The modular EPAC enables candidates to build recognised expertise step by step. While Module 1 provides an accessible entry point, candidates receive an EPO diploma for each module passed and full EPAC certification after passing all four modules.

The online examination for European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC) will take place on 5 November 2026, with enrolment for candidates open until 15 September.

This will be the first modular edition of EPAC, allowing candidates to take one or more modules and obtain an EPO Diploma for each successfully completed module. Module 1 leads to an EPO Diploma in patent administration under European and international patent law, providing recognised value and an accessible entry point to the EPAC. Candidates who pass all four modules obtain full EPAC certification and receive pan-European recognition of their comprehensive patent administration expertise.

The EPAC Board has published the syllabus, which helps candidates understand the content of all four modules and plan their certification journey. The examination schedule has now also been released: Module 1 will last one hour, while Modules 2, 3 and 4 will each last 75 minutes.

Module 1 of EPAC offers an accessible foundation in European and international patent law and leads, when passed, to the first EPO Diploma in the modular EPAC journey. It is designed as an entry point and particularly relevant for those studying or working with intellectual property (IP), technology transfer, R&D, start-ups, technology policy and innovation support and is aimed at those who are seeking to build a solid and recognised basis in patent law and procedures. The module tests basic general knowledge of the European Patent Convention (EPC), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Paris Convention.

Modules 2, 3 and 4 focus respectively on the European patent granting procedure; on post-grant procedures including those relating to the Unitary Patent; and on the PCT procedure. They help candidates deepen and formally demonstrate their knowledge in key areas of patent administration. Candidates may take the EPAC modules independently or in any combination across different EPAC sessions, providing a flexible route towards certification. Full EPAC certification is awarded after passing all four modules and validates comprehensive patent administration expertise, supporting professional development, credibility and mobility across the IP and innovation ecosystems.

Candidates are encouraged to complete the EPAC enrolment process for their selected module(s) as early as possible to secure their place. To enrol for the examinations, candidates must:

1. Create a personal profile and complete identity verification via the European Qualification and Certification (EQC) portal.
2. Enrol for the selected module(s) and pay the applicable fee through the EQC portal.

Candidates will receive a confirmation email once they have successfully completed both steps.

Please note that participation in an EPAC course does not automatically register candidates for the EPAC exam.

To help enrolled candidates prepare for exam day, practical test sessions will be offered on 20 and 29 October. On both days, candidates may join the sessions at any time between 10.00-11.00 hrs or 14.00-16.00 hrs CET; the practical test takes around 15 minutes on average and allows candidates to check their equipment and technical setup and answer sample questions in WISEflow in an exam-like environment ahead of the examinations.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one of these sessions as preparation for their online EPAC examinations.

The EPAC section of epo.org is the main resource for candidates and should be consulted regularly. It provides relevant information on the upcoming examinations, as well as past examinations with possible solutions. The published examination syllabus provides a useful roadmap for planning how to prepare.

Source: European Patent Office (EPO), 18 August 2026. Original article: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/preparing-epac-2026-enrolment-open-until-15-september