Posted by pronotary1 on 2/1/07 5:15pm
Msg #173610

Can someone answer this question for me?

I would like to know if anyone thinks that the office Notary Public or Notary Signing Agent should be given professional accreditation. Such as AA -Associates in Liberal Arts Degree. BA-Bachelors of Arts Degree, or MA- Masters of Arts Degree. I know that many of those who have atttained their respective degrees have attended school for two, four and sometimes eight years to get their degree. In no way, am I undermining the hard work it takes for someone to reach thier ultimate goal of getting their professional accreditation.


I am saying that as Notary Publics we uphold a public office to ensure integrity, honesty, professionalism etc. We too, had to study for the Notary Public exam given by our respective states so that we know what the parameters of the law says in respects to the office of Notary Public. I am not asking for any special treatment whatsoever. However, I am curious to know whether the idea of notaries recieving professional accreditation is worth taking a look at. Other professions have their professional accreditations, doctors have M.D. Doctorate of Medicine, Dentist have D.D.S. Doctorate of Dental Science, Lawyers have D.L. Doctorate of Law. I am thinking A.N.A. for notaries: Associate of Notary Affairs. What do you guys think?


In my humble opinion


pronotary1

Reply by Signing_Doc on 2/1/07 5:31pm
Msg #173617

IMHO...the office of Notary Public deserves no professional accreditation AS IT STANDS NOW. Many states, i.e. CA require extensive testing to become a Notary...while others i.e. Nevada just require an app, the bond, a fee and voila...you a notary (sic)!

Until all states come up with a 'standard' for what is required for a Notary Public, your idea would not fly. Let me give an example. I have a Bachelors in Education from Univ Nebraska Omaha. While the 'core' classes, (history, English, psych etc) may differ in most states, the other classes (usually referred to as the upper classes) are usually the same. This means that my Education degree issued in Nebraska would be accepted in all states. However, as a Notary Public for the state of Nevada, I can't immediately go into California and be a notary because they require a totally different set of requirements.

I know that at the community colleges here, you can take a notary class and get a 'certificate' for it...BUT that doesn't give you any gravitas towards anything. As "Doc" Stuart, the Signing Doc (tm) I have in my brochures that I have a degree in Notarology and I specialize in Loans. But most people in the community don't give 'notary public'(s) any special consideration because 'anyone' can be a notary. So, again IMHO I think that, while it might be a nice thought, it ain't gonna happen.

"Doc"

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/1/07 6:00pm
Msg #173637

Agree with the doc's diagnosis...

there's a huge difference between a nationally accredited and recognized educational degree standard, and a commissioned office (with only statewide jurisdiction) for which the standards vary markedly between states. This is not likely to change in the forseeable future, so be content with Notary Public after your name.

Reply by SharonMN on 2/1/07 7:11pm
Msg #173644

Ummm..being a notary just isn't all that hard. Check ID, check awareness/intent/free will, check document for blanks, give oath if jurat, sign and stamp. Anyone that can't figure that out in a one day seminar probably has no business being a notary. I can't imagine going to school for 2 years to be a notary. (However, I would love it if the good State of Minnesota did SOMETHING to ensure applicants at least know what a notary is before they are commissioned...)

Now being a signing agent is a little harder, and there are many certifications you can get. The problem, of course, is that there are no standards and many such certifications aren't worth the paper they are printed on. Of course, you can always get your title license or something if you want a more widely recognized credential.

Reply by Dawn Smith on 2/1/07 7:53pm
Msg #173648

Give me a break Pronotary1!!!

You want to compare a 6 hour course to become a notary public to several years in college! IMO any idiot with half a brain cell can be a notary public!

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/1/07 9:03pm
Msg #173656

** IMO any idiot with half a brain cell can be a notary public!**

Absolutely! Look at Dawn. She's a notary.

Laugh, Dawn...you left yourself open for it.

Being a notary is not rocket science. Neither is being a thin person, a non-smoker, a piano tuner, or a body builder. However, doing anything well and right takes a bit of self-discipline, determination and a willingness to apply yourself.

BTW...nix to the idea that being a notary compares to sitting through a million college classes. What is learned in college is nothing compared to what's learned in day to day life, however, having the sheepskin says you can finish something and that you are not a quitter...also that you are teachable. If you didn't finish college (I didn't) deal with it. You didn't earn it and you don't have it. [...but, it's never too late!]

Reply by Gary_CA on 2/1/07 7:14pm
Msg #173645

PS. Taxi Drivers have DL's Lawyers have J.D. 's

not that it makes any difference.

Being a notary ain't that hard, it doesn't require an academic degree. What it requires is a high ethical standard and an oath taken seriously.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/1/07 9:34pm
Msg #173659

"I would like to know if anyone thinks that the office Notary Public or Notary Signing Agent should be given professional accreditation."

Not unless there is some standard by which a notary can be measured. Every state has different requirements, ranging from California's strict requirements to some states that basically allow you to raise your hand and say "Hey, I'd like to do that..." If someone, somehow comes up with a comprehensive accreditation process that covers all notaries in all states (and doesn't involve an open book test), it might be possible. I'm not holding my breath.

"I am saying that as Notary Publics we uphold a public office..."

I think that should be "Notaries Public"...

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/1/07 11:30pm
Msg #173670

You can have a wall of sheepskins, and still be a blithering

idiot. You can have good knowledge and common sense and no sheepskins. Proof's in the pudding.

Reply by Ndwa on 2/2/07 2:36am
Msg #173708

Sheepskin, I know a saying

A year of life worth ten years of books and schooling.

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/2/07 4:08am
Msg #173709

I agree with everyone else

It always cracks me up when I see people sign their posts on this board with something like CSA (certified signing agent) after their name. I always wonder what is so empty about their lives that they need some meaningless title to give them a sense of importance.

What you're suggesting is an insult to the people who have worked hard to earn their accreditations. It's like saying the diplomas they give out at kindergarten graduations are as meaningful as college diplomas.

Reply by kellieco on 2/2/07 3:28pm
Msg #173781

Re: I agree with everyone else

I've done both and believe me there is no comparison. Many hours of work and frustration went into my BS.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 2/2/07 6:46pm
Msg #173823

Re: I agree with everyone else - Cali

***It always cracks me up when I see people sign their posts on this board with something like CSA***

So...does 'TitLeGal' resemble a title? I'll have you know, Mr.-Professional-Notary-Signing-Agent-who-rakes-in-the-bucks...that I earned that title. In fact? I think I should change my moniker to "TitLeGal CTO". Yeah, that sounds nice.

What's a CTO? Certified Title Officer...armed to the teeth with all the mysterious inside title company knowledge that make others tremble...especially newbies. Titles are cool - or if you read previous threads....."kewl". (throwing up a little in my mouth).

The sad part is there is no such thing as a CTO but there should be. Freakin title people always get the short end of the stick....I NEED a title! A title will make me IMPORTANT. A title will cause others to take what I write SERIOUSLY, and I'll get all kinds of kudos and bowing and scraping.

Now that I'm fully awake...what was the subject?

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/2/07 6:40pm
Msg #173822

Mostly agree with the rest, however...

I don't think it's about standardization so much as the sheer mass of information and/or skills that others are required to master (compared to what we have to) to earn an accreditation. For example, attorneys are licensed by their respective state bar organizations because every state has different laws. You have to pass the exam for any state in which you choose to practice law, and we're talking about an exam that lasts over several days. (Also true of the CPA exam.) Let's not even talk about medical doctors - or nurses, for that matter! Absolutely no comparison.

None of this is to downplay the importance of what we do, but I think a bit of perspective seems appropriate.