Affirmation for religious objections
Copy Certifications:
- Certify copies of certain documents
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot certify public records
- Limited scope under CT law
3. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 6 (25%)
Key Legal Provisions:
- Section 1-24 — Notary appointment
- Section 1-25 — Powers and duties
- Section 1-26 — Prohibited acts
- Section 1-27 — Fees and compensation
- Section 1-28 — Misconduct penalties
Prohibited Acts:
- Cannot notarize your own signature
- Cannot act with financial interest
- Cannot certify vital records
- Cannot practice law (unless attorney)
- Cannot notarize incomplete documents
Penalties for Misconduct:
- Commission revocation
- Civil liability
- Criminal charges for fraud
- Fines up to $500
4. Identification and Procedures (15%)
Satisfactory Evidence:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Valid and unexpired
- Connecticut driver's license or ID
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
Personal Knowledge:
- Notary personally knows the signer
- Based on long-term familiarity
- Most reliable form of identification
- Should document basis
Credible Witness:
- One credible witness who knows signer
- Witness must present acceptable ID
- Used when signer lacks ID
- Witness swears to signer's identity
5. Fees and Records (5%)
Connecticut Fee Schedule:
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $5 |
| Jurat | $5 |
| Oath or affirmation | $5 |
| Protest | $1 |
Journal Requirements:
- Journal NOT required by law
- Strongly recommended for protection
- Many notaries keep voluntary records
- Helpful for liability protection
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Notary fundamentals and appointment | 4-5 |
| Week 1-2 | Types of notarial acts | 4-5 |
| Week 2 | General Statutes Chapter 6 | 5-6 |
| Week 2-3 | Identification and procedures | 3-4 |
| Week 3 | Fees and prohibited acts | 2-3 |
| Week 3-4 | Practice exams and review | 4-5 |
Total recommended study time: 22-28 hours
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Connecticut-Specific Exam Tips
1. Master Chapter 6 of the General Statutes
Connecticut notary law is contained in Chapter 6:
- Know the key section numbers (1-24 through 1-28)
- Understand appointment procedures
- Memorize prohibited acts
- Know fee limitations
2. No Bond Required
Connecticut is one of few states without a bond:
- No $10,000+ bond needed
- Lower startup costs
- But still liable for errors
- Consider E&O insurance
3. Understand the 80% Passing Threshold
Connecticut's exam is demanding:
- 50 questions, need 40 correct
- Higher threshold than many states
- Thorough preparation essential
- Self-study requires discipline
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Connecticut Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 80% (40/50) |
| Education | Not required |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Bond amount | Not required |
| Max fee per act | $5 |
| Application fee | $120 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating self-study — No course required means more self-discipline
- Skipping Chapter 6 — Core of the exam
- Missing 80% threshold — Higher than most states
- Confusing CT with other states — No bond required is unusual
- Not practicing enough — Practice exams are essential
- Rushing through procedures — Detail matters on exam
After Passing Your Exam
- Complete application to Secretary of State
- Pay $120 total fee ($60 state + $60 town clerk)
- Take oath of office before town clerk
- File oath in town of residence
- Obtain notary stamp meeting state requirements
- Begin your notary practice — Commission valid 5 years
2026 Connecticut Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Electronic notarization developments
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) legislation
- Fee schedule reviews
- Updated application procedures
Start Your Connecticut Notary Career Today
The Connecticut Notary Public commission offers one of the longest commission terms (5 years) with no bond requirement—making it one of the most accessible notary commissions in the nation. With proper preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
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Our free study materials include:
- ✅ Complete topic coverage
- ✅ Practice questions with explanations
- ✅ General Statutes Chapter 6 specifics
- ✅ Study guides and summaries
- ✅ AI-powered study assistance
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