USPTO Patent Bar Exam
Learn about the fundamentals of the patent bar exam.
Our understanding of the exam helps you enroll, study, and pass more efficiently with less stress.
Multiple Choice Questions
Hours to finish the exam
Minute lunch break
Answer choices per question
3hr exam segments
%
Passing Rate
Exam Structure and Breakdown
Taking and passing the Examination for Registration to Practice in Patent Cases (known as the ‘Patent Bar Exam’) is required by United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in order to practice in patent cases before the USPTO.
So basically, if you want to become a registered Patent Agent (those without a JD – U.S. Law degree) or a registered Patent Attorney (those with a JD-law degree), you must pass this exam as part of the requirement to be a patent agent/attorney.
Fees and Costs
There are USPTO admission fees and testing fees required to apply for and take the Patent Bar Exam. The total amount is currently about $500 after fees and postage, with another $200 fee to register after passing. Some of the fees are refundable, and one (the registration fee) is only due once you pass the exam. However, it is good to factor this cost into your calculations for preparing for this exam.
USPTO fees to register for the patent bar exam
Commercial test examination fee 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(ii)(A)
Prometric fees to take the computerized exam
USPTO fee to register as a practitioner after passing
"I passed the patent bar exam in my first attempt. The practice questions were very comprehensively covered and the practice test really simulated the actual exam. Overall highly recommended and totally worth every penny."
– Yogini Bhavsar-Jo
Patent Agent