What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.

Why are documents notarized?

Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. An impartial witness (the Notary) identifies signers to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

What are the requirements to become a California Notary Public?

Every person appointed as a Notary Public shall:

• Be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute) and
• Be a legal California resident
• Complete a the mandatory 6 hour course of study approved by the Secretary of State
• Satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State
• Clear a background check (information on fingerprinting below)

How do I become a California Notary Public?

Platinum Professional Services offers the California Secretary of State approved Notary Public Course that is 100% online and meets the mandatory, six hour education requirement mandated by the California Secretary of State. This course is approved by the California Secretary of State and fulfills the State six hour education requirement for new and renewing Notary Publics. Click here to learn more about our Notary course.

What happens after I take the course?

After you take the mandatory 6 hour course, you must satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State. CPS administers the testing. Click here for current testing information and schedules.

What do I take to the Exam?

To take the exam you will need:

• A current photo identification (e.g. California Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or U.S. Passport);
• A complete and current Notary Public Application;
• A 2" x 2" color passport photo of yourself;
• The Proof of Completion certificate of your six-hour approved education course;
• The registration confirmation letter; and
• The $40.00 exam and application processing fee (or $20.00 exam fee for applicants who previously took the exam and failed). Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State (cash is not accepted at the exam site).

How many questions are on the test?

There are 45 multiple choice questions and you have 60 minutes to complete the test. You must get 70% or better to pass.

When will I receive my results?

Result Notification: Results from your Notary Public Examination will be emailed (if you provided an email address on the upper right corner of your application) or mailed via USPS approximately 15 business days following the examination. Result information will not be discussed over the phone.

If you listed an email address on your application, a message containing your user name and password will be sent to you from CPScontact@cpshr.us. Receipt of this message indicates we have processed your application.

This message is automatically generated and may not clear any “spam” filters. In this case, the message is likely to be in your “junk” mailbox. Exam results will be ready approximately 15 business days after the exam date.

To view your results notification online, select the “My Account” link located in the toolbar on the right side. Once logged in, select “View Notifications” to see a copy of your exam results letter. Exam results are available approximately 15 business days after the exam date.

What do I do after I pass the Notary test?

Fingerprints are submitted after you pass the state examination. Details are mailed with your testing results. You will need to submit fingerprints via live scan to the Department of Justice and FBI for your thorough background check. Click here for live scan fingerprint locations throughout California. Once you have done this you will wait for your commission paperwork to arrive (8 to 12 weeks from exam date). For renewing notaries, the commission paperwork for the new commission will be mailed out no sooner than 1 month prior to commission expiration.

Do I need any Notary supplies?

Yes, you will need to order your official Notary Public stamp and journal. You can not notarize any documents until you obtain your Notary Public seal and journal. Order your Notary Public Stamp and Journal

Do I need a bond?

Yes, you must obtain a Notary Public Bond. The bond is for the required four year term and $15,000. You must obtain your bond before you are sworn in as a Notary Public at your County Clerk Recorders office. Do not delay, you have only 30 days from the date of the Secretary of State's mailing to obtain your bond and be sworn in as a Notary. Notary Public Bond

How do I keep my commission?

To renew your commission, you will need to take a 3 hour mandatory course every four years. The 3 hour course has all the same knowledge points as the 6 hour course. Therefore, Platinum Professional Services only offers the 6 hour course. You then will be required to take the exam, and submit live scan fingerprints. Learn more about our California Notary Class

What is a CPA?

A CPA is a certified public accountant and licensing is issued by each individual state or jurisdiction. Each state or jurisdiction has a separate licensing board that determines and governs specific requirements but in general, CPA exam requirements include:

• A Bachelor's Degree-this is the first and most important CPA exam requirement
• Completion of a minimum number of credit hours in business and accounting

How do I become a CPA?

The two most important goals to focus on in your quest to become a CPA are passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting licensing requirements. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the AICPA with significant input and assistance by NASBA and state boards of accountancy. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills entry-level CPAs need to practice public accountancy. Passing the CPA Exam is only one step in meeting the licensing requirements that must be completed. The steps are referred to as the “Three Es” (Education, Examination and Experience), and completion of the three steps is required for licensure as a CPA in the U.S. The successful completion of the Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement in all 55 jurisdictions; but the Education and Experience requirements may vary for each state or jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions also require an additional exam in ethics in order to obtain a license (sometimes referred to as the fourth “E”). The CPA license is the only license for accounting professionals and is issued by state boards of accountancy in the 55 jurisdictions (there is not a national CPA license). To review the testing requirements and other helpful information for your State or jurisdiction, you can go to this link, provided by NASBA.

What are the four parts of the Exam?

The CPA Exam is a 14-hour, computer-based test comprised of four sections:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Regulation (REG)
• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

What are the CPA Exam dates?

Each calendar year has four "testing windows" in which a person can sit for their CPA Exam. For the first two months of each quarter, a person can sit for any or all sections of the examination in any order. The third month in each quarter is a "blackout" month in which no exams may be scheduled. Candidates must pass these these four sections over a period of 18 months so it is important to plan a schedule for when you want to take each part of the CPA Exam to ensure that you don't lose credit for any exam sections by going over the 18 month rolling window. You cannot take the same section of an exam more than once during any testing window. For example, if you sit for FAR in January, you could also sit for AUD, but you would not be able to retake FAR until April.

How to I keep my license?

CPA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required to maintain your license and the requirements vary for each state. Continuing education for CPA professionals can be done online in almost every state, allowing you to keep your license current while saving you time and money. The continuing professional education requirements in California are as follows: no CPE is required during the first year of licensure. If the license was issued in an even-numbered year, 40 hours of CPE are required to renew the license the following year. Eight of the 40 hours must be in auditing and accounting subjects. After the first renewal period, the CPE requirement is 80 hours every two years. A minimum of 20 hours must be earned in each year. Sixteen of the 80 hours must be obtained in auditing and accounting subjects. The following State Boards no longer maintain a formal CPE Sponsor program. Instead, they have defined the requirements for acceptable CPE courses and Platinum Professional Services courses meet these standards. Platinum Professional Services offers a formal program of self study, provides interactive self study CPE courses, and issues certificates of completion for all courses as proof that you completed a course. All Platinum Professional Services self study courses meet the requirements for Interactive Self Study defined by the NASBA / AICPA standards for self study CPE programs, which is why our CPE courses can be used in the following states.

What are some of the features of the course?

Our courses are online. Once you purchase the course you have immediate access to it. You can go in and out of the course at your convenience for up to six months (one year for Notary and Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course). The reading material is built within the course and is presented in an online E-Book format making the reading material portable if you prefer to work offline. Our tax and notary course features automatic grading, a detailed review of your missed quiz questions, and full instructor support. You will have unlimited number of tries to pass the quizzes and the final exams*. Discussion forums are available within the course. Once you complete the course with a 70% or better, you have access to print your own certificate of completion (*Note: The 6 hour AFTR course is limited to 6 attempts).

Can I print the reading material?

The reading material is built within the course in an E-Book format with chapters and can be printed.

How long has your company been in business?

We have been in business since 1995. We have been online since 2001 and are one of the first e-tailers.

If I need additional support after I register for a course, what should I do?

You may email us at info@platinumprostudies.com or call us at 877 315 1772, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, PT. We also offer Live Chat. We will try to return your email or phone call by the end of the business day.

What are your business hours?

Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, PT.

What is your refund policy?

If you are not completely satisfied with our course, we will offer you a full refund within thirty days of purchasing. No refunds are given for group orders or to students who have submitted more than quiz or any final exams.

How long will I have access to the course for?

You will have access to the course for six months from the date of purchase with the exception of the Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course and our Notary Courses which you will have access to for one year from the date of purchase.

Can I work at my own pace?

Yes, you will work at your own pace and will have access to the course for up to six months from the date of purchase (one year for Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course and Notary Course).

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths.

Why are documents notarized?

Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure they are properly executed. An impartial witness (the Notary) identifies signers to screen out impostors and to make sure they have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.

What are the requirements to become a California Notary Public?

Every person appointed as a Notary Public shall:

• Be 18 years of age or older (there is no maximum age set by statute) and
• Be a legal California resident
• Complete a the mandatory 6 hour course of study approved by the Secretary of State
• Satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State
• Clear a background check (information on fingerprinting below)

How do I become a California Notary Public?

Platinum Professional Services offers the California Secretary of State approved Notary Public Course that is 100% online and meets the mandatory, six hour education requirement mandated by the California Secretary of State. This course is approved by the California Secretary of State and fulfills the State six hour education requirement for new and renewing Notary Publics. Click here to learn more about our Notary course.

What happens after I take the course?

After you take the mandatory 6 hour course, you must satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State. CPS administers the testing. Click here for current testing information and schedules.

What do I take to the Exam?

To take the exam you will need:

• A current photo identification (e.g. California Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or U.S. Passport);
• A complete and current Notary Public Application;
• A 2" x 2" color passport photo of yourself;
• The Proof of Completion certificate of your six-hour approved education course;
• The registration confirmation letter; and
• The $40.00 exam and application processing fee (or $20.00 exam fee for applicants who previously took the exam and failed). Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State (cash is not accepted at the exam site).

How many questions are on the test?

There are 45 multiple choice questions and you have 60 minutes to complete the test. You must get 70% or better to pass.

When will I receive my results?

Result Notification: Results from your Notary Public Examination will be emailed (if you provided an email address on the upper right corner of your application) or mailed via USPS approximately 15 business days following the examination. Result information will not be discussed over the phone.

If you listed an email address on your application, a message containing your user name and password will be sent to you from CPScontact@cpshr.us. Receipt of this message indicates we have processed your application.

This message is automatically generated and may not clear any “spam” filters. In this case, the message is likely to be in your “junk” mailbox. Exam results will be ready approximately 15 business days after the exam date.

To view your results notification online, select the “My Account” link located in the toolbar on the right side. Once logged in, select “View Notifications” to see a copy of your exam results letter. Exam results are available approximately 15 business days after the exam date.

What do I do after I pass the Notary test?

Fingerprints are submitted after you pass the state examination. Details are mailed with your testing results. You will need to submit fingerprints via live scan to the Department of Justice and FBI for your thorough background check. Click here for live scan fingerprint locations throughout California. Once you have done this you will wait for your commission paperwork to arrive (8 to 12 weeks from exam date). For renewing notaries, the commission paperwork for the new commission will be mailed out no sooner than 1 month prior to commission expiration.

Do I need any Notary supplies?

Yes, you will need to order your official Notary Public stamp and journal. You can not notarize any documents until you obtain your Notary Public seal and journal. Order your Notary Public Stamp and Journal

Do I need a bond?

Yes, you must obtain a Notary Public Bond. The bond is for the required four year term and $15,000. You must obtain your bond before you are sworn in as a Notary Public at your County Clerk Recorders office. Do not delay, you have only 30 days from the date of the Secretary of State's mailing to obtain your bond and be sworn in as a Notary. Notary Public Bond

How do I keep my commission?

To renew your commission, you will need to take a 3 hour mandatory course every four years. The 3 hour course has all the same knowledge points as the 6 hour course. Therefore, Platinum Professional Services only offers the 6 hour course. You then will be required to take the exam, and submit live scan fingerprints. Learn more about our California Notary Class

What is a CPA?

A CPA is a certified public accountant and licensing is issued by each individual state or jurisdiction. Each state or jurisdiction has a separate licensing board that determines and governs specific requirements but in general, CPA exam requirements include:

• A Bachelor's Degree-this is the first and most important CPA exam requirement
• Completion of a minimum number of credit hours in business and accounting

How do I become a CPA?

The two most important goals to focus on in your quest to become a CPA are passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting licensing requirements. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the AICPA with significant input and assistance by NASBA and state boards of accountancy. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills entry-level CPAs need to practice public accountancy. Passing the CPA Exam is only one step in meeting the licensing requirements that must be completed. The steps are referred to as the “Three Es” (Education, Examination and Experience), and completion of the three steps is required for licensure as a CPA in the U.S. The successful completion of the Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement in all 55 jurisdictions; but the Education and Experience requirements may vary for each state or jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions also require an additional exam in ethics in order to obtain a license (sometimes referred to as the fourth “E”). The CPA license is the only license for accounting professionals and is issued by state boards of accountancy in the 55 jurisdictions (there is not a national CPA license). To review the testing requirements and other helpful information for your State or jurisdiction, you can go to this link, provided by NASBA.

What are the four parts of the Exam?

The CPA Exam is a 14-hour, computer-based test comprised of four sections:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Regulation (REG)
• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

What are the CPA Exam dates?

Each calendar year has four "testing windows" in which a person can sit for their CPA Exam. For the first two months of each quarter, a person can sit for any or all sections of the examination in any order. The third month in each quarter is a "blackout" month in which no exams may be scheduled. Candidates must pass these these four sections over a period of 18 months so it is important to plan a schedule for when you want to take each part of the CPA Exam to ensure that you don't lose credit for any exam sections by going over the 18 month rolling window. You cannot take the same section of an exam more than once during any testing window. For example, if you sit for FAR in January, you could also sit for AUD, but you would not be able to retake FAR until April.

How to I keep my license?

CPA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required to maintain your license and the requirements vary for each state. Continuing education for CPA professionals can be done online in almost every state, allowing you to keep your license current while saving you time and money. The continuing professional education requirements in California are as follows: no CPE is required during the first year of licensure. If the license was issued in an even-numbered year, 40 hours of CPE are required to renew the license the following year. Eight of the 40 hours must be in auditing and accounting subjects. After the first renewal period, the CPE requirement is 80 hours every two years. A minimum of 20 hours must be earned in each year. Sixteen of the 80 hours must be obtained in auditing and accounting subjects. The following State Boards no longer maintain a formal CPE Sponsor program. Instead, they have defined the requirements for acceptable CPE courses and Platinum Professional Services courses meet these standards. Platinum Professional Services offers a formal program of self study, provides interactive self study CPE courses, and issues certificates of completion for all courses as proof that you completed a course. All Platinum Professional Services self study courses meet the requirements for Interactive Self Study defined by the NASBA / AICPA standards for self study CPE programs, which is why our CPE courses can be used in the following states.