Background
In 2024, CPATA undertook a consultation on the pathways to licensure to better understand the strengths and challenges of the supervised practice model. One of the key findings of this consultation was that there is a lack of structured training requirements for intellectual property apprenticeships. Licensees and IP partners highlighted the variability of training experiences in preparing trainees for the qualifying exams and professional practice.
As a result of this finding, CPATA committed to developing resources to better support supervised training experiences which instill the competencies required for professional practice, as outlined in the Technical Competency Profiles for Patent Agents and Trademark Agents and the Professional Foundations Competency Profile.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, CPATA will administer a survey to gather information from trainees and current supervisors about supervised practice, with the goal of developing resources to frame the supervised training program.
How to Participate
Complete a Survey (Trainees and Supervisors)
Trainees and current supervisors will be invited to complete a 15-minute survey between November 2025 and January 2026 to help CPATA understand how trainees are exposed to competencies as well as supervision and workplace strengths. The survey is voluntary and anonymous, and data collected will only be used to inform the development of supervised practice resources.
Agents in Training
Current Supervisors
Share Information (Supervisors and Firms)
Firms and training supervisors who want to share general information about their training program structure, approach and resources with CPATA are invited to reach out to registration-inscription@cpata-cabamc.ca.
Next Steps
Following the completion of administering the surveys in January 2026, CPATA will recruit licensees to form working groups of subject matter experts to create supervised practice resources, a process to be facilitated by third-party consultant Principia Assessments Ltd.
Three assessment resources will be available in 2027:
- Training Plan: a template for supervisors and trainees to use for structuring their training experience
- Interim Assessment: a template for supervisors to assess the progress of trainees
- Summative Evaluation : a template for supervisors to assess trainees at the end of their training
Questions
For questions, please e-mail registration-inscription@cpata-cabamc.ca.
