CSP – Candidate Support Programme

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Supporting the next generation of patent professionals in Europe

The Candidate Support Programme (CSP) is a key initiative of the European Patent Office in co-operation with European Patent Organisation (EPOrg) member states. It aims to foster a more inclusive, skilled and balanced patent profession across Europe.

In line with the Strategic Plan 2028, the CSP contributes to several strategic priorities:

• Quality at source: by increasing the number of EQE-qualified professionals
• Gender parity: by creating more opportunities for women to thrive in the patent profession
• Increasing impact: the fully digital format broadens outreach and improves the accessibility of patent professional qualification and certification across member states
• Community development: by building a network of CSP alumni within the new generation of IP professionals, who in turn contribute to the programme

Eligibility and selection

The fully digital programme is open to registered candidates who reside and are employed in a member state of the EPOrg that participates in the CSP.

The selection and nomination of prospective candidates is managed by the national patent office (NPO) of the member state where they reside and work. 

See the list of participating member states in the new Candidate Support Programme for full details.

List of participating member states

AL	ALBANIA
AT	AUSTRIA
BG	BULGARIA
CH	SWITZERLAND
CY	CYPRUS
CZ	CZECH REPUBLIC
DK	DENMARK
EE	ESTONIA
ES	SPAIN
FI	FINLAND
FR	FRANCE
GR	GREECE
HR	CROATIA
HU	HUNGARY
IE	IRELAND
IS	ICELAND
IT	ITALY (Limited to EQE only )
LI	LIECHTENSTEIN
LT	LITHUANIA
LU	LUXEMBOURG
LV	LATVIA
MC	MONACO
MK	NORTH MACEDONIA
NL	NETHERLANDS
NO	NORWAY
PL	POLAND
PT	PORTUGAL
RO	ROMANIA
RS	SERBIA
SI	SLOVENIA
SK	SLOVAKIA
SM	SAN MARINO
TR	TÜRKIYE

See links to the national patent offices

CSP application

CSP application for EPAC

The CSP is targeting candidates preparing for EPAC’s modular examinations.

How to apply

Candidates must first complete the ID verification step on the EQC portal, which is open throughout the whole year.

During the application period, interested candidates must complete the CSP online application form, which will be made available via the website of the participating national patent office (NPO) of the candidate’s country of residence. As part of the online application process, candidates must upload the required supporting documents, including proof of permanent residency, a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae. Candidates submit their completed application to their respective NPO via the NPO website.

Next CSP cycle

Information on the timeline for CSP applications for EPAC 2027 will be published in Q4 2026.

CSP application for EQE

The next CSP cycle is aimed at registered candidates (see registration requirements on the EQE section) who are keen to sit the EQE and are prepared to commit to a three-year programme: starting with the preparation for the 2027 Paper F, with the intention of passing papers M1/M2 in 2028 and papers M3/M4 in 2029.

How to apply

Candidates must complete the CSP online application form, which will be available on the website of the national office in their country of residence participating in the CSP. The application form must be submitted together with the following supporting documents: proof of permanent residence, a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a letter of recommendation from their employer and proof of enrolment for the 2027 Paper F.

Key dates for the CSP in 2026/2027

• 8 April 2026: enrolment for paper F 2027 opens
• 20 April 2026 to 31 May 2026: online CSP application form available on the websites of the national patent offices
• Until 10 July: selection of candidates by the national patent offices
• October 2026 – February 2027: training courses and support to prepare candidates for paper F 2027
• 1 March 2027: Paper F of the EQE