General Requirements Bulletin for
Admission to the Examination for
Registration to Practice in Patent Cases
before the United States Patent and
Trademark Office
[1]
[1]
The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are
not meant to bind the public in any way. This guidance is intended only to provide clarity
to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. See
Premysler v. Lehman, 71 F.3d 387, 390 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (“the General Requirements do not
bind the public to new regulations that were not subject to notice and comment”).
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED)
Issued April 2024
General Requirements Bulletin
Table of Contents
I. RECOGNITION OF ATTORNEYS AND AGENTS.................................................................................... 1
II. REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF THE EXAMINATION FOR FORMER USPTO EMPLOYEES UNDER 37 CFR §
11.7(d)..................................................................................................................................................... 2
III. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE EXAMINATION..... 3
IV. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO THE EXAMINATION......................................... 12
V. FILING DEADLINE............................................................................................................................ 18
VI. MAILING INSTRUCTIONS AND CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT BY OED ............................................... 19
VII. THE PROCESS FOLLOWING APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE EXAMINATION ......................... 19
VIII. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ................................................................................................ 21
IX. THE EXAMINATION......................................................................................................................... 23
X. TEST ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................. 24
XI. REAPPLYING FOR THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................. 27
XII. REFUNDS OF USPTO FEES ............................................................................................................... 28
XIII. WAIVERS OF REGULATIONS REGARDING THE EXAMINATION.......................................................... 29
XIV. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE EXAMINATION ......................................................................... 29
XV. FINDING OED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET ............................................................................ 30
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING UNDER 37 CFR § 1.8 ....................................................................................... 31
OED PRIVACY ACT ADVISORY STATEMENT............................................................................................. 32
www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/OED_GRB.pdf
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GENERAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
I. RECOGNITION OF ATTORNEYS AND AGENTS
The regulations governing the recognition of individuals to practice before the United States
Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) in patent cases are set forth in 37 CFR §§ 11.5
(Register of attorneys and agents in patent matters), 11.6 (Registration of attorneys and agents),
11.7 (Requirements for registration), 11.8 (Oath and registration fee), 11.9 (Limited recognition in
patent matters), and 11.16 (Law School Clinic Certification Program).
The USPTO Director is given statutory authority to require a showing by patent practitioners that
they are “possessed of the necessary qualifications to render to applicants or other persons
valuable service, advice, and assistance in the presentation or prosecution of their applications
or other business before the [USPTO].” 35 U.S.C. § 2(b)(2)(D).
The primary responsibility for protection of the public from unqualified practitioners before the
USPTO rests with the Director of the USPTO. See Hsuan-Yeh Chang v. Kappos, 890 F. Supp. 2d
110, 116-17 (D.D.C. 2012) (“Title 35 vests the [Director of the USPTO], not the courts, with the
responsibility to protect [US]PTO proceedings from unqualified practitioners.”) (quoting
Premysler v. Lehman, 71 F.3d 387, 389 (Fed. Cir. 1995)), aff’d sub nom. Hsuan Yeh Chang v. Rea,
530 F. App’x 958 (Fed. Cir. 2013).
Pursuant to that responsibility, USPTO regulations provide that an individual will not be
registered to practice before the USPTO unless that individual possesses the legal, scientific, and
technical qualifications necessary for him or her to render applicants valuable service. Premysler,
71 F.3d at 389-90; 37 CFR § 11.7(a)(2)(ii). This General Requirements Bulletin sets forth guidance
for complying with the provisions of 37 CFR § 11.7. See, e.g., Premysler, 71 F.3d at 389-90 (“The
Commissioner promulgated the General Requirements bulletin to interpret this regulation” [37
CFR § 11.7].).
There are a number of ways for an applicant for registration to practice before the USPTO to
prove sufficient basic training in scientific and technical matters required by 37 CFR §
11.7(b)(1)(i)(C). This General Requirements Bulletin sets forth the kinds of credentials that
typically demonstrate technical competence under § 11.7(a)(2)(ii). In particular, this General
Requirements Bulletin sets forth three categories, Categories A-C, which may be used to
demonstrate possession of the required technical and scientific training to enable one to
practice in all patent matters. In addition, this Bulletin sets forth a fourth category, Category D,
satisfaction of which may enable one to practice in design patent matters only. If an applicant
does not qualify under any of the categories set forth in this General Requirements Bulletin, the
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USPTO will conduct an independent review for compliance with the scientific and technical
training requirement set forth in § 11.7(a)(2)(ii).
II. REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF THE EXAMINATION FOR FORMER USPTO
EMPLOYEES UNDER 37 CFR § 11.7(d)
Former patent examiners who by July 26, 2004, had not actively served four years in the patent
examining corps, and were serving in the corps at the time of their separation must consult
37 CFR § 11.7(d)(1) for registration requirements premised on service as patent examiner.
Former patent examiners who by July 26, 2004, had actively served four years in the patent
examining corps, and were serving in the corps at the time of their separation must consult 37
CFR § 11.7(d)(2) for registration requirements premised on their service as a patent examiner.
Certain other former Office employees who were not serving in the patent examining corps
upon their separation from the Office must consult 37 CFR § 11.7(d)(3) for registration
requirements premised upon their service in the Office.
Former Office employees must meet the scientific and technical training requirements for
admission to the registration examination. Former Office employees, including examiners,
seeking registration by waiver of the examination must submit the following documents:
1. Application for Registration to Practice before the USPTO [Form PTO-158];
2. Undertaking Under 37 CFR § 11.10(b) [Form PTO-275] (if not previously completed and
submitted);
3. Application fee as required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(i) -or- 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10). Please make
payment by check or money order payable to the Director of the USPTO;
4. Official Transcripts. Former Office employees may provide a copy of an official transcript
on file in the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Office of Human Resources
(OHR). A USPTO OHR staff member must note that the original is in the former employee's
personnel file.
To request waiver of the examination, place an "X" in the appropriate box of the Application for
Registration. Please provide documentation showing satisfaction of the requirements of
37 CFR § 11.7(d)(1) or (d)(2) or (d)(3). All relevant documentation must be submitted with the
application. Please refer to the Instructions for Applying for Admission to the Examination for
additional information.
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III. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR
ADMISSION TO THE EXAMINATION
An applicant applying for the examination must demonstrate to the Director of the Office of
Enrollment and Discipline (OED) that they possess the scientific and technical training necessary
to provide valuable service to patent applicants. Applicant bears the burden of showing the
requisite scientific and technical training. To be admitted to the examination, each applicant
must demonstrate possession of the required scientific and technical training.
An applicant applying for patent bar admission under 37 CFR § 11.6(a)–(c) must demonstrate to
the OED Director that they possess the scientific and technical training as set forth under one of
Categories A-C, infra. An applicant who is registered pursuant to Categories A-C will be able to
practice in all patent matters before the Office.
An applicant applying for design patent bar admission under 37 CFR § 11.6(d) must demonstrate
to the OED Director that they possess the scientific and technical training as set forth under
Category D, infra. An applicant who is registered pursuant to Category D will be able to practice
in design patent matters only before the Office.
A.
CATEGORY A: Bachelor's Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctor of Philosophy Degree in a
Recognized Technical Subject. An applicant will be considered to have established to the
satisfaction of the OED Director that they possess the necessary scientific and technical training
if they provide an official transcript showing that a bachelor's degree, master’s degree or doctor
of philosophy degree was awarded in one of the following subjects by an accredited United
States college or university, or that the equivalent to a bachelor's degree, master’s degree, or
doctor of philosophy degree was awarded by a foreign university in one of the following
subjects:
Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Microbiology
Mining Engineering
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Nuclear Engineering
Ocean Engineering
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Organic Chemistry
Petroleum Engineering
Pharmacology
Physics
Textile Engineering
Textile Technology
*An acceptable computer science degree must be a bachelor of science degree from an
accredited college or university.
An applicant with a bachelor's, master’s or doctor of philosophy degree in one of the above-
identified subjects must submit an official transcript from the college or university. A diploma,
copy of the diploma, or copy of the transcript will not be accepted. The official transcript will be
accepted from an applicant. The college or university transcript must be official and include the
university stamp or seal.
The Office will accept degrees where the transcript demonstrates equivalence to a Category A
degree (for example, molecular cell biology may be equivalent to biology and materials science
and engineering may be equivalent to materials science).
Degrees In Other Subjects: An applicant with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctor of philosophy
degree in a subject not listed above, such as pharmacy, mechanical technology, or a computer
science degree that is not a bachelor of science degree or is from a non-accredited institution
must establish to the satisfaction of the OED Director that they possess the necessary scientific
and technical training under either Category B or Category C below.
B.
CATEGORY B: Bachelor's Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Another
Subject. An applicant with a bachelor's, master’s or doctor of philosophy degree in a subject
other than one of those listed in Category A, must establish to the satisfaction of the OED
Director that they possess scientific and technical training equivalent to that received at an
accredited U.S. college or university for a bachelor's, master’s or doctor of philosophy degree in
one of the subjects listed in Category A. To establish such equivalence to the satisfaction of the
OED Director, an applicant can satisfy one of the following four options, other training, or other
education listed below. The applicant must submit the necessary documentation and objective
evidence showing satisfaction of one of the options or other means of qualifying.
i. Option 1: 24 semester hours in physics. Only physics courses for physics majors will be
accepted.
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ii. Option 2: 32 semester hours in a combination consisting of the following: Eight
semester hours in a combination of chemistry or physics, with at least one course
including a lab, and 24 semester hours in biology, botany, microbiology, or molecular
biology. Only courses for science or engineering majors will be accepted.
iii. Option 3: 30 semester hours in chemistry. Only chemistry courses for chemistry majors
will be accepted.
iv. Option 4: 40 semester hours in a combination consisting of the following: Eight
semester hours in a combination of chemistry, physics, or biology, with at least one
course including a lab, and 32 semester hours of chemistry, physics, biology, botany,
microbiology, molecular biology, or engineering.
Only courses for science or engineering majors will be accepted. For computer science,
see "Other Acceptable Course Work."
All acceptable coursework for Options 2 and 4 must be for science or engineering
majors.
v. Transcripts: Official transcripts are required to establish both the award of a bachelor's,
master’s and/or doctor of philosophy degree and completion of each course relied on
to establish scientific and technical training in Category B.
Please note that a diploma, a copy of a diploma, or an unofficial transcript is not
acceptable evidence of a degree. Each applicant must provide an official transcript from
a college or university as evidence of the degree received. An official transcript issued to
an applicant will be accepted provided the transcript includes a university or college
stamp or seal. A letter from the registrar specifying a degree or degrees is not sufficient.
Transcripts must show the same name as the application. An applicant who has changed
their name must submit legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage
certificate or court order.
The transcript must be official. However, the applicant may send the transcript to OED
as the transcript does not need to be sent to OED directly from the university or college.
An applicant instructing a college or university to send transcripts directly to OED at the
USPTO should provide this information in a letter accompanying the application. An
applicant is urged to furnish the university or college with a copy of a certificate of
mailing (enclosed in this General Requirements Bulletin) and instruct the institution to
include a completed and signed certificate of mailing in the envelope with the
transcript.
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vi. Course Descriptions: For each course relied upon in Options 1, 2, 3, or 4 above, an
applicant must furnish an official course description which is concurrent with the year in
which the course was taken to accompany the official transcript. The course descriptions
must include:
1. Copies of the catalog cover page showing the year, the page(s) describing the
requirements for the major, and
2. Complete pages describing the courses to be considered.
vii. Grades: Only courses with a grade of C- or better will be accepted. To speed the review
process, please highlight the courses to be considered on the transcripts and course
descriptions submitted.
viii. Quarter hour conversion: A semester hour is a unit of academic credit fulfilled by
completing one hour of class instruction each week for one semester, a semester being
a division constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting typically from 15 to 18
weeks. For credits earned at a university or college in which the term is less than the 15
to 18 week semester, the credits earned at that university or college will need to be
adjusted to determine whether the applicant established to the satisfaction of the OED
Director that they possess the necessary scientific and technical training under Category
B. To convert trimester credit hours or quarter hours into semester hours, multiply the
quarter hours or trimester credit hours by 2/3.
ix. Translations: Certified English translations of foreign language documents, such as
transcripts, course descriptions and any other supporting documentation must be
furnished for the foreign language documents to be considered.
x. Other Acceptable Course Work: Under Option 4, up to four semester hours will be
accepted for courses in design engineering or drafting. Also, under Option 4, computer
science courses that stress theoretical foundations, analysis, and design, and include
substantial laboratory work, including software development will be accepted. Such
courses include the representation and transformation of information structures, the
theoretical models for such representations and transformations, basic coverage of
algorithms, data structures, software design with a laboratory, programming languages
with a laboratory, and computer organization and architecture. Other acceptable
courses in computer science include artificial intelligence and robotics, networking,
linear circuits, logic circuits, operating systems, and software methodology and
engineering. However, the courses may not be substituted for the eight semester hours
of chemistry or physics required under Option 4.
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xi. Typical Non-Acceptable Course Work: The following courses typify what is not
accepted as demonstrating the necessary scientific and technical training: anthropology;
astronomy; audited courses; behavioral science courses, such as psychology and
sociology; continuing legal education courses; courses in public health; courses relating
technology to politics or policy; courses offered by corporations to corporate
employees; courses in management, business administration and operations research;
courses on how to use computer software; courses directed to data management and
management information systems; courses to develop manual, processing or fabrication
skills (e.g. machine operation, wiring, soldering, etc.); courses taken on a pass/fail basis;
correspondence courses; ecology; economics of technology; courses in the history of
science, engineering and technology; field identification of plants and/or animals; home
or personal independent study courses; high school level courses; mathematics courses;
one day conferences; patent law courses; paleontology; political science courses; repair
and maintenance courses; radio operator license courses; science courses for non-
science majors; and vocational training courses; and work study programs. Also not
accepted are college research or seminar courses where the course content and
requirements are not set forth in the course descriptions; courses that do not provide
scientific and technical training; and courses that repeat, or which are substantially the
same as, or are lesser-included courses for which credit has already been given.
xii. Other Training: Other factors will be considered on a case-by-case basis with respect to
scientific and technical training. OED will consider expertise in scientific and technical
training which is equivalent to that of a bachelor's, master’s or doctor of philosophy
degree in a subject listed in Category A. An applicant without a degree listed in
Category A has the burden of establishing possession of sufficient training and expertise
in science or engineering to be equivalent to that of a bachelor's, master’s or doctor of
philosophy degree in a subject listed in Category A. Objective evidence demonstrating
that training is equivalent to training received in courses accepted under Category A
may establish such equivalency.
xiii. Other Education: Other education (e.g., foreign education, academic credit for work
experience, military education, life experience, etc.) is acceptable to the extent objective
evidence demonstrates the education is equivalent to that received at an accredited U. S
college or university in one of the subjects listed in Category A. For example, such
education may be met by one of the following showings:
1. The specific courses have been accepted for college-level credit in a Category A
subject by an accredited U.S. college or university because they would be creditable
if the student were to further their education at that institution.
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2. The academic credit earned in a Category A subject earned through a special credit
program, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and an accredited
college or university has awarded credit.
3. If credit has been given for life experience, the college or university must identify the
course work area(s) or courses in a Category A subject for which the credit is given.
Life experience credit for courses that are not identified in its course catalog as part
of a college or university's curriculum is not acceptable, unless the college or
university is giving credit for course work in a Category A subject that is a
prerequisite for more advanced courses in Category A included in its curriculum.
4. Credit in a Category A subject for home study course work has been granted by a
postsecondary institution accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.
5. An accredited U.S. State college or university reports the degree from another
institution as one whose transcript is given full value, and full value is given in a
Category A subject applicable to the curricula at the U.S. State college or university.
6. The education completed outside the U.S. has been submitted to a private
organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and
such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional
U.S. education programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
may be of some help in providing information on these organizations.
7. Credits from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Graduate School,
or other institutions determined to be equivalent for this purpose, are accepted by
an accredited institution on the same basis as study in accredited colleges and
universities.
xiv. Military Service: Although OED will not evaluate and award credit for military service,
credit may be granted for technical courses taken pursuant to military training. The
applicant has the burden of showing the semester hours credit each course relied upon
would be credited toward a degree at an accredited U.S. University or college. An
applicant should consult The ACE Military Guide, which is available online through the
American Council on Education at: https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-
Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Military-Guide-Online.aspx.
C.
CATEGORY C: Practical Engineering or Scientific Experience. An applicant relying on practical
engineering or scientific experience or who does not qualify under Category A or B above may
establish the required technical training by demonstrating that they have taken and passed the
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) test. The FE test is a test of engineering fundamentals. The FE
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test is developed and administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners in each State or
comparable jurisdiction. Neither the USPTO nor any other U.S. Government agency administers
the test. An applicant desiring to take the FE test should direct inquiries to the Secretaries of the
appropriate State Boards. Official results of the FE test must be submitted to establish
qualification under this category. An applicant attempting to qualify under Category C must
submit an official transcript showing the award of a bachelor’s degree.
D.
CATEGORY D: Design Patent Practice Only: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctor of
Philosophy Degree in a Recognized Design Subject. An applicant will be considered to have
established to the satisfaction of the OED Director that they possess the necessary scientific and
technical training for design patent practice if they provide an official transcript showing that a
bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctor of philosophy degree was awarded in one of the
following subjects by an accredited United States college or university, or that the equivalent to
a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctor of philosophy degree was awarded by a foreign
university in one of the following subjects:
Product Design
An applicant applying under Category D, upon passing the registration examination, will be
registered to practice before the Office in design patent matters only.
Transcripts: An applicant with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctor of philosophy degree in one of
the above-identified subjects must submit an official transcript from the college or university. A
diploma, copy of the diploma, or copy of the transcript will not be accepted. The official
transcript will be accepted from an applicant. The college or university transcript must be official
and include the university stamp or seal.
The Office will accept degrees where the transcript demonstrates equivalence to a Category D
degree.
E.
ALL BUSINESS TRANSACTED IN WRITING: All business with the USPTO should be
transacted in writing. Personal attendance is unnecessary. An action of OED with regard to an
application will be based exclusively on the written record in the Office. See 37 CFR § 1.2.
F.
ELIGIBILITY OF ALIENS: No grant of registration except under 37 CFR § 11.6(c). An applicant
who is not a United States citizen and does not reside in the U.S. is not eligible for registration
except as permitted by 37 CFR § 11.6(c). Presently, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office is
the only patent office recognized as allowing substantially reciprocal privileges to those
admitted to practice before the USPTO. The registration examination is not administered to
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aliens who do not reside in the United States.
Limited recognition to practice before the Office in patent matters. Applicants who are lawful
permanent residents of the United States may apply for registration. All other applicants who
are aliens residing in the United States may apply for limited recognition to practice before the
Office in patent matters pursuant to 37 CFR § 11.9(b). To be admitted to take the examination,
an applicant must fulfill the requirements as stated above and in 37 CFR § 11.9(b), which
includes establishing that such recognition is consistent with the capacity of employment
authorized by United States immigration authorities, for example the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS), United States Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border
Patrol, and the U.S. Department of Labor. The evidence establishing such consistency must
demonstrate: (1) the applicant’s authorization to reside in the United States, and (2) the
applicant’s authorization to work or be trained in the United States. It must include a copy of
both sides of any work or training authorization and copies of all documents submitted to and
received from the immigration authorities regarding admission to the United States, and a copy
of any documentation submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. This may include a complete
copy of the application for a particular immigration status, the application for a work or training
permit, and/or any approved notices related thereto.
Qualifying documentation should specifically show that the immigration authorities have
authorized the applicant to be employed or trained in the capacity of representing patent
applicants before the USPTO by preparing and prosecuting their patent applications. Any
approval that is pending at the time the application is submitted will result in the applicant
being denied admission to the examination.
A qualifying alien within the scope of 8 CFR § 274a.12(b) or (c) is not registered upon passing
the examination. Therefore, such qualifying aliens will not be patent attorneys or patent agents.
Rather, such an applicant will be given limited recognition under 37 CFR § 11.9(b) if recognition
is consistent with the capacity of employment or training authorized by immigration authorities.
Documentation establishing an applicant’s qualification to receive limited recognition must be
submitted with the applicant’s application.
G.
INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
i. Convictions: “Conviction" or “convicted” is defined by 37 CFR § 11.1 as meaning any
confession to a crime; a verdict or judgment finding a person guilty of a crime; any
entered plea, including nolo contendere or Alford plea, to a crime; or receipt of deferred
adjudication (whether judgment or sentence has been entered or not) for an accused or
pled crime. An applicant convicted of a felony, or a crime involving moral turpitude or
breach of trust, is not eligible for registration or to apply for registration during the time
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of any sentence (including confinement or commitment to imprisonment), deferred
adjudication, and period of probation or parole as a result of the conviction and for a
period of two years after the date of successful completion of said sentence, deferred
adjudication, and probation or parole. See 37 CFR § 11.7(h)(1). Such an applicant must
file with an Application for Registration the fees required by 37 CFR §§ 1.21(a)(1)(ii) and
1.21(a) (10) of this subchapter. The OED Director will determine whether the person has
produced satisfactory proof of reform and rehabilitation, including at a minimum a
sufficient period of exemplary conduct. An applicant subject to the provisions of 37 CFR
§ 11.7(h)(1) must submit the fee specified in 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) for each determination
by the OED Director under 37 CFR § 11.7.
ii. Disciplined Professionals: An applicant who has been disbarred from the practice of
law or other profession, or who has resigned a professional license in lieu of a
disciplinary proceeding, is ineligible to apply for registration for a period of five years
from the date of disbarment or resignation. An applicant suspended on ethical grounds
from the practice of law or other profession is ineligible to apply for registration until
expiration of the period of suspension. An applicant who, in addition to being disbarred,
suspended or resigned, also has been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral
turpitude or breach of trust is ineligible to apply for registration until the conditions of
both 37 CFR §§ 11.7(h)(1) and 11.7(h)(4) have been fully satisfied. See 37 CFR § 11.7(h)(4).
An applicant subject to the provisions of 37 CFR § 11.7(h)(4) must submit the fee
specified in 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) for each determination by the OED Director under 37
CFR § 11.7.
iii. Previously Denied for Lack Good of Moral Character and Reputation: An applicant
refused registration for failure to demonstrate present good moral character and
reputation in a USPTO Director’s decision; or in the absence of a USPTO Director’s
decision, in a recommendation of the OED Director, is ineligible to reapply for
registration for two years after the date of the decision, unless a shorter period is
otherwise ordered by the USPTO Director. An applicant under investigation regarding
the applicant’s present moral character and reputation who elects to withdraw their
application is ineligible to reapply for registration for two years after the date of
withdrawal. See 37 CFR § 11.7(k). Such an applicant must pay the fees required by 37 CFR
§§ 1.21(a)(1)(ii) and 1.21(a)(10) upon filing an application and has the burden of showing
their fitness to practice. The applicant also must pass the registration examination even if
the applicant previously passed the examination. An applicant subject to the provisions
of 37 CFR § 11.7(k) must submit the fee specified in 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) for each
determination by the OED Director under 37 CFR § 11.7. For purposes of 37 CFR §
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1.21(a)(10), an applicant who withdraws the application during an investigation regarding
the applicant’s present moral character and reputation will be considered to have
obtained a determination by the OED Director under 37 CFR § 11.7.
IV. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO THE
EXAMINATION
A.
GENERAL INFORMATION: The examination is given on a computer-based test delivery
system. A candidate for registration to practice in patent cases, including registration to practice
in design patent matters only, before the USPTO must apply to OED by completing a
registration application form and submitting all required documentation and government fees.
A commercial test delivery provider, Prometric, will administer the computer-based examination.
The location of Prometric test sites and Prometric test delivery policies are available at the
Prometric web site, www.prometric.com. Prometric also provides a toll-free number for USPTO
registration examination applicants (800-479-6369).
An applicant applying for the examination should carefully review their application information
and documentation before submitting the application. Applications must be complete for
proper review by OED. It is strongly recommended that no incomplete application be filed.
Facsimile transmissions of applications will not be accepted. See 37 CFR §§ 1.4(e) and 1.6(d)(1).
An applicant seeking admission to the examination should apply online at the Exam Applicant
Portal https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI or send the following documents to Mailstop OED, USPTO,
P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450:
1. A completed Application for Registration to Practice before the USPTO [Form PTO-158];
2. $110.00 non-refundable application fee as required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(i) -or-
$1,680.00 fee ($1,570.00 may be refundable only if you are not admitted) if required
pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10); $210.00 registration examination fee to the USPTO for
test administration by a commercial entity. [37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(ii)(A)] (Application and
registration examination fee(s) may be paid with one check or credit card authorization);
3. Official transcripts;
4. Course descriptions (Category B only);
5. All other required documentation (for example, information upon which applicant relies
to demonstrate qualifications to sit for the examination, evidence of permanent residence,
or documents required in response to questions 14 through 21); and
6. If the applicant is an alien, then the applicant must provide a copy of all documents
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submitted to and received from US immigration authorities.
B.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FORM PTO 158:
Apply online at the Exam Applicant Portal https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI. Alternatively, you may
complete the paper application form in permanent ink or computer; not pencil. An applicant
must personally sign the paper application form in accordance with 37 CFR § 1.4(e).
Read These Instructions: The entire application and General Requirements Bulletin, and all other
applicable forms, should be read thoroughly before proceeding to complete the application
form. After completing the application, check the application to ensure that all questions have
been answered, and keep a copy of the completed application papers.
This is a continuing application. All information provided in the application must be reported in
writing. See 37 CFR § 1.2. All changes to the application, including changes of address, must be
signed and dated, and cannot be accepted by telephone, facsimile transmission, or e-mail.
See 37 CFR § 1.4(e). 37 CFR § 11.7(c) specifies the time for reporting changes. OED should be
notified of all changes within 30 days of occurrence. All updates should refer to the relevant
question in the application to which the change applies, and must provide all details relative to
the information sought by the question. An applicant must continue to update the application
until registered to practice before the USPTO in patent cases, and should retain copies of all
updates submitted to the USPTO.
i. Line-by-Line Instructions:
Line 1a. Applicant must provide their complete legal name, including first name, middle name
(not initial) and last name. Correspondence will be conducted using applicant’s complete
name. Complete legal names must be provided to avoid confusion between people having
the same first name, middle initial and last name. Failure to comply with this instruction will
result in an application being incomplete. At the end of line 1a, check the reasonable
accommodations box only if a request for the same is attached along with supporting
documentation.
Line 1b. Applicant provides their name exactly as it appears on valid, current government-
issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or resident alien card. The
same valid government identification must be presented for admission to the examination.
Admission to the examination will be denied if the government-issued photo-identification is
invalid for any reason at the time it is presented for admission, e.g., expiration of a license or
passport, or if there is any difference between the name on the photo-identification and the
name given on line 1b.
Lines 1c-1j. Whether employed, unemployed or a student, applicant must enter the address
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where OED can communicate with applicant during the day between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Eastern time. If OED is to communicate with applicant at a business, the name and address of
the business must be furnished.
Government Employees: If an applicant is an officer and/or employee of the United States
Government, including an employee of the USPTO, in lines 1b through 1g, enter the name,
mailing address and business telephone of the department or agency where the applicant is
employed. An applicant may not use an applicant’s home address or another business
address. If an applicant wants notices to be sent to an applicant’s home address, the applicant
needs to supply applicant’s home address on a separate sheet of paper.
Line 2. Citizenship. Provide the country of the applicant’s citizenship.
Line 3. Date of Birth. Provide the date of the applicant’s birth.
Line 4. Place of Birth. Provide the city, state and country where the applicant was born.
Line 5. Visa Classification. If the applicant is an alien, state the applicant’s visa classification.
Line 6. Permanent Resident. For an applicant who is not a U.S. citizen, check "yes" if the
applicant is classified as a permanent resident. Check "no" if the applicant has not been
classified as a permanent resident. Submit a copy of both sides of the applicant’s permanent
resident card.
Line 7. Alien Registration Number. If an applicant has an alien registration number, provide
the applicant’s alien registration number.
Line 8a. Application Fee. Check the appropriate box for the required application fee. An
applicant should carefully review the provisions of 37 CFR §§ 11.7(h) and 11.7(k) to determine
whether the fee set forth in 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) is required. Failure to submit the appropriate
application fee may cause disapproval of an application. An applicant subject to the provisions
of 37 CFR § 11.7(h)(1), § 11.7(h)(4) and/or 37 CFR § 11.7(k) must submit the fee set forth in 37
CFR § 1.21(a)(10) for each determination by the OED Director regarding good moral character
and reputation of the applicant. An applicant who submits the fee set forth in 37 CFR §
1.21(a)(10) but is not admitted to the examination for failing to complete the application or
for failing to demonstrate the requisite technical and scientific qualifications, will be refunded
the fee less the $110.00 application fee. If a fee submitted pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) has
been refunded in whole or in part, or if an applicant has received an adverse determination by
the OED Director regarding the applicant’s present good moral character and reputation, the
applicant will need to resubmit the fee under § 1.21(a)(10) for any subsequent application.
Withdrawal of an application during the course of an investigation of good moral character
and reputation is considered a determination by the OED Director regarding good moral
15
character and reputation.
Line 8b. Registration Examination Fee. Please note that Prometric will charge the applicant a
separate test administration fee.
Line 9. Former patent examiner or other USPTO employee. Check the appropriate box on line
9 if applicant is a former patent examiner or other USPTO employee and seeks a waiver of the
examination under the provisions of 37 CFR § 11.7(d).
Line 10. Passed examination. Check the box on line 10 if the applicant previously passed an
examination, and in the space provided give the date the applicant passed the examination.
Line 11. Check the box if an applicant previously applied for admission to the registration
examination, whether or not the applicant was admitted to the examination or sought
evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications. If an applicant previously applied, give the date of
the application.
Line 12. Prior registration. Check the box and give the applicant’s registration number if the
applicant was ever registered to practice in patent cases before the USPTO as an attorney or
agent.
Line 13. Bar membership. Check the box if an applicant is a member in good standing of a
court of the United States, or the highest court of a State or Territory of the United States, and
list all said courts and corresponding bar membership number(s). Do not submit a certificate
of good standing from the court with the application. Upon passing the examination, an
attorney is required to provide an original certificate of good standing bearing the seal of the
highest court of a state to be registered as a patent attorney.
Lines 14 through 21. Moral Character and Reputation. Answer each question following the
instructions preceding line 14. Any doubt about how to answer a question should be resolved
in favor of disclosure. Instructions are found on the application form and in the next
paragraph for submitting an explanation and documents in response to questions 14 through
21 with the application. It is necessary to answer questions 14 through 21 with complete
honesty and candor. Answers that are not candid or contain false statements of material facts
may subject applicant to denial of registration, revocation and/or discipline. See, e.g., 37 CFR
§§ 11.7(a)(2)(i) and 11.801, as well as 11.804(c) and (d). Therefore, the applicant should be
diligent and complete in providing the applicant’s responses to these questions in the first
instance. In addition, the applicant has a continuing duty to update in writing responses on
the application whenever there is an addition to or change in information previously
furnished. Updates should be submitted no more than 30 days after the event occasioning the
addition or change. Failure to update the application to disclose criminal charges or other
16
events that change an answer to questions 14 through 21 also may subject the applicant to
discipline. The applicant will not be eligible to practice before the USPTO in patent matters
unless the application is current.
In answering questions 14 through 21, even when answering no and providing an explanation,
the applicant must provide a detailed statement setting forth all relevant facts and dates
regarding any such response eliciting disclosure. A complete application would include: (a) a
full explanation in writing of the details regarding the incident, including where the applicant
was, what the applicant was doing, etc.; (b) identification of the law enforcement authority
that issued the citation, which jurisdiction issued the bench warrant, and which jurisdiction
rectified the situation; (c) a statement of the charges and the disposition of the charges; (d) a
statement of the sanctions that were imposed, along with a full explanation regarding the
applicant’s compliance with the sanctions; (e) a complete copy of all documents and records
in connection with the incident as well as documentation of the applicant’s request for such
records; (f) a complete copy of all court records/file in connection with the incident and
documentation of the applicant’s request for such records; (g) in the case of a federal debt, a
complete copy of all records showing satisfaction of the debt, or a new payment arrangement
coupled with satisfactory performance in compliance with the new arrangement over an
extended period of time; and (h) a complete copy of records showing the sanctions, the
applicant’s compliance with sanctions, and the applicant’s request for such records. If the
applicant is not able to obtain copies of all relevant documents, the applicant must,
nonetheless, provide documentation showing the applicant’s request for such documents as
well as any letter received in response to such a request for documents or records. An
application that does not include all the information will be treated as incomplete and the
applicant will not be admitted to the examination but will be given a reasonable period of
time to complete the application.
Line 22. Type of Registration. Check the box whether the applicant is applying for
registration for All Patent Matters or Design Patent Matters Only.
Line 23. Education. List all degrees, and attach to the application the official transcripts for
each degree and official course descriptions (if necessary).
Line 24. Sign and date the application.
ii. Method of Payment to the USPTO: All government fees associated with each application
for registration are payable at the time the application is submitted to the USPTO. All payments
of money required for the USPTO fees must be made in U.S. dollars and in the form of a cashier's
or certified check, Treasury note, or United States Postal Service money order. If sent in any
other form (including personal checks, credit cards or electronic funds transfer), the Office may
17
delay or cancel the credit of the payment until collection is made. Checks and money orders
must be made payable to the Director of the USPTO. We do not accept cash.
Payment of a fee by credit card must specify the amount to be charged to the credit card and
such other information (complete account number and expiration date) as is necessary to
process the charge. If the credit card information is provided on a form or document other
than a form provided by the Office for the payment of fees by credit card, the Office will not
be liable if the credit card number becomes public knowledge. See 37 CFR § 1.23 (a) and (b). A
form and instructions for paying by credit card are contained at the following web address:
www.uspto.gov/web/forms/2038-fill.pdf. In the form, under "Other Fee," write "Application
and Registration Examination fees."
There is a $50.00 service charge for processing each payment refused (including a check
returned "unpaid") or charged back by a financial institution. See 37 CFR § 1.21(m).
iii. Nonpayment of Fees: If payment of required fees is refused by a financial institution
(including a check returned unpaid) or if a credit card is declined or charged back, the
applicant submitting the fee will be refused admission to the examination. If the applicant has
been admitted to the examination, notice will be sent withdrawing admission. Examples of
nonpayment of fees include recording incomplete or incorrect credit card account number or
expiration date, or reliance on a canceled credit card. The applicant will be notified of the
nonpayment and the amount owed and will be given a deadline to complete the application
by paying the required fees. The applicant will be admitted to the examination only if the
fees, together with any processing fee required by 37 CFR § 1.21(m), are paid in full within the
time specified.
OED may learn only after the examination is administered that a financial institution has
refused payment of fees or that a payment by credit card has been charged back. In these
situations, or other situations in which the applicant has taken the examination, if the
applicant has passed the examination, registration will be denied. The applicant will be
notified of the nonpayment and the amount owed and will be given a deadline by which the
fees must be paid. If the applicant has passed the examination, the registration process will
continue after the required fees and the processing fee required by 37 CFR § 1.21(m) have
been paid in full.
If an applicant owes funds required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(i) and (ii) in regard to a previous
application or examination, as well as the fee required by 37 CFR § 1.21(m), the applicant will
not be admitted to any future examination unless all fees due have been paid in full. For
example, assume that an applicant filed an application with a single check for the $110.00
application fee and the $210.00 examination fee; the check was returned unpaid, and the
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applicant was not admitted to the examination. The next application that is filed must include
not only the application and examination fees required for that examination, but also an
additional $160.00. The additional funds constitute the $110.00 fee required by 37 CFR
§1.21(a)(i) for the previous application, and the $50.00 processing fee required by 37 CFR §
1.21(m) for the returned check. If the applicant had been admitted to the examination
(commercial test administration) before the return of the check was discovered, even if they
did not take the examination, the applicant must pay $370.00 in additional fees, i.e., the
$110.00 and $210.00 fees required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(i) and (ii), and the $50.00 processing
fee required by 37 CFR § 1.21(m). The applicant will not be admitted to the examination unless
all the fees are paid in full.
Checking and charge accounts should not be closed before the check or charge for payment
of the fees has cleared the bank or credit card company.
V. FILING DEADLINE
There is no filing deadline for submitting an application for the commercially administered
computerized examination. Applications are processed throughout the year. An incomplete
application, if not timely completed, will result in denial of admission, and will require applicant
to file another application and all fees. Fees filed with the incomplete application will not be
deferred or applied to the next application. Accordingly, an applicant is strongly encouraged to
file only a complete application.
A.
COMPLETE APPLICATION: An applicant is strongly encouraged to gather all information
and documentation before submitting an application. An applicant applying under Category B
must submit all course descriptions and any other documentation with the application. An alien
must submit all required information and documentation with the application.
B.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS: OED will notify the applicant by letter if additional
information or documentation is required to complete the application and the extent to which
the applicant meets or falls short of the required scientific and technical qualifications, i.e.,
whether the application is sufficient to allow admission.
A 60-day time frame is provided for an applicant to complete the application. An applicant not
timely providing the additional documents and information must submit a new application with
the required fees.
A reply to a notice of incomplete or insufficient application must be signed in accordance with
37 CFR § 1.4(e). If the application continues to be incomplete or insufficient following
submission of additional information or documents, the application will be disapproved. An
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applicant failing to respond within the 60-day period will also be disapproved.
Upon disapproval of an application, OED will provide by letter a detailed explanation for the
disapproval.
The $210.00 registration examination fee will be refunded to a disapproved applicant in due
course; the $110.00 application fee is not refundable. The fees from one application will not be
deferred to another application.
VI. MAILING INSTRUCTIONS AND CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT BY
OED
The United States Postal Service mailing address is: Mail Stop OED, Director of the USPTO, PO
Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. For hand delivery or courier services, applicant may
obtain the street address for OED by calling 571-272-4097. An applicant should make and keep
a copy of every document submitted to the Office in connection with an application for
registration. Any applicant desiring acknowledgment by or from OED of receipt of an application
or other paper must include with the application a self-addressed, postage-paid postcard to be
used for this purpose. The postcard should be addressed to the applicant and identify each type
of paper filed, e.g. application, oath, transcripts, etc. OED will stamp the receipt date on the
postcard and place it in the outgoing mail. However, the postcard is not verification that all of
those items identified were present with the application.
Please do not call OED regarding the status of an application unless applicant has not received a
response four weeks after submitting an application or papers. However, an applicant who has
not received a response from OED after four weeks should contact OED as soon as possible
thereafter. Extensions of time to take the examination may be obtained in accordance with 37
CFR § 11.7(b)(4)(ii). Extensions may be requested and granted an unlimited number of times.
VII. THE PROCESS FOLLOWING APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO
THE EXAMINATION
A.
GENERAL INFORMATION: After OED receives an application and the proper fees are
processed, the application, information and documentation submitted by the applicant shall be
reviewed for completeness and for sufficiency of scientific and technical training.
An applicant who is qualified and eligible for admission to the registration examination is sent
an admission letter from OED with further instructions on the examination process.
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An applicant who submitted an application that is determined to be “incomplete” is sent a letter
indicating that the application is incomplete and that more information, documentation or the
fees must be submitted before an evaluation can be conducted.
An application is incomplete if it is missing: information in the application form; fees; transcripts;
or other required documentation. Once all missing information and documentation is noted,
OED will evaluate the application to the extent possible for sufficiency of the information
presented.
An applicant must submit both the application fee ($110.00) and the $210.00 registration
examination fee to receive an evaluation of their qualifications.
B.
USPTO ID NUMBER: Applications received by OED are issued a USPTO Identification
Number (USPTO ID number). All notifications sent by OED will include the USPTO ID number. An
applicant should use the USPTO ID number when corresponding with OED. The USPTO ID
number is critical for identifying an applicant and must be used on all correspondence the
applicant submits to OED after the USPTO ID number has been provided to the applicant.
C.
PETITION REVIEW BY THE OED DIRECTOR: An applicant dissatisfied with disapproval of an
application may, upon payment of the fee required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(5)(i), petition the OED
Director for review of the decision. See 37 CFR § 11.2(c). The petition must bear an applicant's
original signature. See 37 CFR §1.4(e). Facsimile transmissions therefore are not acceptable. The
petition and any additional documentation and information must be submitted within 60 days
of the date of the notice of disapproval for a further review of qualifications. The OED Director
will review an applicant’s petition and send the applicant a written decision. The applicant may
be granted admission to the examination or the OED Director may affirm the OED staff
member’s decision. If the timely filed additional documentation or information is not satisfactory
to conclude that the applicant possesses the required qualifications or eligibility, a final decision
by the OED Director will be sent by letter to the applicant. The registration examination fee will
be refunded to applicant in due course; the $110.00 application fee is not refundable. The fees
from one application will not be deferred to another application. Any petition submitted after 60
days will be dismissed as untimely.
D.
PETITION REVIEW BY THE USPTO DIRECTOR: The final decision by the OED Director
refusing admission to the registration examination may be reviewed upon petition to the USPTO
Director pursuant to 37 CFR § 11.2(d). Review by the USPTO Director requires the filing of a
petition to the USPTO Director, payment of the fee set forth in 37 CFR § 1.21 (a)(5)(ii) and must
be filed within 30 days of the final decision of the OED Director. Any petition submitted after 30
days will be dismissed as untimely.
E.
METHODS FOR TIMELY REPLYING TO NOTICE OF INCOMPLETENESS OR
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DISAPPROVAL; AND FOR TIMELY FILING A PETITION: Three methods for timely filing a reply
or petition are presented below. An applicant should refer to the applicable rules and portions
of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) for more detailed information on filing at
the USPTO.
i. First Class Mail or Hand-Delivery: A reply to a notice of incompleteness or disapproval,
or a petition sent by first class mail or hand carried is stamped as received by the USPTO
on the date of receipt. See 37 CFR § 1.6. Therefore, replies or petitions should be mailed
sufficiently in advance to be received on or before the deadline. Hand carried mail to
OED will be received only during public hours (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM). For hand-delivery or
delivery by courier, an applicant may obtain the street address for OED by calling
571-272-4097.
ii. Certificate of Mailing Procedure under 37 CFR § 1.8: A reply to a notice of
incompleteness or disapproval may be filed using the certificate of mailing procedure set
forth in 37 CFR § 1.8. Because facsimile transmission of registration applications is not
accepted, a certificate of transmission may not be used. The information or
documentation will be considered as being timely using the certificate of mailing
procedure if all requirements of 37 CFR § 1.8 are satisfied. A sample certificate of mailing
is included in the back portion of this General Requirements Bulletin.
iii. Priority Mail Express®: 37 CFR § 1.10 provides that Priority Mail Express® may be used
to file papers with the USPTO. The date of deposit, shown by the "date-in" on the Priority
Mail Express® mailing label, is the effective date. Therefore, an applicant using Express
Mail must have a "date-in" recorded by a U.S. Postal Service employee on the Priority
Mail Express® mailing label that is on or before the filing deadline.
VIII. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
A.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS REQUESTS: A Request for Reasonable
Accommodation package [Form PTO 158RA] has been developed to facilitate an applicant’s
request for reasonable accommodation due to a mental and/or physical medical condition to
take the examination for registration to practice before the USPTO (also known as the
registration examination). The Request for Reasonable Accommodation package consists of an
Applicant’s Statement and a Licensed Health Care Professional’s Statement. If an applicant
requests a reasonable accommodation to take the registration examination, then the applicant
must complete this package. Failure to provide the requested information may result in the
USPTO having insufficient information to grant the requested accommodation.
22
An applicant requesting reasonable accommodations should check the box to the right of their
name in the Application for Registration (PTO Form 158), indicating that the request is included
with the application.
After an applicant has been admitted to the examination, a separate notification of the
accommodations granted will be mailed.
i. An applicant admitted to the commercially-administered examination is provided
additional time to schedule the examination with Prometric. Scheduling may take up to
30 days. An applicant granted admission to the commercially-administered examination,
after receiving the noted reasonable accommodation from OED, must then call the
Reasonable Accommodations Department in the Prometric Contact Center at
800-967-1139 to schedule administration of the examination. If reasonable
accommodation is requested and the admission notice does not address the request,
please contact OED.
B.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS PACKAGE
[FORM PTO 158RA]: An applicant should provide detailed responses to the questions in the
Applicant's Statement. An applicant may use additional paper, if necessary, to answer the
questions.
The applicant must also provide a completed Licensed Health Care Professional’s Statement
and/or other acceptable medical evidence to support the claim.
The completed package should be submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark
Office’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline with the completed Application Form 158. A Request
for Reasonable Accommodation submitted separately from the Application Form 158 should be
addressed to Mail Stop OED, Director of the USPTO, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
For additional guidance you may contact the Office of Enrollment and Discipline at
571-272-4097.
C.
REAPPLICATION: An applicant who received a reasonable accommodation(s) for a prior
registration examination must submit a new Applicant’s Statement with each new Application
for Registration (PTO Form 158). Depending on the type of impairment from which the applicant
suffers, the applicant may want to submit a new Licensed Health Care Professional’s Statement
as well. In deciding whether to submit a new Licensed Health Care Professional’s Statement, the
applicant should consider that the Agency’s determination of both whether to grant an
accommodation and what accommodation(s) is appropriate is based on an assessment of the
current impact of the applicant’s disability on the testing activity. For example, if the applicant
suffers from an impairment that is temporary or changes over time, it may not be possible for
23
the Agency to assess whether an accommodation should be granted if the Licensed Health Care
Professional’s Statement is not current. For chronic or long-term conditions, a new Licensed
Health Care Professional’s Statement may not be necessary.
IX. THE EXAMINATION
A.
SOURCE OF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS: The examination is designed to test an
applicant's knowledge of applicable patent laws, rules and procedures, and the ability to analyze
factual situations and properly apply the patent laws, rules and procedures to render valuable
service, advice and assistance to patent applicants in the preparation and prosecution of their
patent applications. 35 U.S.C. § 2(b)(2)(D). The examination may also include questions dealing
with standards of ethical and professional conduct applicable to registered patent attorneys and
agents. Before taking this examination, an applicant should be familiar with the patent laws,
USPTO rules of practice (Parts 1, 3, 11, 41 and 42 of Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations),
procedures as related in the Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (MPEP), and other
published USPTO policy and procedure. Questions on the examination are based on the MPEP
and other published USPTO policy and procedure reference materials. The applicable laws, rules
and procedures as set forth in the published USPTO policy and procedure reference material will
control in the event of a conflict with the MPEP. An announcement will be made by OED to
notify the public of the date on which updated reference materials will begin appearing on the
examination. The announcement will be made in the Official Gazette and on the internet at the
following web address: https://www.uspto.gov/Practitioners.
The announcement on the internet will also identify the MPEP version and any other published
USPTO policy and procedure reference materials on which questions are based. These reference
materials will be available during the examination.
B.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS: The examination is 100 multiple-choice questions in two
sessions. Fifty questions will be asked in a three-hour morning session, and 50 questions will be
asked in a three-hour afternoon session. Each question has five choices. A total of six hours is
permitted for completion of the examination.
C.
PROHIBITED ITEMS AT THE EXAMINATION SITE: An applicant may not bring any
documents, materials, machines, or electronic devices (including computers, telephones,
recording devices, cameras, and typewriters) into the examination.
Commercially Administered Examination: The reference materials will be available on the
computer delivering the examination questions. Prometric will provide a storage locker
where items not allowed in the testing area can be secured.
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D.
EXAMINATION PREPARATION MATERIALS: The MPEP and other reference materials are
available on the USPTO website. The Office, including OED, will not counsel an applicant on the
patent statutes and rules, policy, practice, and procedure.
E.
EXAMINATION PREPARATION COURSES: The Office cannot identify or recommend
courses to be pursued in preparing for the examination or offer advice as to the special training
required of persons who wish to be qualified to practice before the Office as a patent attorney
or agent.
F.
EXAMINATION RESULTS: Official examination results will be released by OED. Results of
the examination will be mailed to an applicant soon after the date the applicant took the
examination. An applicant passing the examination will also receive instructions for completing
the registration process at that time. An applicant who takes the commercially administered
examination will receive official results by mail soon after the date of the examination. A
registration candidate taking the morning and afternoon sessions of the computer-delivered
examination in a single day will receive unofficial results at the end of the examination on the
computer on which they take the examination.
X. TEST ADMINISTRATION
A.
GENERAL INFORMATION: An applicant granted admission to commercial administration of
the examination will receive an admission letter with instructions to contact Prometric and
coordinate a date and location for administration of the examination. It is critical that an
applicant who receives an admission letter carefully review the personal information on the
admission letter. The name on the admission letter should be the name given on line 1b of the
application form and will be the name provided to Prometric for allowing entrance to the
examination site.
The internet website and telephone number for Prometric will be shown in the admission letter.
The admission letter specifies a time period during which the applicant should coordinate an
examination date with Prometric and take the examination. After this time period expires, the
applicant will no longer be able to schedule to take the examination and must file a new
application and all fees.
Extensions of the window for scheduling the examination are available for a fee of $115.00
under 37 C.F.R. § 11.7(b)(4)(ii). If you applied online, you may submit an extension request
through the applicant portal https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI/. If you did not apply online, or you
prefer to submit this request by mail or facsimile, you may submit your name as used on your
application and the fee by mail or facsimile. An extension may be requested and granted an
25
unlimited number of times. To be eligible to be granted an extension, the request must be
received before the applicant’s current period of time to schedule the registration examination
expires. If the fee is not included, the request will not be granted for any reason. If the request is
received after expiration of the period of time in which to schedule the registration examination,
the fee will be refunded. Please note that Prometric may charge a separate fee for scheduling or
rescheduling the examination.
B.
COMMERCIALLY ADMINISTERED EXAMINATION:
i. Prometric Fee Collection: Prometric collects an examination administration fee from
each candidate. Payment is due at the time the testing appointment is scheduled.
Prometric collects no fees at the testing centers. All fees must be paid in advance; an
applicant will not be permitted to sit for the examination until the examination
administration fee has been paid to Prometric.
i. Scheduling the Examination Location: An applicant schedules an examination location
directly with Prometric after OED has approved the applicant for admission to the
examination. An applicant will be required to pay an examination administration fee to
Prometric at the time such applicant schedules the examination. Instructions for
contacting Prometric will be provided in the admission letter or e-mail sent to the
applicant.
An applicant is strongly urged to schedule their appointment for an examination test
date promptly, because some test sites fill quickly. Availability of a particular site on a
particular day is not guaranteed. Waiting until the last few weeks to schedule an
appointment may necessitate that an applicant arranges to take the examination at a site
and on a date differing from the applicant’s preference.
ii. Three Scheduling Options: The three-scheduling options apply only to the
commercially administered examination. An approved applicant will have three options
for scheduling the examination with Prometric. An applicant may schedule over the
internet at Prometric.com, call a toll-free number at the Prometric customer service
center (1-800-479-6369), or contact the local testing center.
iii. Prometric’s Cancel/Late/No-Show/Reschedule Policies: An applicant should arrive 30
minutes before the scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures. An
applicant arriving late for an examination will not be admitted to or allowed to take the
commercially administered examination. A late-arriving applicant, an applicant
rescheduling their examination date, and an applicant who fails to take a scheduled
examination will be subject to Prometric rescheduling and fee policies. Prometric’s
policies are available on Prometric’s website. Prometric has no authority to schedule
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outside the testing window assigned by OED.
There are two methods by which an applicant may reschedule the examination. An
applicant may reschedule through the internet on the Prometric website at
www.prometric.com; or an applicant may reschedule by calling the Prometric toll- free
number that has been reserved only for USPTO examination takers at (800) 479-6369. It
is possible that a testing center may have a technical problem or some other emergency
(including weather). If a testing center is unable to provide the examination on the
scheduled date, the examination will be rescheduled to the first available appointment of
an applicant’s choice, with no additional charge.
An applicant who does not appear for a scheduled examination will lose their eligibility
at Prometric. If sufficient time remains in the testing period, the applicant may contact
OED to reset their eligibility. An applicant who does not appear for the examination on
the scheduled date and time forfeits ALL fees previously paid to the USPTO. If insufficient
time remains in the testing period for applicant’s eligibility file to be reset by OED, the
applicant must reapply to again be admitted to an examination.
C.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE TESTING CENTER:
For admission to the commercially administered examination, an applicant must bring a
current, valid State or Federal government issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport,
containing both applicant’s photograph and signature. A single ID with current photograph and
signature will suffice. Applicant’s name in the government issued ID must be exactly as it
appears on line 1b in the application.
An applicant will be denied admission to the examination if the name on the photo ID does not
match exactly the name given on line 1b of the application, or if the government issued ID is not
valid at the time applicant seeks admission to the testing center. An admission letter will not be
accepted for admission to the testing center. No name changes will be permitted at testing
centers.
DO NOT BRING reference materials, other study materials, notes or scratch paper into the
testing area or the testing center. Reference materials will be available on the computer
delivering the examination.
D.
TESTING CENTER PROTOCOLS:
An applicant will be required to sign a signature log. An electronic photograph will be taken of
each applicant. The date and time that an applicant enters and exits the testing room will be
recorded and the signature in the log will be verified against the photo ID.
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Prometric has extensive test provider experience and has developed a test engine that is readily
operated by even inexperienced computer users. A fifteen-minute tutorial is provided prior to
start of the examination to familiarize an applicant with operation of the test engine. A fifteen-
minute survey follows the end of the examination.
Prometric provides an applicant with scratch paper and a pencil. An applicant may not bring
their own scratch paper or notes. Other than the scratch paper and pencil provided at the
testing center, no materials are permitted in the testing room. All scratch paper and the pencil
will be collected at the end of the testing session, and the scratch paper will be destroyed. An
applicant is not allowed to remove any portion of the scratch paper from the testing center.
There will be an optional timed and scheduled one-hour lunch break. No other timed or
scheduled breaks are built into the examination. An applicant may take unscheduled breaks
during which the test timing will continue.
Prometric Test Center Administrators provide continual site proctoring, and the testing area is
under continuous video monitoring. An applicant found cheating will be escorted from the
testing area. Cheating may include, but is not limited to, copying or photographing questions or
answers, recording answers elsewhere than on the computer, bringing notes into the testing
area, leaving the testing area and checking notes located elsewhere before returning to the
testing area.
E.
APPLICANT NEW CONTACT INFORMATION: An applicant changing their address and/or
telephone number must separately notify OED and Prometric of the change.
F.
FINAL SCHEDULING NOTIFICATION: An applicant granted admission to the commercially
delivered examination will receive correspondence from Prometric confirming the date applicant
is scheduled to take the examination. An applicant should keep Prometric’s confirmation for
future reference.
XI. REAPPLYING FOR THE EXAMINATION
A.
UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS VIEWING THE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS:
Within 60 days of the mailing date of the notice of results, the applicant may review, but not
copy, the questions and answers they answered incorrectly. The questions and answers may be
reviewed by computer at a Prometric test site. No notes may be taken, and copies of the
questions or answers may not be obtained.
Only one review session may be scheduled for each examination taken. See 37 CFR § 11.7(e).
An unsuccessful applicant may schedule a date and time for inspection by calling Prometric at
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800-479-6369 during normal business hours or via the internet 24 hours per day, 7 days a week
at www.prometric.com.
Alternatively, a review session may be scheduled at the Office of Enrollment and Discipline, 600
Dulany Street, Madison West, 8th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22313. Please contact the Office of
Enrollment and Discipline at 571-272-4097 to schedule a review session.
B.
FAILURE TO PASS THE EXAMINATION: An unsuccessful applicant, after receiving written
notice of failing the examination, may reapply to again take the examination. Such an applicant
may reapply for admission to the examination upon receiving notice of failure from OED but
must wait 30 days after the date of the last examination before retaking the examination. See
37 CFR § 11.7(b)(1)(ii). Eligibility for retesting of an applicant who does not pass the registration
examination is controlled by OED. An applicant should not make retesting inquiries to Prometric.
An applicant reapplying after a notice of failure must submit the following:
1. A completed Application for Registration to Practice before the USPTO [Form PTO-158];
$110.00 non-refundable application fee as required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(i). An applicant
subject to the provisions of 37 CFR § 11.7(h)(1), § 11.7(h)(4), and/or 37 CFR § 11.7(k) who
did not pass the examination must submit the $110.00 nonrefundable application fee
required by 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(i) but need not resubmit the $1,680.00 fee set forth in
37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) unless $1,570.00 of the previously submitted $1,680.00 fee has been
refunded. An applicant who reapplies after receiving a negative determination from the
OED Director concerning good moral character and reputation must submit the
$1,680.00 fee set forth in 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10). To be clear, the application fee submission
for an individual who did not pass the examination should not be confused with the
individual who has been refused registration for lack of good moral character and
reputation. In the case of an applicant refused registration for lack of good moral
character and reputation, that applicant must resubmit the fee in 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) for
each determination by the OED Director regarding good moral character and reputation
of the applicant;
2. $210.00 registration examination fee payable to the USPTO for test administration by a
commercial entity. See 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(1)(ii)(A).
3. All other documentation necessary to update the application, such as, but not limited to,
responses to questions 14-21.
XII. REFUNDS OF USPTO FEES
The $110.00 application fee is non-refundable. The $210.00 registration examination fee is non-
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refundable after OED receives an application, except as noted below.
Refund of any fee is governed by the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 42(d). Fees that are not paid by
mistake or in excess are non-refundable. If an applicant is accepted to sit for the examination,
the registration examination fee is non-refundable for any reason, even if the applicant does not
sit for the examination.
The registration examination fee will be refunded only if OED denies an applicant admission to
the examination for filing an incomplete application or failing to meet the qualifications for
admission. An applicant who has submitted the $1,680.00 fee under 37 CFR § 1.21(a)(10) will be
refunded that fee less a $110.00 application fee if they are denied admission to the examination.
An applicant admitted to and thereafter withdrawing from, failing to appear for or arriving too
late to be admitted to an examination must file another application, and again pay the $110.00
application fee and the applicable registration examination fee. Likewise, an applicant denied
admission to a previous examination must thereafter file another application, and again pay the
$110.00 application and appropriate registration examination fee.
XIII. WAIVERS OF REGULATIONS REGARDING THE EXAMINATION
A petition may be filed under 37 CFR § 11.3 requesting in writing that a requirement of the
regulations, which is not a requirement of the statutes, be suspended or waived in an
extraordinary situation, when justice requires.
XIV. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE EXAMINATION
Upon successful completion or waiver of the examination, the OED Director will publish a
solicitation for information concerning the applicant’s moral character and reputation. See
37 CFR § 11.8(a). If the OED Director receives information from any source that reflects adversely
on the good moral character or reputation of an individual seeking registration or recognition,
the OED Director shall conduct an investigation into the good moral character and reputation of
that individual. The investigation will be conducted after the individual has passed the
registration examination, or after the registration examination has been waived for the
individual, as applicable. See 37 CFR § 11.7(g)(2)(i). OED will send the applicant a letter
explaining further steps to be taken to complete the registration process. An applicant passing
the registration examination who does not complete the registration or limited recognition
process within two years from the date of notice of passing the registration examination will be
required to retake and pass the examination. See 37 CFR §§ 11.8(b) and 11.8(c).
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An applicant who desires to be registered as an attorney must submit a certificate of good
standing from the bar of the highest court of the State in which they are admitted to practice. A
certificate or letter from the state bar is not acceptable as evidence of “good standing.” The
certificate of good standing must be less than six months old and should be filed with the Data
Sheet (FORM PTO 107A), following receipt of notice of passing the registration examination. Do
not file the certificate of good standing with the application.
An attorney for whom no certificate of good standing is received will be registered as a patent
agent or design patent agent.
XV. FINDING OED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
Information about the registration examination and required forms are available at the OED
home page https://www.uspto.gov/Practitioners.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING UNDER 37 CFR § 1.8
I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States
Postal Service with sufficient postage as first-class