Knowing the exact format of the Illinois notary exam before you open a textbook removes guesswork and lets you allocate study time where the points actually are. Every number on this page comes from the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312) and the state notary administrative rules (14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176).
How many questions are on the Illinois notary exam?
The final examination is 50 questions, drawn at random from a test bank of at least 100 questions (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235). Because the draw is random, no two sittings are identical. Questions may be multiple choice, true or false, or a combination, but no more than half of the questions on any sitting may be true or false.
The exam is the final assessment of an approved course of study. You must complete that course before you can sit the exam.
What score do you need to pass?
You must score at least 85 percent, which equals at least 43 of the 50 questions correct (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235). Illinois defines the pass mark as a percentage, so 43 of 50 is the fixed raw-number equivalent for every sitting.
The practice mocks in this app use the same threshold: 43 of 50 is the pass line.
Is there a time limit?
No official time limit is published by Illinois. The state rules set the question count and pass mark but say nothing about a duration. This app uses an unofficial 60-minute practice timer so your study sessions have a realistic structure. On the real exam, check with your approved course provider for any time constraints they apply.
How do retakes work?
If you score below 85 percent, you may be re-tested using a different draw of questions from the bank. You may review the course material before retesting. If you fail the examination three times, you have failed the course entirely. To attempt the exam again you must re-enroll in an approved course of study.
What topics does the exam cover?
The test bank spans six topic areas. The category weights below reflect how the mock exams in this app distribute the 50 questions:
- Performing notarial acts (11 questions): the acts you may perform, acknowledgments, jurats, oaths and affirmations, verifications, signers who cannot sign, and the maximum fee for each act.
- Getting and keeping your commission (9 questions): who may be appointed, residency and qualification requirements, the four-year commission term, the application, oath and bond, reappointment, and events that end a commission.
- Certificates and the official seal (8 questions): the notarial certificate and its required content, the official rubber stamp seal and its dimensions, electronic seals, and the commission certificate.
- The notarial journal and records (8 questions): the required journal, what each entry must contain, paper and electronic formats, custody, retention, and inspection.
- Electronic and remote notarization (8 questions): the electronic notary commission, electronic signatures and seals, remote notarization over audio-video technology, approved system providers, and recording requirements.
- Prohibited acts, misconduct and penalties (6 questions): acts a notary may not perform, official misconduct, impersonation, liability, and grounds for reprimand, suspension or revocation.
All questions are grounded in the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312) and the state notary rules (14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176), freely available on the Illinois General Assembly website.
Format at a glance
| Questions per sitting | 50, drawn from a bank of at least 100 |
| Question types | Multiple choice and true or false (no more than half true or false) |
| Pass mark | 85% (at least 43 of 50), per 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 |
| Official time limit | Not published; this app uses a 60-minute practice timer |
| Retake | Different questions if below 85%; three failures means course failure |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Prerequisite | Approved course of study (5 ILCS 312/2-101.5) |
The Illinois notary exam is direct once you know the six topic areas. Performing notarial acts carries the most questions, followed by commissioning rules. Work through the practice questions by category to find your weak spots before the real sitting.