How hard is the Louisiana notary exam?

I took it in 2019. I just needed to be a notary for my job, to notarize the same set of paperwork for different people, so I didn't really think everything applied to me.

It's a five-hour test, in that you have five hours to complete it.

There are classes you can purchase and study materials etc.

I just bought the notary book from the website and read through that. When I got into the test everyone around me was like, oh I hope I pass this time. I wasn't nervous, because I don't really get nervous about stuff like that, just thought, we'll at least I'll know what's on it for next time.

Anyway... You get the test, and I forget now exactly how it's laid out, I think there was a multiple-choice section and a section where you had to analyze some documents. But if you've read the book, familiarize yourself with it, you can look up every single answer.

I just remember thinking, oh I saw that, and look it up and answered the question, over and over and over.

Passed it on the first try. Some of the questions are kinda obscure and have to do with New Orleans and of course, they do things even differently.

Hope that helps.

ETA: To answer your question of how hard it is, if you're capable, which I'm sure you are, it won't be hard. Just time-consuming on the day of the test.

Thank you for the detailed response. I honestly didn't know it was essentially open book.

The test is different every time. If you put the time into it, you can definitely pass. It will be harder than any test you have likely taken.

Why are you wanting to become a notary? If it’s bc you think you will make money on the side, I would definitely tell you it’s not worth the time. Most people that want stuff notarized is friends and family which they will want done for free.

If it’s for a certain job, then I would say it’s worth it.

It's a hell of a lot easier than it used to be. I passed it in 2012 when it was 4 parts- multiple choice, research, short answer and written. For the written portion, I had to write a will from the scenario provided. The test before me had to write a mortgage from the scenario provided. I was the only one in my class of almost 40 that passed it, but my career is oil & gas, so I'm pretty familiar with wills.

Back then, the pass rate was well under 5%- since then they have removed the writing portion and maybe even the short answer portion and it's significantly easier. If you're a good studier and/or you're in an industry that you already have an understanding of the duties of notaries, you could probably pass it without taking the prep course.

Good luck. And if you pass, you need to get one of these.

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I also took the 4 part exam in 2013.