---
title: Do attorneys and court clerks have to take the exam?
description: "Attorneys admitted to practice in New York State may be appointed notaries without taking the written exam, and so may court clerks of the Unified Court System who were appointed after taking the civil-service promotional exam in the court-clerk series.…"
url: "https://nynotaryexamprep.com/help/do-attorneys-and-court-clerks-have-to-take-the-exam/"
updated: "2026-10-05"
category: Getting Started
---

# Do attorneys and court clerks have to take the exam?

Attorneys admitted to practice in New York State may be appointed notaries without taking the written exam, and so may court clerks of the Unified Court System who were appointed after taking the civil-service promotional exam in the court-clerk series. The exemption is from the exam only: both still submit the application, take the oath of office, and pay the $60 fee. Out-of-state attorneys not admitted in New York are not exempt. If you’re exempt, you don’t need this course.