The Certified Professional Signing Agent Examination

Our proficiency certification exam validates the knowledge and skills of mortgage loan signing professionals. The demand for skilled Signing Agents continues to grow and it is a fact that companies look more favorably upon Signing Agents who are certified.

Why Be Certified?

The Signing Agent profession is layered according to levels of training, skill and experience.  Most professionals hold some type of “certification” when they’ve completed requisite education, advanced training, examination, and commitment.  Who benefits?  Everyone! Companies, clients, and members all derive advantages from the process.  It’s the same in the Signing Agent profession.

Certified Signing Agent – CSA

CSA’s are Signing Agents who have been certified by taking an exam through another organization besides NSAR.

Certified Professional Signing Agent – CPSA

CPSA’s have met the core competencies of NSAR, which define the basic body of knowledge deemed necessary for any Signing Agent.  These standards were developed initially by The Signing Registry and represent the generic fundamentals of mortgage loan signing documentation that must be learned through a combination of education and practical experience.  Proof of the application and use of these signing basics is documented by successfully passing the Certified Professional Signing Agent Exam.

CPSA certification is a valuable credential to help start or enhance a loan signing career. Individuals who attain CPSA certification will be listed above those who are not certified in the Professional Signing Agent Locator displays.

While not a prerequisite, the Signing Agent Professional Skills Training Guide is a great way to study and learn the ins-and-outs of the industry.  Questions give insight into how to perform a mortgage loan signing, mortgage loan documents, building a successful business, notary skills, and much more. It is highly recommended while studying for CPSA certification.

EXAM ONLY
Once confirmation of payment for the exam has been received, your request will be queued at the exam center.  You will be sent an email within 48 hours containing instructions on how to take the exam.  You will have 30 days to take and pass the exam

TRAINING GUIDE ONLY - includes shipping
Once confirmation of payment has been received, you should receive the training guide in the mail in approximately one week.

EXAM PLUS TRAINING GUIDE  (Save $10.00) - includes shipping
Once confirmation of payment has been received, you should receive the training guide in the mail in approximately one week.  After the training guide has shipped, you will be sent an email containing the instructions on how to take the exam.  You will have 30 days to complete and pass the exam.

How much does it cost to take the CPSA exam?

Cost of the CPSA exam is $35. ($25 for members)

Do I have to be a member to take the CPSA exam?

No, you do not have to be a member in order to obtain CPSA status.

Does the exam contain many questions about NSAR?

No.  It is a well-rounded general examination to determine the competency of any Signing Agent.  The exam is not organization-specific. 

How many times can I take it?

You can take the exam two times without submitting further instruction and/or additional fees.  Each version of the exam is different and we have several versions.

I heard the CPSA exam is very difficult?  Is this true?

The exam is difficult for some and easy for others.  A general understanding of mortgage loan signing practices and principles is helpful.  Most exam takers pass on their first attempt however we do have others who have to take it more than once.  Remember, if you fail the first time, you can take it again (a different version) at no additional charge.

What is considered a passing grade?

In order to pass the exam, the taker must have a minimum score of 80%.

Is it a timed exam?

Yes.  You will be given 60 minutes to answer all the questions.  If you run out of time before you answer all the questions but still answer enough to score 80% or higher, you will still pass the exam.

I heard some of the questions are easy and some are hard.  Why?

There are questions on the exam that are not counted toward your score but are used by NSAR to monitor overall knowledge of the signing industry.  Questions that are either too easy or too difficult may be removed at a later date.

Are the questions true/false, multiple choice?

True/False, Multiple Choice and 'Select All That Apply' questions are used.  At the end of the exam, there will be essay questions.

Should I skip a question if I don’t know the answer?

No.  It is better to guess than skip.  Choose the best possible answer out of the options given, even if two or more answers seem correct.  With 'Select All' type questions, there may be more than one correct answer.  Choose all the correct answers.

If you see a question that could be improved or you think is in error, please write it down and contact NSAR once you have completed the exam.

Is there something I can do to prepare for the exam?

Yes.  Members can visit the NSAR Message Board and read through the archives.  You can purchase The Signing Agent Professional Skills Training Guide but it is not a requirement and you can still pass without purchasing it.

What happens if my computer crashes or loses connection during the exam?

You will be able to log back in to the testing site and continue where you left off.

Is my score kept confidential?

Yes.  Your privacy and personal information are very important to us at NSAR.  Your information is kept confidential and individual scores are only revealed to the exam taker.  Scores do not appear on certificates.  We do not collect individual personally identifiable information on the NSAR website unless you give it to us.  We do not sell mailing lists or release your information to anyone outside the NSAR organization.  We only use the information you give us to admit your membership status, to fill your order, honor your requests, and to improve the quality of your experience on our website.  Your personal privacy and trust are always safeguarded.

What happens once I pass the exam?

Wonderful!  Passing the exam fulfills the requirement to be listed as a CPSA in our Signing Agent database.  The CPSA designation is a high achievement and one that exemplifies the best standards in the signing industry.

How does the NSAR exam differ from other exams?

The CPSA examination is comprehensive and a thorough test of one’s knowledge in the loan signing and notary industry.  You MUST be prepared to take it!