AGNP Credential Tiers
A modern notary guild grounded in historic principals of craft, excellence, and service.
The American Guild of Notaries Public recognizes that notaries serve a vital role in protecting individuals, businesses, and institutions. Our credentialing program reflects this responsibility. Modeled after historic guild structures, our tiers distinguish not the worth of a notary, but the path a notary chooses—professional mastery, mentorship, or leadership.
At the heart of our program are simple truths:
Apprenticeship is where a craft is learned and honed as a profession. Professional is the pinnacle of notarial practice.
Expert and Master are the advocates and voices of notarial leadership.
Every AGNP credential begins with the same foundation: exceptional knowledge, ethical conduct, and demonstrated competence. From there, notaries may choose whether to continue their journey into roles that support, mentor, and educate others.
A Credentialing Structure Built on Purpose
Our tiers ensure that:
Apprentice identifies notaries who are building a strong foundation and actively developing the knowledge and skills essential to professional practice.
Professional is the widely recognized Gold Standard of Public Trust
Expert identifies those who guide and mentor
Master honors those who elevate the profession through leadership and education
No matter the tier, every AGNP credential reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and public protection.
This is the heart of a modern Notary Guild—and the future of our profession.
APPRENTICE
The Beginning of the Journey
The Apprentice credential is the Guild’s foundational tier—designed for notaries who are building their skills, expanding their knowledge, and preparing to advance to the Professional level.
Apprentice notaries have demonstrated:
A solid understanding of essential notarial principles
Commitment to ethical practice
Readiness to learn, grow, and refine their craft
Engagement with ongoing training and professional development
This credential honors notaries who are dedicated to strengthening their knowledge and establishing a strong foundation for trustworthy, competent service.
Apprentice is not a lesser status—it is a recognized stage of growth, supported by the Guild’s educational resources and mentorship pathways.
Every Master began as an Apprentice;
Every Professional Notary must first build the skills that this tier represents.
PROFESSIONAL
The National Benchmark of Notarial Excellence
The Professional credential represents the highest standard of notarial practice. It is the level most relevant to the public, to employers, and to commissioning authorities.
A Professional notary has demonstrated:
Deep understanding of notarial law and procedure
Competence in handling complex or high-stakes notarizations
Consistent ethical judgment and impartiality
Professionalism worthy of public trust
This is the credential every notary can—and should—aspire to. It reflects mastery of the craft and readiness to serve the public with confidence and integrity.
Professional is not a “mid-tier” or a stepping stone.
It is the Gold Standard of Excellence upon which the Guild is built.
EXPERT
The Mentors, Guides, and Knowledge Contributors
Some notaries choose to go beyond mastering their own practice and invest in others. The Expert credential recognizes notaries who contribute to the strength and advancement of the profession.
Expert notaries may:
Mentor new or developing notaries
Provide guidance to colleagues and employers
Support professional discussions and best-practice development
Serve as a trusted resource within their community or region
This tier is not “better” than Professional.
It is an optional service path for notaries who choose to lift others as they rise.
MASTER
The Educators, Stewards, and Thought Leaders
The Master credential is reserved for notaries who demonstrate long-term commitment to elevating the profession as a whole. These individuals carry the tradition of the guild forward through leadership, education, and stewardship.
Master Notaries often:
Teach or develop notary education programs
Author guidance, standards, or resource materials
Represent AGNP in national conversations
Lead initiatives that advance the integrity of notarial practice