New Jersey State law now requires Notary applicants to complete a notary public education course and pass an exam.
If your notary commission has been expired for over 30 days, you are considered a new applicant and must take the notary public exam.
If you have an active commission, you are not required to take the exam to renew.
Full details related to the New Jersey notary public new requirements can be found on the state's website here: Notary Public Exam (njportal.com)