EPAC - European patent administration certification

The EPAC certifies professionals' knowledge and skills in managing the procedures associated with filing, prosecution, grant and post-grant maintenance for European and international patent applications before the EPO.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare for the EPAC exams. The European Patent Academy is offering a wide array of EPAC-focused training opportunities. Sign up for the EPO newsletter and Academy email alerts to get all the latest updates. For more detailed information about the EPAC, you can also consult the frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the advantages of EPAC

From 2026 onwards, the EPAC will be offered in a modular format, providing a flexible pathway for professionals to validate their patent administration expertise.

This modular structure consists of four online examinations, each earning an EPO-issued diploma upon their successful completion. Candidates can complete modules at their own pace, whether within the same year or across several, and in any order. Upon passing all four modules, they obtain the full EPAC certification officially issued by the EPO.

This modular approach enhances accessibility, supports progressive professional development and reflects the evolving needs of the innovation and IP community.

The modular examinations use modern online examination techniques (various types of multiple choice type questions, no questions with free text answers). Candidates must answer questions related to the various patenting routes and patent application procedures under the EPC and PCT, as well as about national frameworks relevant to European patents, including the Unitary patents.

When and how to enrol

To enrol, the following steps must be completed. Note that the deadlines are strictly enforced.

1. Create a personal profile and complete ID verification
   Create a personal profile on the EQC portal and request verification of identity by uploading a copy of a valid passport or national identity card. To be able to enrol for EPAC 2026, these steps must be completed by 15 September 2026.
2. Enrolment
   Enrolment for EPAC 2026 is open from 15 April 2026 until 15 September 2026 for candidates who have completed the first step of profile creation and ID verification. Request for enrolment and payment of prescribed fees must be received by 15 September 2026.

Fees

Enrolment fees for EPAC are laid down by the President under Article 2 of the Rules concerning the establishment of a European patent administration certification.

• EPAC 2026 enrolment fee: 50 EUR per module

Fees for EPAC are payable by credit card or bank transfer only. Note that the closing date for enrolment will be strictly observed and applications for enrolment will be deemed not to have been filed unless the prescribed fees have been validly paid.

As bank transfers can take several days to process, this method of payment is not recommended near the closing date for enrolment. Credit card payment is recommended as the fastest method.

Fees may not be paid by debiting an EPO deposit account.

Languages

The examination papers are drawn up in the three official languages of the EPO (German, English and French). When enrolling, candidates must select the official language in which they wish to sit the examination.

Review

Candidates have the possibility to contest a decision by requesting a review according to Article 12 of the EPAC rules. The fee for a review is 300 EUR.

Examination

EPAC 2026 examinations will be held online on 5 November 2026 and will include the four modules.

Candidates who have successfully enrolled for EPAC 2026 will receive access to the examination software WISEflow.

The software gives access to a mock exam and past EPAC examinations (2022-2025). It is strongly recommended that candidates familiarise themselves with WISEflow and practise in the exam environment. The mock examinations will not be marked but answers to the questions are available on the EPAC website.

Practical tests

Practical tests will be held shortly before the examinations. Although these practical tests are optional, they are strongly recommended to allow candidates to test their equipment.

Complaints concerning the conduct of the examination

Candidates wishing to lodge a complaint pursuant to point I.6. of the Instructions to candidates concerning the conduct of the EPAC examination must do so at the latest by the end of the examination day using this form:

Complaint form (available November 2026)

The European Patent Academy provides a strong learning offering and training for EPAC 2026.

List of candidates who have successfully passed the examinations and obtained the European patent administration certificate.

EPAC 2025
EPAC 2024
EPAC 2023
EPAC 2022

Starting with EPAC 2023, EPAC certificates can be verified here.

Neither the EPAC Board nor any of its members will comment on the exam answers or reply to questions relating to the validity of answers. If it becomes apparent that some questions are open to interpretation, such that the answer sought is not the only correct one, then the EPAC Board will take measures to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged.

EPAC 2025

Exam first part
Exam second part
Possible solution first part
Possible solution second part
Examiner report

EPAC 2024

Exam first part
Exam second part
Possible solution first part
Possible solution second part
Examiner report

EPAC 2023

Exam first part
Exam second part
Possible solution first part
Possible solution second part
Examiner report

EPAC 2022

Exam first part
Exam second part
Possible solution
Examiner report

Mock examination

Mock first part
Mock first part solutions EN
Mock second part
Mock second part solutions EN

Important information

Please note that these documents are outdated.

Rules
Instructions to candidates
Syllabus
Marking Rules
Members of the EPAC board

Notices

Information to EPAC 2024 candidates regarding closing days 2025