EPAC

In November 2025, the EPO announced that future exams will have a modular format, consisting of 4 modules. Candidates can take one or several modules at a time. If they pass a module, they get a diploma for the module. Once they have obtained all four diplomas, they are awarded the European Patent Administration Certificate. The program consists of the following modules:

EPAC Module 1
Patent law: EPC and PCT,
leading to a Diploma in patent administration under European and international patent law

EPAC Module 2
PCT procedures in filing, search and examination,
leading to a Diploma in patent grant procedure

EPAC Module 3
EPO procedures: post-grant, appeals, validation and UPC,
leading to a Diploma in post-grant and UPC procedures

EPAC Module 4
PCT procedure and entry into national/regional phases,
leading to a Diploma in PCT procedure

The new structure will be implemented from EPAC 2026 onwards. In 2026, all 4 exams will take place on the same day: 5 November 2026.

Facts:

  • The EPO has established an EPAC Board whose tasks include drafting and marking the exams. The Board includes members from EPO, EPIPA and epi.
  • The exam is held yearly. The first exam took place in 2022.
  • Exams are held electronically via the Wiseflow system.
  • The costs are € 50 per module.
  • The exam is offered in all three EPO languages. When enrolling, the candidate must choose an examination language. This choice cannot be changed later.
  • Successful candidates receive a certificate issued by the EPO. A list of successful candidates is published on the website of the EPO.
  • In 2022-2025, over 1800 candidates enrolled for the exam, but not all of them actually sat the exam. There were 477 successful candidates.

The programme is designed for paralegals, patent administrators, and anyone wishing to develop expertise in the patent world. There are no requirements for enrolling, but it is expected that in order to pass the exam, the candidate must have worked and gained knowledge as a patent paralegal or formalities officer for at least a few years. 

The previous single training course has been replaced by four independent courses. Each course stands on its own, offering focused knowledge and skills; taken together, they provide the comprehensive expertise needed to obtain the full EPAC certificate. The modular structure allows candidates to select courses according to their interests or professional needs, enabling fully personalised learning paths.

EPO's training for EPAC candidates 2026 has started., but it is not too late to join! There is extensive course material for self-study, and it is possible to watch recordings of live sessions.

Enrolment for the exam is open from 15 April to 15 September 2026. Enrolment must be completed and the fees must be received by the EPO by 15 September 2026.

More information about the certification is available on the EPAC website.

For long, EPAC has been a major goal for us, not only for the national organizations but certainly also for EPIPA. In essence we need this important step and development to further distinguish ourselves as IP professionals.