Posted by FGX/NJ on 11/3/13 10:49am
Msg #491095

Ineresting quote from SPW

"The Standards have been formulated to address regulatory requirements, state law compliance, consumer satisfaction, and consistency in the delivery of notary services. The Standards will help define the expectations lenders and title companies in vetting and managing the mobile Certified Signing Specialist™. Certification providers that provide background screening and examinations represent and warrant that the Signing Professional meets the minimum qualifying criteria established within the Standards. Certification providers will not be responsible for validating the Certified Signing Specialist™ status as a commissioned Notary Public in their given jurisdiction."

THEY will provide BGC and give exam BUT do not check to see if you are a Notary???????

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 11/3/13 11:08am
Msg #491101

This is true. I've been telling people this for years... people can join the NNA, take their certification exam and clear a background check all without having an active notary commission. It's done in CA all the time, because notaries wait so long to get their commissions. It happened to me... and to many others that I know.

I've never understood how they could certify one as a Notary Signing Agent without actually confirming one's commission.

I'm hoping this changes... but I do find it ridiculous. It's not difficult to confirm one's commission.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 11/3/13 1:02pm
Msg #491121

It's taking less than 4 weeks to get a CA notary commission. We are seeing another step decline in people wanting to be a notary in CA.

My guess is we will be under 160,000 by the end of December.

Reply by MW/VA on 11/3/13 11:45am
Msg #491108

Interesting, isn't it. There have been reports of people

getting into this biz, advertising, etc., but they aren't notaries! It's obvious with XYZ they have no real criteria--it's must "show me the money", IMO.

Reply by Notarysigner on 11/3/13 11:53am
Msg #491111

I feel it's something in the name...."Certified Signing Specialist" as opposed to "Certified Signing Agent". A notary can became a CSA but a CSS doesn't necessarily have to be a notary, as long as they have "the script"!

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 11/3/13 8:41pm
Msg #491160

Nope, that's not it...

It is expected the anyone meeting this standard will be an active notary. The "standards" involve an exam that contains information about notarizing the documents.

Plus the script has this:

"Some of the documents must be notarized; I may also be required to administer an oath before completing the notarization on certain documents."

Also the second "Guiding Principle" is all about notarization and says:

"The Certified Signing Specialist will follow all laws, rules and best practices that apply to the notarizing of closing documents."

And goes on to discuss various aspects of conducting a notarization, whether they actually apply to state law or not. For example, the CSS is required to maintain a journal and keep it locked with their seal. Now, that's obviously good practice... and required in some states, but not all.

Reply by HSH/WA on 11/3/13 12:47pm
Msg #491116

Re: XYZ cert so lacking a new one is needed? n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 11/3/13 10:09pm
Msg #491169

Good observation there!! n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 11/3/13 10:07pm
Msg #491168

If they are getting your money, you don't need to be a notary - just send money.

Send more money. That's all that is needed.

Stand on street corners - hold sign: Working for SPW - collect money in can with picture of person w/cat or dog - people are bound to think it is animal related and give. Send to SPW - not the can, just the money.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/4/13 2:51am
Msg #491178

I find it interesting that they chose to name the group "Signing Professionals Workgroup". It's all about signing professionals, but their membership categories do not include any signing professionals. Curious...