(1) An applicant for a commission as a notary public must pass an examination administered by the Secretary of State or an entity approved by the secretary. The examination must be based on the course of study described in subsection (3) of this section.
(2) Before taking the examination required under subsection (1) of this section, an applicant for a commission as a notary public must complete a course of study offered by the Secretary of State or an entity approved by the secretary.
(3) The Secretary of State or an entity approved by the secretary shall offer regularly a course of study to applicants for a commission as a notary public. The course must cover the laws, rules, procedures and ethics relevant to notarial acts.