Knowledge Examinations - Results
The purpose of the Patent Knowledge Examination is to ensure that test-takers have the foundational knowledge necessary for patent agent practice. The exam assesses the patent-related knowledge concepts specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies document.
Examination Date: March 19, 2024
Expected Results Release Date: May, 2024
In May, test-takers will receive a performance report that outlines how they performed on the Patent Knowledge Examination. Their result will indicate either “competency demonstrated” or “competency not yet demonstrated”, based on a minimum standard that was determined through a systematic standard-setting process after the exams were written.
A result of “competency demonstrated” indicates that they have the entry-level foundational knowledge necessary to support future learning and development in this area. Subject to meeting other requirements, this result means they are eligible to register for the Patent Agent Skills Examinations.
A result of “competency not yet demonstrated” indicates that they have not yet proven a sufficient understanding of the core concepts associated with patent practice and are not eligible to register for the Patent Agent Skills Examinations. The performance report will indicate how close their performance was to the passing standard, and will detail whether their performance in each knowledge area “meets” (is equal to or exceeds) or is “below” a minimal threshold set for each area. The information in this report can help prioritize their learning and development needs.
In addition to the result, the performance report includes an “overall performance” descriptor that compares their performance (number of questions answered correctly) to the minimum standard. This information, along with measurement variability data, informs an estimate of how close their performance was to the passing standard.
Finally, the report lists the knowledge areas tested on the exam, as well as the percentage of questions on the exam related to each area (knowledge areas with more questions have a greater effect on overall performance). The performance details show whether their performance in each knowledge area “meets” (is equal to or exceeds) or is “below” a minimal threshold set for each area. The area-level thresholds were set using data from the standard-setting process.
FAQ
The purpose of the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) Patent Knowledge Examination is to ensure that test-takers have the foundational knowledge necessary for patent agent practice. The exam assesses the patent-related knowledge concepts specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies document.
The performance report outlines how you performed on the Patent Knowledge Examination. CPATA uses this report, along with other criteria, to determine eligibility for the Patent Agent Skills Examinations. You may use the information in this report to help prioritize your learning and development needs. No one should use this report for any other purpose. For example, no one should use this report to make an employment decision.
Your result, either “competency demonstrated” or “competency not yet demonstrated,” appears in large capital letters near the middle of the performance report.
The overall performance categories are:
- Above the standard means that your performance on the exam was above the passing standard, demonstrating competence beyond the minimum requirements.
- Just meets the standard means that your performance on the exam just meets the passing standard, demonstrating a satisfactory level of competence.
- Approaches the standard means that your performance on the exam was close to the passing standard, showing some potential. However, some improvement is needed to meet the standard.
- Below the standard means that your performance on the exam was below the passing standard. Improvement is needed.
Consistent with other high-stakes examinations, a minimum standard will be determined through a systematic standard-setting process that involves a panel of subject matter experts. These panelists will make ratings based on the expected performance of a minimally competent candidate for each exam item. The total number of scored questions you answer correctly on the examination (each worth one point) will be compared to this minimum standard to determine your result.
CPATA implements checks and controls in the scoring process to verify the accuracy of results. This includes investigating and resolving any discrepancies or questions before releasing performance reports. In addition, before notifying any test-taker of a result of “competency not yet demonstrated,” CPATA engages in an administrative review of that result. This review is automatic and at no cost to the test-taker. For this reason, performance report results are considered final when published.
CPATA uses various methods to detect and address issues and irregularities. At the end of each exam administration, CPATA solicits feedback from test-takers about extenuating circumstances (e.g., compassionate consideration, medical reasons, or process anomalies) that a test-taker believes materially impaired their exam performance. Additionally, CPATA actively seeks and analyzes information from test-takers, exam administrators, and experts to identify irregularities in an exam administration, including misconduct. In the case of extenuating circumstances or any irregularity, CPATA reserves the right to withhold any result, to nullify or invalidate any exam submission, to subject any exam (or part thereof) to further review, and take other action (including disciplinary action, if appropriate) in order to preserve the integrity of the licensing process.
As a class 3 licensee, you can attempt the knowledge examination up to four (4) times. If you do not receive a result of “competency demonstrated” within this time, you must provide the Registrar with a remedial training and education plan prepared in conjunction with your supervisor (if you do not have a supervisor, then the plan would be in accordance with any conditions that the Registrar may impose on your licence). On completion of the plan, you may request to rewrite the exam.
Only your total score determines your result. There is no separate pass mark for each knowledge area; stronger performance in one area can offset weaker performance in another. Keep in mind that the area-level results are based on fewer questions than your overall result, making them less reliable for predicting future performance. For this reason, the “meets” or “below” insights should only be used to help you better self-assess your knowledge of these areas, not as a definitive statement of your ability.
Use the report information to help prioritize your learning and development needs. As you prepare either to rewrite the Patent Knowledge Examination or to take the Patent Agent Skills Examinations, you should review content in all areas. However, you may want to pay particular attention to those areas in which you fell below the minimum standard.
We understand that test-takers may be used to seeing specific scores on exams, and that these scores provide a tangible measure of performance. However, the primary purpose of our qualifying exams is not to rank order test-takers or precisely measure their depth of knowledge or skill, but rather to determine whether a test-taker has achieved a certain level of competence. The important question is not “How much better did one person do compared to another?” but “Has this person met the minimum level of competence required to practice safely and effectively?”
Think of the licensing process in terms of a series of hurdles. The goal of completing these hurdles isn’t necessarily about how much faster one person is than another. The primary objective is to determine whether each person can successfully complete each hurdle. A person who clears the hurdles by one inch is just as successful in this context as a person who clears them by one foot. In a similar vein, our qualifying examinations work more like a series of hurdles rather than a race against other competitors. As such, the “score” isn’t as meaningful as the overall decision of competency demonstrated or competency not yet demonstrated.
Not directly. The knowledge exam assesses fundamental understanding, while the skills examinations evaluate the application of more complex skills. Once you have a solid understanding of the underlying knowledge concepts, it is important to focus on skill development. Refer to the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies document for details.
If your exam results have led to you feeling stressed, allow yourself to acknowledge those feelings. Consider creating a structured plan for improvement, engaging in self-care practices, and reaching out for support from peers or professionals. Remember, this is only one step in your journey, and each setback is an opportunity to learn and to improve your approach for the next attempt.
If you have other questions about the Patent Knowledge Examination or this performance report, please contact CPATA at registration-inscription@cpata-cabamc.ca.
Skills Examinations - Results
The purpose of the Patent Agent Skills Examination is to ensure that test-takers have the skills necessary for patent agent practice. The exam assesses the patent-related skills specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies document.
Examination Date: October 28-31, 2024
Expected Results Release Date: TBD
When the results are finalized, test-takers will receive a performance report that outlines how they performed on each Part of the Patent Agent Skills Examination. Their result will indicate either “competency demonstrated” or “competency not yet demonstrated”, based on a minimum standard that was determined through a systematic standard-setting process after the exams were written.
A result of “competency demonstrated” indicates that the performance met or exceeded the minimum standard, showing a general understanding of the skills associated with patent agent practice. This result indicates that the test-taker has the entry-level skills necessary to practice as a patent agent in strategy and drafting, in the case of Part 1, and prosecution, validity and infringement, in the case of Part 2. Subject to demonstrating competency on both Parts of the Patent Agent Skills Examination and meeting other requirements, this result means the test-taker is eligible to apply for a Class 1 Patent Agent licence. If a test-taker has demonstrated competency on one part but not both, their “competency demonstrated” result will carry forward to the next administration.
A result of “competency not yet demonstrated” indicates that they have not yet proven a sufficient understanding of the skills associated with patent agent practice and are not yet eligible to apply for a Class 1 Patent Agent licence. The performance report will indicate how close their performance was to the passing standard, and will detail whether their performance in each knowledge area “meets” (is equal to or exceeds) or is “below” a minimal threshold set for each area. The information in this report can help prioritize their learning and development needs.
In addition to the result, the performance report includes an “overall performance” descriptor that compares their performance (number of questions answered correctly) to the minimum standard. This information, along with measurement variability data, informs an estimate of how close their performance was to the passing standard.
Finally, the report lists the skills areas tested on the exam, as well as the percentage of marks on the exam related to each area (skills areas with more marks have a greater effect on overall performance). The performance details show whether their performance in each skills area “meets” (is equal to or exceeds) or is “below” a minimal threshold set for each area. The area-level thresholds were set using data from the standard-setting process.
FAQ
The purpose of the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents (CPATA) Patent Agent Skills Examination is to ensure that test-takers have the strategy-, drafting-, prosecution-, validity-, and infringement-related skills necessary for patent agent practice. The exam assesses the strategy-, drafting-, prosecution-, validity-, and infringement-related skills specified in the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Technical Competencies document.
The performance report outlines how you performed on the Patent Agent Skills Examination. CPATA uses this report, along with other criteria, to determine eligibility for a Class 1 Patent Agent licence. You may use the information in this report to help prioritize your learning and development needs. No one should use this report for any other purpose. For example, no one should use this report to make an employment decision.
Your result, either “competency demonstrated” or “competency not yet demonstrated,” appears in large capital letters near the middle of the performance report.
In addition to your result, the performance report includes an “overall performance” descriptor that compares your performance (number of questions answered correctly) to the minimum standard. This information, along with measurement variability data, informs an estimate of how close your performance was to the passing standard.
The performance categories are:
- Above the standard means that your performance on the exam was above the passing standard, demonstrating competence beyond the minimum requirements.
- Just meets the standard means that your performance on the exam just meets the passing standard, demonstrating a satisfactory level of competence.
- Approaches the standard means that your performance on the exam was close to the passing standard, showing some potential. However, some improvement is needed to meet the standard.
- Below the standard means that your performance on the exam was below the passing standard. Improvement is needed.
Consistent with other high-stakes examinations, a minimum standard was determined through a systematic standard-setting process that involved a panel of markers who are considered experts in the field. Markers evaluate each test-taker using a standardized marking guide and then provide an overall impression of the test-taker’s ability using a rating scale. The pass mark is based on the relationship between test scores and the overall impression ratings of the test-takers’ performance.
Starting in 2024, CPATA implemented a new and thorough scoring process, including many checks and controls to verify the accuracy of skills exam results. This includes investigating and resolving any discrepancies or questions before releasing performance reports. For example, each exam submission is marked by two independent markers. Before finalizing scores, each exam is checked for any errors, such as missing scores, incomplete rating scales, or any data entry mistakes. Any candidates’ whose marks are close to the pass mark automatically undergo an additional review by Examination Advisory Group members who did not participate in the initial scoring. This third review happens automatically and at no additional cost to the candidate. This streamlined process for scoring pre-emptively addresses any concerns about the accuracy of the results and eliminates the usefulness of a subsequent re-correction.
Starting in 2024, candidates will no longer be able to access and review their exam materials. This protects the security and integrity of the exam process. Should exam questions be re-used on future administrations, it is important that future test takers do not have an unfair advantage.
CPATA uses various methods to detect and address issues and irregularities. At the end of each exam administration, CPATA solicits feedback from test-takers about extenuating circumstances (e.g., compassionate consideration, medical reasons, or process anomalies) that a test-taker believes materially impaired their exam performance. Additionally, CPATA actively seeks and analyzes information from test-takers, exam administrators, and experts to identify irregularities in an exam administration, including misconduct. In the case of extenuating circumstances or any irregularity, CPATA reserves the right to withhold any result, to nullify or invalidate any exam submission, to subject any exam (or part thereof) to further review, and take other action (including disciplinary action, if appropriate) in order to preserve the integrity of the licensing process.
As a class 3 licensee, you can attempt each Part up to two (2) times. If you do not receive a result of “competency demonstrated” within this time, you must provide the Registrar with a remedial training and education plan prepared in conjunction with your supervisor. (If you do not have a supervisor, then the plan would be in accordance with any conditions that the Registrar may impose on your licence.) On completion of the plan, you may request to rewrite the exam. Please see the Registrar’s Policy on Number of Exam Attempts and Remedial Training for more information.
Only your total score determines your result. There is no separate pass mark for each skills area; stronger performance in one area can offset weaker performance in another. Keep in mind that the area-level results are based on fewer questions than your overall result, making them less reliable for predicting future performance. For this reason, the “meets” or “below” insights should only be used to help you better self-assess your skills in these areas, not as a definitive statement of your ability.
Use the report information to help prioritize your learning and development needs. As you prepare to rewrite the Patent Agent Skills Examination, you should review content in all areas. However, you may want to pay particular attention to those areas in which you fell below the minimum standard.
The purpose of the exam is to determine whether test-takers meet a required level of competence, not to rank them by scores. Reporting numeric scores can lead to unintended score comparisons or interpretations. For this reason, the report uses an “overall performance” descriptor that is more consistent with the exam’s purpose. This descriptor lets you know if your score was close to the competency standard.
If your exam results have led to you feeling stressed, allow yourself to acknowledge those feelings. Consider creating a structured plan for improvement, engaging in self-care practices, and reaching out for support from peers or professionals. Remember, this is only one step in your journey, and each setback is an opportunity to learn and to improve your approach for the next attempt.
If you have other questions about the Patent Agent Skills Examination or this performance report, please contact CPATA at registration-inscription@cpata-cabamc.ca