
The notary clerk is a highly qualified professional. They are responsible for managing the notarial office and drafting notarial acts. To practice this profession, it is necessary to undergo specialized training and pass a state examination. Notary clerks are indispensable collaborators of the notary in managing the notarial office. They are responsible for drafting notarial acts and maintaining the archives.
What is a notary clerk?
A notary clerk is a person responsible for the administration and management of a notary’s office. They are in charge of the smooth operation of the office, maintaining files, and preparing notarial acts.
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To become a notary clerk, one must hold a diploma of at least a bac +2 level in law, management, or accounting. Most notary clerks have indeed completed a bac +3/4 level training, such as a master’s degree in notarial law or a university technology diploma (DUT) in business and administration management (GEA).
The notary clerk is a versatile professional: they must master the legal, financial, and administrative aspects of the job. They must also have good writing skills and be able to manage conflicts.
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The notary clerk is often the first point of contact for clients of an office. They explain the procedures and formalities to follow to carry out the desired act and provide all necessary information. They then prepare the notarial acts in collaboration with the notary and ensure their proper execution.
The notary clerk may also be required to manage the finances and accounting of the office, supervise staff, promote the office to potential clients, etc.
In France, the number of notary clerks varies by region: there are about 8,000 in Ile-de-France, compared to 2,500 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, for example. The salaries of notary clerks generally start around 2,000 euros gross per month and can go up to 4,000 euros gross per month for the most experienced.
Why become a notary clerk?
The notary clerk is a qualified professional responsible for executing the acts and formalities necessary for the conservation and transmission of notarial acts. They are also responsible for maintaining the register of notarial acts and managing the notary’s archives.
The notary clerk must hold a level III diploma (bac + 2) in law, legal or notarial mentions. The training is done in alternation between a notarial office and a training center accredited by the National Council of Notaries. The duration of the training is three years.
The notary clerk carries out their activity under the supervision of a notary. They may assist the notary in the exercise of their profession, particularly during the drafting of notarial acts.
The notary clerk receives a remuneration composed of a fixed salary and a variable part. The remuneration of the notary clerk is set by decree in the Council of State.
Studies to become a notary clerk
To become a notary clerk, it is necessary to follow a specific training program and obtain a state diploma. Studies to become a notary clerk are accessible after the baccalaureate. There are several training options:
- The first option is to follow a training program in alternation at a notary clerk training center (CFCN). This training is accessible through a competitive exam and leads to the notary clerk diploma.
- The second option is to pursue a Professional License in Notarial Studies, offered by certain universities. This training is also accessible through a competitive exam and leads to the notary clerk diploma.
- The third option is to follow a training program at the National Institute of Notarial Techniques (INNT). This training is accessible through a competitive exam and leads to the state diploma of notary clerk.
For all these training programs, it is necessary to pass a final exam and successfully complete an internship in a notarial office.

Training to become a notary clerk
To become a notary clerk, one must follow specific training and obtain a diploma recognized by the National Council of Notaries. The duration of the training is three years. It consists of a theoretical training cycle and a practical internship cycle. The theoretical training is provided by notarial schools, which award the diploma of licensed in notarial law. The practical internship cycle is carried out in notarial offices. To enroll in a notarial school, one must hold a professional or technological baccalaureate in law or management, or a general economic and social baccalaureate. Candidate selection is based on a file and then an interview. The training mainly focuses on business law, civil law, and notarial law. Students must also take courses in accounting, management, and computer science. At the end of the theoretical cycle, students must pass the state examination, which consists of a series of written and oral tests on business law, civil law, and notarial law. The practical internship cycle is carried out in notarial offices. Students acquire the necessary skills to practice as a notary clerk. They learn, in particular, how to draft notarial acts, maintain the accounting of notarial offices, and manage the notary’s secretariat.
The profession of notary clerk
The profession of notary clerk is a highly specialized field that requires solid legal training. Notary clerks are responsible for drafting notarial acts, maintaining the notary’s registers, and assisting the notary during notarial acts.
To become a notary clerk, one must first undergo solid legal training. Most notary clerks hold a law degree, but there are also specialized training programs for this profession. After obtaining their diploma, candidates must then pass a written and oral examination before a jury of notaries.
Once admitted to the bar, notary clerks can begin practicing their profession. Notary clerks typically work in the offices of notaries or lawyers, but they can also be employed by public or private organizations. Notary clerks generally have a good knowledge of law and notarial procedures, which allows them to provide effective assistance to the notary’s clients.
The notary clerk is a professional in administration and real estate management. They are responsible for drafting, preserving, and disseminating notarial acts. To practice this profession, one must undergo specific training of at least two years. The qualities required to be a notary clerk are: organization, service orientation, teamwork spirit, and writing skills.
FAQ: in summary
Question: What is a notary clerk?
Answer: A notary clerk is a legal professional who, under the guidance of a notary, drafts notarial acts.
Question: What diplomas are required to become a notary clerk?
Answer: To become a notary clerk, one must hold a diploma of at least bac + 2 level (bachelor, BTS, DUT) in Law, Notarial Studies, or Political Science.
Question: How does the training of a notary clerk proceed?
Answer: The training of a notary clerk lasts three years. It includes a first year of theory, a second year of practice, and a third year dedicated to drafting notarial acts.
Question: What are the missions of a notary clerk?
Answer: The missions of a notary clerk are multiple: drafting notarial acts, managing the client’s file, maintaining the register of notarial acts, preparing the inventory after succession, etc.
Question: How much does a notary clerk earn?
Answer: The salary of a starting notary clerk ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 euros per month.