PrepPass team · Verified against Montana Secretary of State — Notary Exam · How we review

How hard is the Montana Notary Public exam?

Quick answer

The Montana Notary Public exam is a serious, studiable test — its difficulty comes less from any single hard idea than from the breadth of material across 5 weighted content areas. Expect 50 questions in 60 minutes. The passing standard is 80% (40 of 50 questions). PrepPass has 22+ free Montana Notary Public practice questions with explanations, organized by topic, plus a full timed mock exam.

How to make the Montana Notary Public exam easier

Work through real practice questions until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 22+ free Montana Notary Public practice questions with answer explanations and a full timed mock exam — no signup required.

The Montana Notary Public exam at a glance

50
questions
60 min
time limit
80% (40 of 50 questions)
to pass
5
content areas

The 5 content areas on the Montana Notary Public exam

The exam is built from weighted content areas — focus your study time where the weight is. These weights are how PrepPass has organized the material; check the exam authority’s own outline for its published breakdown.

Acts26%
Identification18%
Journal Seal18%
Commission18%
Conduct Fees20%

How the Montana Notary Public exam is administered

Montana Secretary of State (Notary & Certification Services) oversees licensing. Prelicensing education: 4 hours (SoS-approved notary education within the preceding 12 months). Confirm the current details with the official authority before you rely on them.

What is the pass rate, and can you retake it?

Wondering about pass rates and what happens if you don't pass the first time?

See Montana Notary Publicpass rate & retake rules →

Frequently asked questions

What score do you need to pass the Montana Notary Public exam?+

The passing standard for the Montana Notary Public exam is 80% (40 of 50 questions).

How many questions are on the Montana Notary Public exam?+

The Montana Notary Public exam has 50 questions, with a time limit of 60 minutes.

Does Montana require a notary exam?+

Yes. Montana requires an open-book online exam of 50 questions with a 60-minute time limit, administered on the Secretary of State's website. The exam is required for both new applicants and renewals.

What score do I need to pass the Montana notary exam?+

You must answer at least 40 of 50 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

How much can a Montana notary charge per act?+

Montana caps notarial fees at $10.00 per act under MCA §1-5-626. Montana notaries must also carry a $25,000 surety bond, one of the highest in the nation.

How long is a Montana notary commission?+

A Montana notary commission runs for 4 years.

How should I study for the Montana Notary Public exam?+

Focus your time on the heaviest content areas, then drill practice questions by topic until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 22+ free Montana Notary Public practice questions with full explanations and a timed mock exam.

Last updated: August 2026

Report