Question 2
Domain 1: Appointment, CommissA California notary with a current active commission completed the initial six-hour course, applied for reappointment before the current commission expired, and took an approved three-hour refresher course. The notary then failed the exam and cannot retake it until after the current commission expires. What education will be required before the notary can continue the reappointment process?
Explanation
The three-hour refresher course is only sufficient for reappointment when the notary applies before the current commission expires and remains eligible under that active commission timeline. The source states that if the commission expires before the applicant retakes the exam, the three-hour course no longer meets the education requirement, and the applicant must take an approved six-hour course. The handbook also states that a six-hour course always satisfies the education requirement, including for reappointment. In addition, to avoid a break in commission terms, the exam should be taken at least six months before expiration, and test results are valid for one year from the exam date. — Government Code section 8201(b)(2); Title 2, California Code of Regulations, section 20803
3 hours works only while the commission is alive; once it expires, switch to 6.