The Two Certifications That Open Doors
There are dozens of signing agent training programs and certifications available, but two dominate the industry: the NNA (National Notary Association) Certified Notary Signing Agent program and Mark Wills' Loan Signing System (LSS). Understanding the real differences — not the marketing differences — helps you make the right choice for where you are in your signing agent career.
| Factor | NNA Certification | Loan Signing System |
|---|---|---|
| Platform acceptance | Accepted everywhere — universal standard | Accepted on most major platforms |
| Background check included | Yes — NNA background check is industry standard | No — must obtain separately |
| Focus | Notarial law compliance and document knowledge | Business building and appointment execution |
| Exam format | Multiple choice exam, open book allowed | No traditional exam — practical training |
| Cost | ~$65–$75 exam + NNA membership ~$65–$135/yr | $197–$597 depending on course tier |
| Annual renewal | Yes — annual renewal required | Certification does not expire (course access varies by tier) |
| Best for | Getting on platforms immediately; meeting minimum requirements | Learning to actually conduct signings; direct client building |
NNA Certification — What It Actually Is
The NNA's Certified Notary Signing Agent program is the industry's gatekeeping credential. When a signing service or title company says "NNA certified required," this is what they mean. The certification signals that you:
- Passed a background check through the NNA's screening process
- Demonstrated knowledge of notary signing agent procedures through their exam
- Are an active NNA member (required for the certification to remain recognized)
The NNA exam covers loan document types, proper notarization procedures, signing agent conduct, and state law basics. It is not difficult — agents who study the NNA handbook and take one or two practice tests typically pass on the first attempt. What the certification does not teach is how to run a smooth appointment, how to handle difficult borrowers, or how to build a client base.
NNA Membership vs. NNA Certification
These are different things that get confused. NNA membership gives you access to resources, discounts, and some legal support. NNA certification is the specific signing agent credential that platforms recognize. You can be a member without being certified, and the certification requires active membership. When platforms say "NNA certified," they mean the signing agent certification specifically — not just membership.
Loan Signing System (LSS) — What It Actually Is
LSS was created by Mark Wills, a working signing agent who built his course around how appointments actually run — not just how to pass an exam. The content focuses on what you do at the table: how to guide borrowers through documents efficiently, how to handle borrower questions, how to approach title companies directly, and how to treat signing as a business rather than a gig.
The LSS course has multiple tiers:
- Basic certification ($197) — covers the fundamentals of loan documents and appointment conduct
- Six-figure course ($297–$397) — adds business development, direct marketing to title companies, and income scaling strategies
- Loan Signing System Pro ($497–$597) — adds advanced business modules and community access
The LSS certification is accepted on major platforms including Snapdocs and SigningOrder. It is not as universally accepted as NNA for meeting the minimum requirement on every platform — some smaller signing services still require NNA specifically.
What Most Successful Agents Actually Do
The answer is not "NNA or LSS." It's "NNA first, then LSS if you want to grow."
NNA certification gets you into the market immediately — it unlocks every major platform and meets every minimum requirement. The exam is manageable, the background check is the industry standard, and the cost is lower. Start here.
Once you have 30–60 signings under your belt and are thinking seriously about building a direct client base and growing income, LSS's business-building content pays for itself quickly. The tactical guidance on approaching title companies directly — which is the single most impactful income move available to an established agent — is more detailed in LSS than anywhere else.
What About Other Certifications?
Several other programs exist — Notary2Pro, American Notary Institute, and various state-specific programs among them. For the core question of "what do I need to get on signing platforms and start working," the answer is NNA certification. Other programs can provide valuable training but do not carry the same platform-acceptance weight as NNA. They are supplements, not substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. There is no state that legally requires NSA certification beyond the notary commission itself. NNA certification is an industry requirement imposed by signing services and title companies, not a legal mandate. However, without NNA certification (or an equivalent that platforms accept), you will be unable to get on most major signing platforms — making it practically required for working in the field.
The exam itself takes 1–2 hours. The background check results return in 3–7 business days. If you study the NNA handbook for 4–8 hours before taking the exam, most agents pass on the first attempt. From the day you decide to pursue certification to the day you have your results: approximately 1–2 weeks.
Yes. NNA certification must be renewed annually. The renewal includes a new background check ($65–$75) and maintaining active NNA membership. Annual renewal is not optional if you want platforms that require NNA certification to recognize your credential.
Yes — LSS has no prerequisite requiring NNA certification first. You can pursue LSS as your first certification. However, if you take LSS first and then find certain platforms require NNA specifically, you'll need to add NNA anyway. The practical advice is NNA first (unlocks the market), LSS second (expands your income strategy).