Patent Bar Exam Review Session (2.5 Hours)

Related Resource: Complete Patent Bar Exam Guide

Key Takeaways

• The review session is a 2.5-hour opportunity to see questions you answered incorrectly on your failed Patent Bar exam
• You must schedule within 60 days of receiving your fail notice or you lose access permanently
• The session costs $210 (paid to Prometric, separate from USPTO exam fee)
• You can only see questions you missed—not correct answers, explanations, or questions you answered correctly
• No recording, photographing, or note-taking about specific questions is permitted
• The session is conducted at Prometric testing centers under proctored conditions
• Strategic use of the review session can significantly improve your retake performance
• You can identify patterns in your mistakes to create a targeted study plan

What Is the Patent Bar Exam Review Session?

The Patent Bar exam review session is a proctored 2.5-hour appointment at a Prometric testing center where candidates who failed the USPTO Registration Examination can review the specific questions they answered incorrectly. The session allows you to see your wrong answers and identify knowledge gaps, but does not provide correct answers, explanations, or access to questions you answered correctly or skipped.

Who Is Eligible for a Review Session?

Automatic Eligibility After Failure

The review session is available only to candidates who fail the Patent Bar exam. If you pass, there is no review session offered or needed.

Eligibility criteria:

• You must have failed the most recent exam attempt
• You received official notification of your failure from the USPTO
• You are within 60 days of the date your results notice was mailed
• You have not yet exhausted your 60-day scheduling window

One Review Session Per Failed Attempt

You receive one review session opportunity for each failed exam attempt:

• If you fail your first attempt, you get one review session for that attempt
• If you retake and fail again, you get another review session for the second attempt
• Each review session is specific to that particular exam—you cannot review previous attempts

No Review Session for Passing Candidates

If you pass the Patent Bar, you cannot access a review session to see which questions you missed. The USPTO only offers review sessions as a learning tool for candidates who need to retake the exam.

Scheduling Requirements and Deadlines

The 60-Day Window

The most critical deadline for review sessions is the 60-day scheduling and completion window:

Day 0: USPTO mails your official fail notice
Days 1-60: You must both schedule AND complete your review session
Day 61+: Review session is no longer available for that exam attempt

Important: The 60 days is counted from when the USPTO mails your results, not when you receive them. Your official notice will include the mail date—use that as your countdown starting point.

How to Schedule Your Review Session

Step 1: Receive your fail notice

• Check your email for USPTO notification (typically 2-3 business days after exam)
• Note the official mail date on your results letter
• Calculate your 60-day deadline

Step 2: Contact Prometric

• Call Prometric customer service: 1-800-479-6369
• Or visit: www.prometric.com/uspto
• Provide your exam confirmation number and personal details

Step 3: Select your appointment

• Choose any Prometric testing center (doesn’t have to be where you tested)
• Select an available date/time within your 60-day window
• Review sessions are typically offered during regular testing hours

Step 4: Pay the review session fee

• Fee is paid directly to Prometric (not USPTO)
• Cost typically $210 (check current Prometric pricing)
• Payment required at time of scheduling

Step 5: Receive confirmation

• Prometric will send confirmation email with date, time, and location
• Bring this confirmation and your ID to the appointment

What Happens If You Miss the 60-Day Deadline?

If you fail to schedule and complete your review session within 60 days:

• The opportunity is lost permanently for that exam attempt
• No extensions are granted except in extraordinary documented circumstances
• No refunds are available if you paid but missed the appointment
• You cannot access those specific questions ever again

Extraordinary circumstances that might qualify for an extension (must petition USPTO):

• Documented serious illness or hospitalization
• Military deployment
• Natural disaster affecting your area
• Death in immediate family

Standard scheduling conflicts, travel difficulties, or “I forgot” do not qualify for extensions.

What You Can See During the Review Session

Questions You Answered Incorrectly

The primary purpose of the review session is to show you which questions you missed and what you selected as your answer. For each incorrect question, you can see:

The complete question stem:

• Full scenario or fact pattern
• All details as they appeared on your exam
• Any exhibits, claims, or reference materials included in the question

All answer choices:

• Options (A) through (D) or (E) as presented
• Your selected answer will be indicated
• But NOT which answer was correct

MPEP references (sometimes):

• Some questions include the relevant MPEP section numbers
• This helps you identify where to study for retake
• Not all questions include explicit references

What You CANNOT See

The review session has significant limitations designed to protect exam security:

❌ Correct answers: You will not be told which option was correct
❌ Answer explanations: No reasoning or rationale provided
❌ Questions you answered correctly: These are not displayed
❌ Questions you skipped or left blank: These are not reviewable
❌ Your overall performance breakdown: No score by topic area
❌ Comparative difficulty ratings: No indication of which questions were harder

Example of What You’ll See

Question 45 (Incorrect):

“An applicant filed a nonprovisional utility application on June 1, 2024, claiming priority to a provisional application filed June 1, 2023. The nonprovisional application includes claims 1-15. On October 15, 2024, the examiner issued a restriction requirement identifying three distinct inventions in claims 1-5 (Group I), claims 6-10 (Group II), and claims 11-15 (Group III). The applicant timely elected Group I without traverse. Under which of the following circumstances may the applicant file a divisional application for the non-elected inventions?”

(A) Within 60 days of the restriction requirement
(B) Before the issue fee is paid for the parent application
(C) Within 4 months of a final Office action in the parent application
(D) At any time before the parent application is abandoned or patented ← [Your Answer]
(E) Only with a petition showing good cause

What you know: You selected (D), and it was wrong
What you don’t know: Which answer was correct or why (D) was incorrect

What You Cannot Do During the Review Session

Strict Prohibition on Recording

The review session operates under the same security protocols as the actual exam:

Absolutely prohibited:

• Taking photographs of the screen
• Video or audio recording
• Writing down specific question content verbatim
• Copying answer choices word-for-word
• Using any electronic devices

Consequences of violations:

• Immediate termination of review session
• Potential disqualification from future exam attempts
• Possible referral to OED for disciplinary action
• Forfeiture of review session fee

Limited Note-Taking Allowed

You may take general notes during the review session, but with restrictions:

Permitted:

• “I missed questions about divisional application timing”
• “Struggled with MPEP 2111 (multiple questions)”
• “Confused about PCT national stage deadlines”
• “Three questions on restriction practice—need to review 37 CFR 1.142”

Not permitted:

• Writing complete questions verbatim
• Copying specific fact patterns from questions
• Recording exact answer choices
• Creating a “reconstruction” of the exam

Gray area: Taking detailed notes about topics while looking at questions. Proctors may warn you if your note-taking appears to cross the line into content reproduction.

Proctored Environment

The review session occurs in the same secured testing environment as your original exam:

• Testing center staff monitors your session via camera
• Security measures prevent unauthorized activities
• No breaks without proctor approval (restroom only)
• Suspicious behavior may result in session termination

How to Maximize the Review Session

Pre-Session Preparation

Before attending your review session:

Create a tracking system:

• Bring a notebook divided by MPEP chapter or topic area
• Prepare to categorize missed questions by subject
• Create columns for: Topic | MPEP Section | Why I Missed It | Study Priority

Review your exam experience:

• Think back to which topics felt most difficult
• Recall if time pressure was an issue
• Remember which questions you flagged or guessed on

Set specific goals:

• “Identify my top 3 weakest MPEP chapters”
• “Determine if I’m missing questions due to time pressure or knowledge gaps”
• “Find patterns in my mistakes (misreading? calculation errors? lack of MPEP knowledge?)”

During the Review Session

Strategic approach for the 2.5 hours:

First 30 minutes: Quick scan (30-40 questions)

• Quickly review each incorrect question
• Note the general topic area
• Mark questions that surprise you (“I thought I got this right!”)

Next 90 minutes: Deep analysis (focus on patterns)

• Group questions by topic or MPEP chapter
• For each question, ask yourself:
  • Did I know the relevant MPEP section?
  • Did I misread the question?
  • Did I run out of time and guess?
  • Was I confused between similar rules?
• Take detailed topical notes (without reproducing questions)

Final 30 minutes: Priority setting

• Count how many questions you missed per topic area
• Identify your top 3-5 weakest areas
• Note specific MPEP sections to review
• Assess whether time management or knowledge was the bigger issue

Post-Session Action Plan

Within 24 hours of your review session:

Organize your notes:

• Create a spreadsheet or document categorizing your mistakes
• Rank your weak areas by number of questions missed
• Note which topics appeared multiple times

Example organization:

Create a targeted study plan:

• Allocate 60-70% of study time to your highest-priority weak areas
• Spend 20-30% reviewing areas you got mostly right (to maintain strength)
• Reserve 10% for comprehensive practice exams

Set a realistic retake timeline:

• Based on how many questions you missed and where
• Account for the mandatory 30-day wait period (minimum)
• Budget 60-120 days for substantial improvement

Cost and Logistics

Review Session Fee

Cost structure:

• Paid directly to Prometric (not included in USPTO $485 exam fee)
• Typical cost: $210 
• Payment required at time of scheduling
• Non-refundable once scheduled (unless rescheduled >30 days out)

Testing Center Requirements

Location:

• Available at most Prometric testing centers
• Does not have to be the same center where you took the exam
• Check availability when scheduling (not all centers offer same-day appointments)

What to bring:

• Two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID)
• Confirmation number from your scheduling
• Notebook and pen for permitted note-taking

What NOT to bring:

• Cell phones or electronic devices (lockers provided)
• Study materials or MPEP
• Bags or backpacks (except small personal item)
• Food or drinks

Duration and Timing

Session length: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Typical schedule:

• 10-15 minutes: Check-in and proctor instructions
• 2 hours: Question review time
• 5 minutes: Wrap-up and checkout

Time management tip: With 100 questions typically on the exam and perhaps 30-70 incorrect, you have 2-4 minutes per missed question. Plan accordingly to review all incorrect answers.

Is the Review Session Worth It?

When You Should Definitely Attend

Strong yes if:

You scored 60-69% (within 10 questions of passing)

• High likelihood of passing with targeted improvements
• The review can pinpoint exactly what to study
• Cost is minimal compared to another $485 exam fee + months of delay

You plan to retake within 60-90 days

• Information is fresh and immediately actionable
• You can quickly adjust your study plan based on findings

You’re unsure why you failed

• Review helps distinguish between knowledge gaps, time management, and test-taking errors
• Provides concrete data instead of guessing what went wrong

You failed despite feeling confident

• Might reveal surprising weak areas or question misinterpretation patterns

When You Might Skip It

Consider skipping if:

You scored below 50% (50+ questions missed)

• Indicates fundamental knowledge gaps across most topics
• Review session will just confirm you need comprehensive study
• Better to invest time in thorough MPEP review instead

You won’t retake for 6+ months

• Information becomes less useful over time
• Better to do comprehensive restudy closer to retake date

Budget is extremely tight

• The $210 might be better spent on additional practice questions or study materials
• Only skip if this cost truly creates financial hardship

You already know your major weak areas

• If you’re certain about what you need to study
• If time pressure (not knowledge) was clearly the issue

Return on Investment

Cost-benefit analysis:

Investment: $210 + 3-4 hours (session + travel)

Potential return:

• Avoid repeat failure: Another $485 wasted + 30-90 days delay
• Faster pass: Targeted studying is more efficient than comprehensive review
• Career progression: Getting registered 2-3 months sooner

Break-even: If the review session helps you pass on your next attempt instead of failing 1-2 additional times, you’ve saved $400-900 and months of time.

Common Mistakes

Waiting too long to schedule and missing the 60-day window completely. Don’t procrastinate. Schedule your review session within the first week of receiving your fail notice, even if the appointment is 3-4 weeks out. Once the 60-day window closes, you’ve permanently lost this opportunity.

Trying to memorize specific questions during the review session instead of identifying patterns. You cannot and should not try to remember individual questions verbatim. Focus on identifying which topics and MPEP sections you struggle with—that’s the actionable information that improves your retake performance.

Attending the review session but not taking organized notes. Walking out with vague impressions like “I need to study more” wastes the opportunity. Bring a structured note-taking system to categorize your mistakes by topic, and leave with a concrete study plan.

Going into the review session without any memory of what was challenging during the exam. While the exam is fresh in your mind (within 1-2 days), write down which topics felt hardest, which questions you flagged, and where you struggled with time. This context makes the review session far more valuable.

Skipping the review session to save $50-80 when you scored 60-69%. This is penny-wise and pound-foolish. The small fee could be the difference between passing your retake versus spending another $485 and waiting another 30-90 days for a third attempt.

Treating the review session as a passive experience rather than an active analysis opportunity. Don’t just read through your missed questions. For each one, actively diagnose: Was this a knowledge gap? Time pressure? Misreading? MPEP navigation issue? Active analysis produces better retake preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my MPEP or study materials to the review session?

No. The review session operates under the same security protocols as the actual exam. You cannot bring any reference materials, only approved note-taking materials (paper and pen). The review session is solely for seeing which questions you missed.

Will I be able to see which answer was correct during the review session?

No. The review session shows you only the questions you answered incorrectly and what you selected. You will not be told which answer choice was correct or why your answer was wrong.

Can I take the review session remotely or does it have to be in person?

The review session must be conducted in person at a Prometric testing center under proctored conditions. Remote review sessions are not available.

If I fail multiple times, can I review questions from all my previous attempts?

No. Each review session is specific to one exam attempt. If you fail twice, you would need to schedule and pay for two separate review sessions (one for each attempt), and each must be completed within 60 days of that specific exam’s results.

How many questions will I see during the review session?

It depends on how many you answered incorrectly. If you answered 40 questions incorrectly, you’ll review 40 questions. If you missed 60, you’ll see 60. You cannot see questions you answered correctly or skipped.

Can I take screenshots or photos “just for my personal study”?

Absolutely not. Any form of recording, photographing, or electronic capture of exam content is strictly prohibited and may result in permanent disqualification from taking the Patent Bar. This rule protects exam security and integrity.

What if I discover during the review that a question was flawed or had no correct answer?

You can note this concern and report it to the USPTO after your review session. However, review sessions do not include answer explanations, so you won’t be able to confirm if a question was actually flawed. The USPTO has processes for reviewing challenged questions.

Is 2.5 hours enough time to review all my incorrect answers?

For most candidates, yes. If you missed 30-50 questions (typical for scores in the 50-70% range), you’ll have 3-5 minutes per question, which is adequate for reading and taking notes. If you missed 70+ questions, you may need to prioritize which ones to analyze most deeply.

Can my employer or a mentor attend the review session with me?

No. Review sessions are individual and private. Only the candidate who took the exam is permitted in the testing room, and you cannot discuss specific questions with anyone after the session.

Does attending the review session affect my ability to retake the exam?

No. Attending or not attending the review session has no impact on your eligibility to retake the exam. It’s purely an optional learning tool to help you prepare better for your next attempt.

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Turn Your Failed Attempt into a Learning Opportunity

The Patent Bar review session is one of the most valuable tools available to candidates preparing for a retake. By strategically using those 2.5 hours to identify patterns, prioritize weak areas, and create a targeted study plan, you significantly increase your chances of passing on your next attempt.

Prepare for your retake with targeted strategies: Visit our Patent Bar Exam preparation course for retake-specific study plans, topic-focused practice questions, and guidance on addressing the specific weak areas you identified in your review session.

Continue Learning:

• Patent Bar Exam Format (2026): Questions, Timing, and What to Expect
• Patent Bar Retake Rules (Wait Periods, Limits, and Scheduling)
• What Happens After You Pass the Patent Bar (Timeline to Registration)