Starting in 2024, to become licensed as a Patent Agent, a person (in addition to meeting other requirements) must successfully complete the required training and the following qualifying examinations:
- Patent Knowledge Examination
- Patent Agent Skills Examination Part 1
- Patent Agent Skills Examination Part 2
Class 3 agents in training who have completed at least 12 months of supervised training by the examination date are permitted (but not required) to attempt the Knowledge Examination. Only Class 3 agents-in-training who have completed the 24-month training requirement and have demonstrated competency on the Knowledge Examination are eligible to register for the skills exams.
Patent Agent Skills Examinations – October 19-22, 2026, 1pm – 5pm EST
2027 Dates
The deadline to register as a Class 3 agent-in-training to be considered for 2027 Winter exams - October 30, 2026.
Winter Patent Knowledge Examination – February 23, 2027, 1pm – 5pm EST
- Registration Deadline –January 22, 2027
- Accommodation Request Deadline – January 22, 2027
- Candidate Orientation – February 2, 2027
- Live Proctor Check-in – February 15-19, 2027
- Results release – April 5, 2027
The deadline to register as a Class 3 agent-in-training to be considered for 2027 Spring exams – February 26, 2027.
Spring Patent Knowledge Examination – June 8, 2027, 1pm – 5pm EST
- Registration Deadline – May 7, 2027
- Accommodation Request Deadline – May 7, 2027
- Candidate Orientation – May 18, 2027
- Live Proctor Check-in – May 31 – June 4, 2027
- Results release – July 19, 2027
Patent Agent Skills Examinations – October 18-21, 2027, 1pm – 5pm EST
- Registration Deadline – September 17, 2027
- Accommodation Request Deadline – August 20, 2027
- Candidate Orientation – September 28, 2027
- Live Proctor Check-In – October 11-15, 2027
- Results release – TBD
2026 Dates
Winter Patent Knowledge Examination – February 24, 2026
- Registration Deadline –January 23, 2026
- Accommodation Request Deadline – January 23, 2026
- Candidate Orientation – February 3, 2026
- Live Proctor Check-in – February 16-20, 2026
- Results release – April 2, 2026
The deadline to register as a Class 3 agent-in-training to be considered for 2026 Spring exams – February 27, 2026.
Spring Patent Knowledge Examination – June 9, 2026
- Registration Deadline – May 8, 2026
- Accommodation Request Deadline – May 8, 2026
- Candidate Orientation – May 19, 2026
- Live Proctor Check-in – June 1-5, 2026
- Results release – TBD
Patent Agent Skills Examinations – October 19-22, 2026
- Registration Deadline – September 18, 2026
- Accommodation Request Deadline – August 18, 2026
- Candidate Orientation – September 29, 2026
- Live Proctor Check-In – October 12-16, 2026
- Results release – TBD
Exam Details
The Patent Knowledge Examination evaluates the patent-related, knowledge-
based technical competencies specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies.
Format: Online, closed book
Length: 4 hours
Questions: 135 multiple-choice questions with 4 possible answers
A test-taker must successfully demonstrate competence on the Knowledge Examination before attempting the Agent Skills Examination.
PATENT AGENT KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION TEST SPECIFICATIONS
The Patent Agent Skills Examination Part 1 and the Patent Agent Skills Examination Part 2 are independent examinations that can be completed in any order. Each evaluates a subset of the patent-related, skills-based technical competencies specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies. Candidates who are successful with Part 1 (Components A and B) will be able to carry forward the successful attempt to future administrations if they are not successful on Part 2.
Part 1 (Components A and B)
Format: online, limited open-book format (test-takers receiving electronic access to the Patent Act, RSC 1985, c P-4 and Patent Rules, SOR/2019-251).
Length: 3 hours on day 1, 3 hours on day 2
Questions: long and short answer written responses
The 2 components are scored together as a single examination.
PATENT AGENT SKILLS EXAMINATION PART 1 TEST SPECIFICATIONS
Part 2 (Components A and B)
Part 2 of the Patent Agent Skills Examination assesses the prosecution-, validity-, and infringement-related skills required of Patent Agents specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies.
Format: online, limited open-book format (test-takers receiving electronic access to the Patent Act, RSC 1985, c P-4 and Patent Rules, SOR/2019-251).
Length: 3 hours on day 1, 3 hours on day 2
Questions: long and short answer written responses
PATENT AGENT SKILLS EXAMINATION PART 2 TEST SPECIFICATIONS
2026 Fees
Patent Knowledge Examination – $365 + applicable taxes
Patent Agent Skills Examination:
Part 1 (Component A and B) – $730 + applicable taxes
Part 2 (Component A and B) – $730 + applicable taxes
Request for Delayed Examinations
The By-laws require licensees to write examinations at the first sitting that follows the completion of their training program. However, if a licensee is not able to write the examinations as required, for a reason beyond their control, the Registrar may, on request of the licensee, allow them to write the examinations at the next administration. Please review the Registrar’s Policy on Requests for Delayed Examinations for more information regarding submitting a request.
Number of Examination Attempts & Nullifying an Attempt
The Registrar’s Policy on Number of Examination Attempts & Nullifying an Attempt specifies the number of attempts permitted for each component of the qualifying examinations, outlines the process for nullifying examination attempts, and describes when remedial training will be required. Please review the policy for more information.
Invalidating an Examination Result
Under certain circumstances, an examination result may be invalidated. The Registrar’s Policy on Invalidating an Examination Result was adopted for the consideration of those scenarios. Please review the policy for more information.
Candidates who Demonstrated Competency on Part of the Qualifying Examinations During a Previous Administration
Candidates who demonstrate competency on Part 1 or Part 2, may carry forward the Part that was successfully completed and will only have to re-attempt the Part where competency was not yet demonstrated.
Questions
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to us by filling out our contact form.