EPAC 2025 results mark milestone as certification goes modular in 2026

As the international reach of the European patent administration certification (EPAC) continues to grow, its new modular structure will offer candidates greater flexibility and further embed the certification in innovation and IP professions.

The 2025 EPAC examination, held on 9 October, marks the next milestone in the evolution of the pan-European certification for patent administration professionals. 

With results made available on 20 November, a further 119 professionals have joined the growing community of EPAC-certified professionals, bringing the total number to nearly 500 since 2022.

EPAC attracts a broad, inclusive and global candidate community

The diversity of EPAC 2025 candidates underlines the certification’s broad appeal and growing international reach. The 442 candidates who enrolled to take the exam this year represented 50 nationalities resident in 43 countries, underscoring EPAC’s inclusive approach and broad accessibility. In terms of professional background, about 80% of the candidates are employed in patent attorney practices, or IP departments in industry, and around 15% are based in patent offices. The remainder are active in consultancy, academia, government, or other innovation-related roles. Women accounted for over 80% of candidates, while male participation has continued to rise since the first edition, reflecting EPAC’s growing relevance across the full spectrum of innovation and IP professionals worldwide. EPAC is valued by both employers and employees as a mark of expertise.

Positive candidate experience and integrity

Feedback from the post-exam survey confirms a positive candidate experience, with high ratings for the clarity of instructions, the usability of the digital examination platform, and the availability of training materials and EPAC-course by the European patent academy. The integrity of the examination remains paramount: one candidate was disqualified from this year’s and next year’s exams for the use of a mobile phone during the exam, in line with the Instructions to candidates.

EPAC goes modular from 2026

Since its launch in 2022, EPAC has attracted around 1 800 candidates from nearly 70 nationalities and 50 countries across several continents. The certification’s reach and relevance have grown year on year, with employers increasingly encouraging their staff to participate – 40% of this year’s  EPAC candidates reported employer support. 

Listening to candidate feedback, with over 86% considering a more flexible format beneficial, the EPO is now launching a fully modular EPAC structure. From 2026, four topic-focused modules offer the possibility to receive a topical EPO diploma for each module, providing greater flexibility and further embedding EPAC in professional development within innovation and IP professions.

CSP for EPAC

Looking ahead, the Candidate Support Programme (CSP) will also support selected candidates preparing for all four EPAC 2026 modules, broadening its support to the wider patent profession. The application period will start on 30 January – interested candidates can check the CSP hub for more information.