CPATA is providing resources to support agents-in-training who will write the new qualifying examinations in 2024.
Candidate Guides
What to Study
To help candidates study for the exam, CPATA has developed these resources which indicate the percentage of questions for each examination that will focus on a particular area of knowledge, as well as the specific knowledge concepts from the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies associated with that area. Additional details regarding the content, format, and structure of the examinations can be found in the test specifications. Candidates should review the full test specifications as part of their preparation for the examinations.
Patent Knowledge Examination
Patent Agent Skills Examination
Test Specification
PATENT KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION TEST SPECIFICATIONS
PATENT AGENT SKILLS EXAMINATION PART 1 TEST SPECIFICATIONS
PATENT AGENT SKILLS EXAMINATION PART 2 TEST SPECIFICATIONS
Sample Knowledge Exam Questions
To help candidates understand what the knowledge examinations will be like, we have selected a sample of 15 questions that are similar in proportion to the test specifications. We recommend trying the questions and then self-scoring them with the answer key, which is also provided.
Sample Patent Knowledge Examination
Sample Patent Knowledge Examination Questions – Answer Key
Sample Skills Exam Questions
To help candidates understand what the skills examinations will be like, the Exam Advisory Groups have developed a sample examination for each component. The sample exam and sample answers are for informational and preparatory purposes only. They are intended to offer prospective test-takers a general understanding of the type and format of questions that may appear on the skills examination, as well as to demonstrate the level of detail expected in responses.
The sample exam does not represent the full range of topics, difficulty levels, or types of questions that may be encountered on the actual exam. The actual exam may contain questions that differ significantly in form and content. The sample answers provided are for illustrative purposes only. They represent one of several possible approaches to answering these sample questions. Actual exam responses may vary, and there may be multiple valid ways to address a question.
Using these sample materials does not guarantee success in the actual skills examination. Examinees are encouraged to engage in comprehensive study and preparation to enhance their understanding of the subject matter.
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 1 Component A
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 1 Component A Answer Key
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 1 Component B
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 1 Component B Answer Key
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 2 Component A
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 2 Component A Answer Key
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 2 Component B
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 2 Component B Answer Key
A few of the sample exam questions have been configured on the computer-based examination platform so that candidates can become familiar with navigation and functionality. These are linked below:
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 1 Component A
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 1 Component B
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 2 Component A
Sample Patent Agent Skills Examination – Part 2 Component B
Orientation Sessions
CPATA offers an orientation for exam candidates prior to each exam administration, to familiarize test-takers with the online exam platform and answer any questions.
2025 Winter Patent Knowledge Examination
February 4, 2025, 2-4pm ET
Registration for this orientation session will open in November 2024.
Patent Agent Skills Examination
October 1, 2024 – 2-4pm ET – Patent Agent Skills Examination Candidate Orientation