20-Nov-2025

Going forward, EPAC 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 new program will consist 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.  Candidates preparing for the next EPAC cycle should monitor the EPAC page, where key dates for EPAC 2026 will be published in due course. The EPAC preparation course will open for registration in Q1 2026.

Read the EPO announcement here.

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