Posted by Matt_VA on 4/11/11 1:55pm
Msg #379442

NNA/TEA

Just recently got a message about this program. I have looked at the messages on here but some are a little dated. I did the agreement part and saw the absurd $35.00 fee for one appt. Went to the training site and it says aprox. 3 hours to complete! I live near DC so there could be some volume??? Might go out for 3 at a time or more. Sure not getting dressed for 1 @ $35 though. Anyone with current comments on this program would be great! Thanks

Reply by Les_CO on 4/11/11 2:04pm
Msg #379444

TOTAL CRAP! jmho!

Reply by MW/VA on 4/11/11 2:10pm
Msg #379445

Agree. Some of us have come to think of that org. as a

"snake oil salesman". They have sold several programs (TEA for one) and products (electronic
notarization item) that were a total bust. I no longer subscribe as a member.

Reply by MAC/WA on 4/12/11 11:14am
Msg #379505

I took the NNA/NSA course and test in 2009. Other than being wordy and redundant with the other two tests, the overview of about 29 typical forms and how to execute them was useful in the end, I just not an idiot. The large book they gave has been useful over the years, though forms have changed.

I took the NNA/TEA tests about 3 weeks ago, my complaint was the same: wordy, redundant and a waste of good time, but necessary to get certified. One must also be qualified to work on one of the two contracts they have now: BIO Pharma and Northrup Grummon (LegalZoom to follow later this year) to begin taking assignments. So, one or two additional online classes and exams. The Bio Pharma involves two pages that youwill fedex back to the company. Northrup G will be about 5 pages that you must fax back...at home, cannot use online fax or use fedex store, etc.

Low fees are disappointing and nearly offensive, your fees go down the more signings you do in the same appointment. I only thing I like about it, is you receive notice of assignments by email, the first notary to respond gets the assignment.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/11/11 2:19pm
Msg #379446

I've been certified as a TEA for a while now

I've only been offered one assignment, and it was at a time I couldn't do it.

$35 doesn't seem like a lot, unless you consider this assignment pretty much requires you to print out like 10 pages or less and notarize one signature. $35 isn't bad for such a small assignment. You don't have to accept them if they are too far away. The $35 fee can't be negotiated.

I recently got an e-mail from NNA saying that there will be more opportunities for TEAs in the future. I have also spoken with a notary in another area of Florida who told me that TEA assignments are becoming common in her area.

The training is expensive, and yes it is several hours long, but it is also very thorough. I would imagine that it is probably much better training than the NNA's signing agent program. When I did it, it was $160 which included the TEA training/certification, the NNA's new "Trusted Notary" training/certification, a background check, and 1 year membership. The only thing that has to be renewed is the NNA membership (every year) and the background check (every 2 years). This is not bad compared to the Signing Agent program, which I understand requires yearly renewal.

Trusted Enrollment Agents basically go to offices to inspect identification of people who are attempting to get some type of digital credential. They notarize one form, and help people fill out a few other forms. The tasks are simple, but IMO training is necessary.

Reply by John E. Rogers on 4/11/11 3:35pm
Msg #379454

Re: I've been certified as a TEA for a while now

Several years ago when the TEA program first began, I took the exam and got certified. I have never been contacted for an assignment so have not kept up with the training. The NNA was really "gung-ho" about the opportunities then as currently and no doubt, notaries in some areas may indeed be contacted, but not in Central Ohio at least that I am aware of at this time.

The NSA training, which I assume you have not taken, is extensive, detailed, and very thorough; I would recommend it to any notary interested in working as a signing agent, and the cost is not prohibitive. I would rate the signing agent program every bit as intense, informative, and useful as the TEA program. It is also broad-based and cites numerous references Also, the signing agent program, including background check, is valid for two years and also includes a years membership in the NNA, an excellent reference manual, and listing on the NNA's national signing agent website. Just an FYI. Thanks for the info re: TEA assignments...I have not talked to anyone in Central Ohio who has completed a TEA assignment, but will ask around. jer/Ohio

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/11/11 3:47pm
Msg #379455

Re: I've been certified as a TEA for a while now

>>>The NSA training, which I assume you have not taken, is extensive, detailed, and very thorough; I would recommend it to any notary interested in working as a signing agent, and the cost is not prohibitive. I would rate the signing agent program every bit as intense, informative, and useful as the TEA program<<<

You are right, I have not taken the NSA training - but I do know that many - if not most - of the notaries who come out of the NNA's NSA program exhibit very little understanding of loan signings as a whole. One only has to search back through messages here on this board posted by "newbies" who got sucked into the NNA's "get rich quick as a signing agent" scheme and don't even know how to fill out an acknowledgmgnet certificate.

Reply by John E. Rogers on 4/11/11 4:18pm
Msg #379460

Re: I've been certified as a TEA for a while now

Very interesting. I have not seen other comments about the NNA/NSA training but will look for future comments. If a prospective NSA really studies the NNA info/training materials, he/she is bound to come away with a real knowledge of what it takes to do a successful signing...at least I found it so. I am not a real estate agent so lack some knowledge there but certainly have a decent understanding of the signing process. jer/Ohio

Reply by Grammyzoom on 4/11/11 7:28pm
Msg #379468

NNA training

More than 1/2 of my students come to me after being certified by NNA and feel inadequately prepared to be a signing agent. I understand that the course contains the "book smarts" but not the day to day "street smarts".

Reply by Susan Fischer on 4/11/11 10:33pm
Msg #379481

Hey, Grammy and Grampy! Keep up the good work, as you

continue to raise the Signing Specialist bar.

(pour pour) - Cheers, dears!

Reply by parkerc/ME on 4/12/11 7:41am
Msg #379483

XYZ NSA training OK as a basic beginning

When I retired from federal service, my notary commission sat here basically unused. When I found I could be a SA, I took the NSA course at XYZ based on info I received via our state's only notary organization. But, I new absolutely NOTHING about SA work. It was a good extremely basic first step to get an idea of what was involved in signings. I subsequently picked up more specific information here on the NotRot forum from the tips and advice given through the experiences of the knowledgeable posters here. The XYZ NSA course unlocked the door to someone who had no idea what was behind it. But stepping through that door for those first few signings was very scarey, so the course itself does not an SA make. Only experience gained by doing signings, adhering to your state's rules, and reading this forum can mold an effective SA. JMHO.

Reply by Matt_VA on 4/12/11 5:12pm
Msg #379545

Thanks to all who replied.....good thoughts all!

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 4/13/11 4:57am
Msg #379584

Perhaps the new VA e-notarization Bill is growing arms. n/m