Posted by FWP/WA on 3/22/07 7:46am
Msg #181299

training manual

After doing some research through previous posts, I seem to see a consensus that being "certified" may not be worth it (especially from the NNA). I was thinking of just buying the one for sale on this website, but was hoping someone who has bought it previously could tell me if it is worth the cost. I do like the idea of having a binder I can pull out and look at, rather than online course material. Thanks!!

Reply by PAW on 3/22/07 8:00am
Msg #181303

The Signing Registry training guide is E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T. I have used it many more times than the XYZ's attempt. It is certainly more "real world". In my professional and humble opinion, the SR Training Guide would be a bargain at twice the price!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 3/22/07 8:03am
Msg #181304

I second, third and fourth that Paul! Kathy did an excellent job! I have tons of material laying around to "help" me and I've recently shredded all of it (are you listening XYZ?) and rely totally on my training manual. And even though I don't consider myself brand new (18 months and counting) I review the manual probably once a month and never fail to find something to make my job easier and more presentable.

Reply by Dave_CA on 3/22/07 8:05am
Msg #181306

This is the best advice. You will be totally satisfied with the SR training materials.

Reply by Leon_CO on 3/22/07 8:11am
Msg #181308

>> After doing some research through previous posts, I seem to see a consensus that being "certified" may not be worth it <<
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That's not true. I wish that I could elaborate without coming across as advertising, but I think you should seriously reconsider if it's worth it or not to become certified. A lot of people have turned it into a curse word. It's not the certification that's bad, it's ... well, never mind. All I can say is, don't be so easily swayed by the opinions of others. Take some time to do more research.

The training manual you mention is a good one. It's the one I used, and the only one I recommend.

Good luck.

Reply by FWP/WA on 3/22/07 8:48am
Msg #181313

Part of my reasoning for concluding that it is not worth is because of the "certification" from NNA, which expires, and you have to continually renew it (from what I've read)

Also, several websites offer their own certification, but there are no actual universal guidelines for what that actually means.

I think the clincher when a several of those who posted on another thread all stated they had never been asked if they were certified, or for proof that they were.

That being said, I'm going to the store to buy my manual!

Reply by Leon_CO on 3/22/07 9:28am
Msg #181321

cover all bases

>> I think the clincher when a several of those who posted on another thread all stated they had never been asked if they were certified, or for proof that they were. <<
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It's often difficult to measure the effectiveness of a marketing tool. And going by what several people mentioned should not be enough to convince anyone. There are still the thousands of signing agents, title companies, lenders, ... etc. that you have not heard from.

There are many people who will tell you that they have never gotten business from a certain notary site. And just when they're about to pull the plug and cancel their listing, they get a call.

It really only takes one or two to recoup your investment. All I can do is summarize by saying ... cover all bases. Or at least as many as you can afford to cover.

Good luck.

Reply by ewing2surf on 3/22/07 9:52am
Msg #181325

Can't we just face up to it

The yearly renewable NNA Signing Agent Certification is like a less expensive membership in the Better Business Bureau. The NNA would be best served if it just sold it that way to it's renewing CSA's.

Reply by Lynn Lowry on 3/22/07 12:50pm
Msg #181372

While I found the SR training helpful, I also did that of onetwothreenotary as there were questions where you apply what you read, reinforcing what you learn. Send me an email and I will tell you more.