WHY CREDENTIALING MATTERS…

…To Notaries

Stand Out.  Be Trusted.  Lead the Profession

By Audra Murray-Siu, Expert Notary™
Siu Mobile Signings

Credentialing, certification, and state authority are not the same thing.
Legal authority belongs to the state. Commissioning, statutory requirements, testing, and discipline are all governed by the Secretary of State in each jurisdiction. A private organization cannot override that, and no one is suggesting it does.
Commissioning is legal authority granted by the state to perform notarial acts.
Certification typically verifies that a specific course or training program was completed.
Credentialing is different. It verifies competency, experience, and adherence to standards set by an independent body.
These three serve different roles.

A commission proves you met the baseline requirements to hold office. That is the floor.

A certificate confirms you completed required or voluntary education.

Credentialing evaluates whether someone has gone further. Experience. Ongoing education. Ethical standards. Demonstrated competency beyond simply passing an exam. That is not a legal upgrade. It is a professional distinction.

Credentialing is not about replacing the state. It is about distinguishing beyond the minimum.
Confusing these terms creates misunderstanding about what is required versus what is voluntary. Clarity matters.

This is common across many industries. For example:
Project Management Institute does not issue business licenses, but its credentials signal competency beyond entry requirements.
FINRA regulates licensing, but additional certifications still exist within finance to demonstrate specialization.
National Board of Trial Advocacy does not grant law licenses, yet board certification signals advanced expertise beyond passing the bar.

In each case, licensure is authority. Certification reflects education. Credentialing is differentiation.

With over 4 million notaries nationwide—many of whom have very little or no training—it’s crucial to stand out in this competitive marketplace. The mission of the American Guild of Notaries Public is to ensure that notaries who demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, experience, and professionalism can be easily recognized by those who depend on properly notarized documents. By raising the standards of notarial practice, we strengthen trust and reliability in the notarization process for everyone.

WHY YOU NEED TO BE AN AGNP CREDENTIALED NOTARY™

  • Gain automatic trust and credibility with clients, agencies, and businesses

  • Be recognized as a leader in notarial practice

  • Access advanced training and resources to stay ahead

  • Enjoy professional recognition and new opportunities within your community and among your peers

Earn the symbol of trust, integrity, and professionalism and display it proudly.

Become an AGNP Credentialed Notary

…To Consumers

Everyone Needs an AGNP Credentialed Notary™

Because “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough

Avoid Costly Mistakes - Incorrectly notarized documents can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. An experienced notary will pay close attention to detail, ensuring that all necessary information is accurately recorded and that the document is complete. This attention to detail helps to prevent costly mistakes that could invalidate the document or lead to disputes. An experienced notary public brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. They are well-versed in the intricacies of legal documents and the requirements for their notarization. This knowledge ensures that the documents are properly executed, complying with all legal standards and regulations. A professional notary will also guide you through the process, clarifying any doubts and ensuring that you fully understand the implications of the document you are signing.

  •     Assuming a Notary is qualified without confirmation can lead to significant legal risks.

  • If a Notary is unqualified or fraudulent, your legal documents could be rendered invalid or unenforceable.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep fakes make verifying identity, understanding and willingness more crucial than ever.

Safeguard the Integrity of Your Legal Documents - You don’t always know when a notarized document will be challenged, invalidated, or rejected. It’s often several weeks, months, or even years after the document was signed and notarized that a question arises. You need to know at the time of the notarization that the notary public fully understands the responsibilities, duties, and ethical requirements necessary for the performance of the correct and legal notarial act.

Ensure Peace of Mind - Engaging a qualified and experienced notary public provides peace of mind, knowing that your legal documents are in the competent hands of a properly identified, verified commissioned notary. The assurance that your documents have been notarized correctly and legally can alleviate stress and provide confidence in the validity of your agreements.

The importance of a qualified and experienced notaries public cannot be overstated. Their role in ensuring the authenticity and legality of your documents is crucial in a world where fraud is rampant. By taking the step to engage a professional and knowledgeable notary, you safeguard your interests and ensure that your legal documents are binding and enforceable.

Ultimately, when it comes to legal matters, it is always wise to err on the side of caution. Entrust your documents to an AGNP Credentialed Notary Public and rest assured that your affairs are in secure and capable hands.

…TO EMPLOYERS & CONTRACTORS

LOWER THE RISK - RAISE THE BAR

Hire Smarter. Protect More. Partner with AGNP.

  • The Risk of Under-Qualified Notaries

    Improper notarizations can:

    Invalidate critical legal documents

    Lead to costly lawsuits or compliance violations

    Damage client trust and company reputation

    Don’t let inadequate training put your organization at risk.

  • Protect Your Customers, Your Reputation, and Your Bottom Line

    When your notaries are AGNP-credentialed, you get:

    Higher standards

    Lower risk

    Greater peace of mind

  • The AGNP Credential Advantage

    AGNP-credentialed notaries are:

    Fully vetted and tested for competence and ethics

    Continuously educated on evolving laws and standards

    Professionally credentialed beyond state minimums

    A proactive commitment to excellence, compliance, and customer protection.

  • Ready to Raise the Bar? Let’s Talk.

    Join leading organizations that are already elevating their notary standards with the AGNP.

    Request a Consultation


    Download Employer Partner Info Kit


    Contact AGNP Employer Services

    The American Guild of Notaries Public—Setting the Standard for Professional Notarial Practice.