Notary public exam workshops set for 2016

SUNY Oswego’s Division of Extended Learning will offer workshops at two locations this year to prepare people for the state’s notary public examination.

Alfred Piombino, author of numerous books, including “How to Take and Pass the NYS Notary Examination” and “Notary Public Handbook: A Guide for New York,” will deliver the workshop five times: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and April 21 at SUNY Oswego Phoenix Center and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 16, Sept. 30 and Dec. 2 on the college’s main campus.

The practical seminar prepares individuals to successfully pass the state’s notary exam and provides a comprehensive view of the notary public office. Laws, concepts, and procedures are explained in plain English. Piombino provides examples to illustrate situations the notary is likely to encounter.

State notary examinees will properly prepare for the duties, authority and responsibility of holding a New York state notary commission. Author-expert access is also available online for unlimited questions after the seminar.

With a court ruling in 2009 in the case of Vancura v. Katris, employers are accountable to protect the public from harm by making sure their notaries are sufficiently trained to follow professional practices.

“It’s always been advisable that employers have their notaries go through a training process instead of just taking the test,” Piombino said. “This case found employers are liable, which can hurt financially. In light of this, a training program is a great way for a company to protect itself and also to have better informed notaries.”

The workshop fee is $129, which includes the reference guide and textbook “Notary Public Handbook: A Guide for New York.” Attendees can register online or print a registration form at oswego.edu/notary.

For more information, call 315-934-4900 or email phoenix@oswego.edu.