NNA Signing Agent Certification for NY Notaries: Is It Worth It?
The National Notary Association Signing Agent Certification is the most recognized professional credential for loan signing agents in the US. For NY notaries who want to do loan signings, here is whether it is worth the cost and what to expect.
What the NNA Signing Agent Certification Is
The National Notary Association (NNA) is the largest professional association for notaries in the United States. Their Signing Agent Certification is an industry-recognized credential that signals to title companies, lenders, and signing services that a notary has completed specific training in loan document handling and has passed a background check.
The certification is not a license or government credential - it is a professional certification from an industry organization. But because so many title companies and signing platforms require it as a condition of receiving assignments, it has become a practical prerequisite for loan signing work in most markets.
What the NNA Certification Package Includes
NSA Certification Exam
A proctored online exam covering mortgage document types, signing procedures, error prevention, and notary duties. Passing score: 80%.
Background Check
Criminal background screening through NNA's approved vendor. Results typically within 2-5 business days. Most widely recognized in the industry.
Training Course (package dependent)
Some packages include the NNA online training course covering loan signing procedures, common document types, and borrower scenarios.
Annual Renewal
The certification must be renewed annually, including an updated background check.
NNA Member Benefits
Depending on the package, may include access to NNA resources, legal hotline, and the NNA directory listing.
NNA Certification Cost Breakdown
| Package | Approx. Cost | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Exam only | $65-80 | Just the certification exam |
| Exam + background check | $95-115 | Most popular - what most platforms require |
| Full certification package | $125-150 | Exam + background check + training course |
| Annual renewal | $55-75 | Updated background check + any required re-exam |
Prices are approximate and may change. Visit nationalnotary.org for current pricing.
Who Requires NNA Certification
These signing platforms and company types commonly require current NNA Signing Agent Certification and/or NNA background check to access their highest-volume assignments:
SnapDocs
Required by many clients on the platform for full access
NotaryGo
Background check required; NNA preferred
Major title companies
Most national title companies specify NNA certification
Mortgage lenders (direct)
Require certification and E&O insurance
Real estate attorneys
Increasingly requiring certification for closing assignments
Is It Worth It for NY Notaries?
For NY notaries who intend to do loan signings, NNA certification is worth it. The math is simple: the certification costs $65 to $150, and a single NYC area loan signing pays $100 to $250. The certification pays for itself in one or two assignments.
More importantly, without NNA certification, you will be locked out of the majority of signing platform assignments in New York. Signing services use NNA certification as a filter because it signals that you have been background-checked and trained. It is the cost of entry into the most profitable part of the notary business.
If you only want to do general mobile notarizations (affidavits, POAs, routine documents) and never loan signings, NNA certification is optional. The return on investment comes specifically from accessing signing service assignments and direct title company work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent educational resource · Not affiliated with the NY Department of State
NY Notary Hub is an independent educational resource for New York notaries and exam candidates. Our articles are researched from the official NY Department of State Notary Public License Law booklet and DOS guidance. This content is educational and is not legal advice.
Last reviewed: May 2026. NNA pricing and requirements change periodically - verify at nationalnotary.org before purchasing. This article does not constitute legal or financial advice.