CPATA is acting swiftly on feedback received from licensees and other IP external partners from the consultation on apprenticeships to make policy changes to improve the licensure process, without compromising standards. One of the key findings was that examination timelines might be contributing to unnecessary delay in entry to practice.
At its 2025 annual general meeting, CPATA announced that starting with the Winter 2026 administration, Class 3 agents in training who will have completed at least 12 months of approved supervised training by the examination date will be eligible to attempt the Knowledge Examination, if they wish to do so. Previously, agents in training were required to complete the full 24 months of training prior to attempting the examinations. As a reminder, the knowledge exams are just the first part of the examination process. A licensee must demonstrate competency on the Knowledge Exam before being eligible to write the Skills Exam(s).
This change allows trainees to attempt the Skills Exam(s) sooner after the completion of their training. It follows other improvements made to the examination process in 2025, including offering two (previously one) administrations of the Knowledge Exams annually, a change which provides trainees an additional opportunity to demonstrate competency and gain eligibility for the Skills Exams.
Together, these measures expedite entrance into the professions for trainees who can demonstrate their competence and ultimately increase the availability of competent practitioners for Canada’s innovators and creators.
Read more about the findings of the 2024 consultation on apprenticeships.
View the updated Policy on Approved Training Programs.
Information for Class 3 Agents in Training
The Knowledge Examinations will take place on the following dates in 2026:
Patent Knowledge Examinations
February 24 and June 9, 2026
Trademark Knowledge Examination
February 10 and May 26, 2026
Registration for the Winter Knowledge Exams will open on November 1, 2025. Class 3 agents in training will receive an e-mail when registration opens with further instructions.
Registration fees for forms submitted in 2025 for the Winter 2026 Knowledge Examinations will be charged in January 2026. 2026 fees will be published in late 2025.
Patent Agent Qualifying Exams
Registration and Accommodations
Trademark Agent Qualifying Exams
