Posted by aurelio/FL on 6/28/10 8:46pm
Msg #342908

Is anyone here a "CPSA"?

I am thinking of getting the "Certified Professional Signing Agent" designation from the National Signing Agent Registry - the exam is only $35 to non-members and I think with my experience/knowledge I should be able to pass without purchasing the study guide. Has anyone else earned the CPSA designation and if so has it helped your business any?

Reply by jba/fl on 6/28/10 8:52pm
Msg #342909

This is directly related to Msg #342826 thread of earlier today. You will find, I think, Mike/NY reply reflects the general consensus.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/28/10 8:54pm
Msg #342910

I got it..don't use it...most companies don't even know

what that means...NSA yes...CPSA...probably not...

The proof is in the pudding so to speak..you can certify til the cows come home but in the end probably doesn't mean a hill of beans if you don't know your stuff - performance talks...B/S walks

MHO

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 6/28/10 9:31pm
Msg #342921

There is a place for that sort of thing

Most lenders, title companies and signing services apparently and understandably don't pay much attention to various "certifications."

However, most of my general notary work comes off the web, and much of it from my website. My sense is that being a retired lawyer is a major promotional asset. If you don't have three years to invest in law school, though, $35 to slap a "certified" designation on your website sounds pretty cheap to me. My guess is that most of the people and companies looking for general notary work don't know the certification has little value, and it rachets you up out of the vast teeming sea of notaries who haven't shelled out the $35.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 6/28/10 8:59pm
Msg #342912

I do....

Don't know that it helps much... but being a member over there has paid for the cost of membership + certification several times over.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 6/28/10 9:09pm
Msg #342916

Nope, I got vaccinated for CPSA. hee hee - All kidding

aside - and more times than not - when I answer "no" to that question, the response I get is "good." We're looking for real-world people.

There is so much knowledge out here in Notaryland, that with some curiosity and ability to self-direct, one could learn so much more than what some of the cursory classes offer.

On the other hand, $35 is pretty cheap. Also, there are several books by talented, seasoned pros right on this board that have tons of great info. Gather all you can, especially if you have no/little actual experience.

You might take advantage of the study guide (just in case you don't know everything,) if you decide to purchase the certificate.

Good luck, Aurelio.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/28/10 9:15pm
Msg #342918

I might add here...

That test is no cakewalk...it's tricky...and very comprehensive

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 6/28/10 9:25pm
Msg #342920

Agreed about their test....

The CPSA test is a toughie. You can't can't just pass that one with luck like you can with the others out there.

I do wish they would do more with the site, though... I would highly prefer it over another one out there.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 6/29/10 12:47am
Msg #342934

I think we have a very good certification test n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 6/29/10 10:03am
Msg #342963

Clarification: Didn't mean to disparage good classes, and

apologize if it sounded that way. There are, of course, lots of good ones.

Reply by Les_CO on 6/29/10 8:07am
Msg #342943

I'm a member, and passed the test. Can't say it's helped my business.

Reply by MW/VA on 6/29/10 8:21am
Msg #342945

There's been a lot of discussion on the value, if any, to certification. IMO it's always nice to have the extra credentials to add to our credibility. I do think that if the NNA hadn't saturated the market with it's Cert/BCG agenda, we might all feel differently.
The training/test on the NSAR is good for true professionals, IMO.
I was surprised to see recently that PAW has added "certified" to his list of credentials. I thought he was one that didn't hold much value to the title.

Reply by PAW on 6/29/10 9:23am
Msg #342952

As Hugh stated, in the NSA world, certification doesn't mean a lot. But to the 'uninitiated' general public, the words "certified" and "professional" in and of themselves conjure up a perception of quality and integrity. I do more general work than signings, and I think the words may have played a part in the ability to attract new work and the quality and integrity that follows allows me to keep my clients.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 6/29/10 9:28am
Msg #342954

***I was surprised to see recently that PAW has added "certified" to his list of credentials. I thought he was one that didn't hold much value to the title.***

You have, I believe, misread that entry. It is "Certified," with a capital "C." PAW is always mindful of his borrowers, and, though there have never been any complaints, he doesn't want to run the risk of halitosis offending anyone. The reference is to Certs, the breath mints PAW uses.

Reply by PAW on 6/29/10 9:30am
Msg #342955

Gee Hugh, do you have to spill the beans about all my secrets? (I don't have a bass boat for you to borrow either.)

Reply by MW/VA on 6/29/10 2:14pm
Msg #342988

LOL n/m

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 6/29/10 12:00pm
Msg #342970

I am, in order to move up/out/away from the pack

If a site I'm listed on makes any distinction or special accomodations for this, I'm in. Some sites do, some don't. Anything to add a shiny badge or blinking light ...heck yeah.

As far as that being a measure of anything else ...not so much. I do like that the numbers place does their Elite Certification verbally, over the phone. Best way to find out if someone knows their way around the block is to talk to them, 'live' and on-the-spot.