Introductory Certificate in Patent Administration
These regulations are effective from 18 May 2016.
Qualification purpose
This Patent Examination Board qualification covers the underlying principles, the essential legal background, and the practice of Patent and Design Administration.
The examination tests the understanding and application of the skills required in the formalities role.
Syllabus for the examination
The ICPA-Syllabus gives details of the content of the course and the examination for this qualification.
Eligibility
There is no need to obtain any prior qualification in order to be eligible to enter for the Introductory Certificate in Patent Administration.
It is advisable that candidates have a minimum of 6-12 months relevant work experience before undertaking the Introductory Certificate in Patent Administration.
Application for candidacy
Applications to take the examination must be submitted using the PEB ICPA Registration Form, and applications are subject to the PEB Registration, Payment and Refund Policy, and the PEB Late Examination Entry Policy.
The correctly completed application form and the correct fee must be received by the PEB by the stated examination registration closing date.
Reasonable Adjustments
The PEB seeks to ensure fair and equal access to its examinations and operates a Reasonable Adjustments Policy. Details can be found here.
Policies and procedures
The PEB ICPA examination is subject to all these regulations and the PEB policies and procedures. In applying to take the PEB ICPA, a candidate is agreeing to be bound by both these regulations and all the PEB policies and procedures.
Exemptions
Candidates who hold the Certificate in Patent Administration awarded by CIPA are exempt from the Introductory Patent Administration Certificate.
Disruption to an examination
Should an examination be so disrupted that a meaningful outcome is not possible, the PEB may declare the examination void, and will seek to make alternative arrangements for affected candidates.
Fees
ICPA Examination Fee – £531
IPPC Course Fee – £524
Publication of results
Results will be issued on the dates published on the PEB website.
Resitting the examination
Introductory and Advanced Certificates in Patent Administration
Illness
If a candidate is unwell and unable to attend the prescribed examination, they can sit the next scheduled examination without re-attending the course. A fee will be charged for the re-sat examination, and no refund is payable for the missed examination (see Registration, Payment, Withdrawal and Refund Policy). If the candidate then fails the examination, they will be required to retake the whole course and examination.
Attendance
If a candidate fails to attend three course sessions, they shall not be eligible to take the examination for that course.
Failed examination
If a candidate has failed an examination at or within 10% of the pass mark, they can sit the next scheduled examination without re-attending the course. If a candidate fails the examination at the second attempt, they will be required to retake the whole course and examination, regardless of the mark gained in the second examination.
If a candidate has failed an examination by more than 10% below the pass mark, they must retake the whole course and sit that course’s examination.
Enquiries about Results
Any candidate who has failed an examination may choose to apply for an Enquiry about Result in accordance with the stated policy and procedure on the PEB website.
Quality assurance and governance of the PEB ICPA
The ICPA examination is administered by the PEB, and is subject to the scrutiny of the PEB Governance Board, in accordance with its governance and quality assurance policies and processes.
These include a range of assessment related issues including the quality of question paper setting, the quality of marking, and the monitoring of standards over time.
Customer Feedback Policy
The PEB welcomes feedback via its Customer Feedback Policy.
Appeals
The PEB investigates appeals against administrative decisions in accordance with its Appeals Policy.
Setting the ICPA Pass Mark
The pass mark is not fixed but is established in an objective manner each year. The process followed is that one or more ‘assumed pass marks’ are identified based on historical pass marks and answer paper competencies demonstrated. Scripts just below and just above the assumed pass mark(s) are scrutinised by the two Principal Examiners in order to identify the minimum mark which demonstrates overall fitness to practise, within the scope of the examination, with reference to the minimal pass descriptor. Once both examiners have agreed on the minimum mark needed for scripts to meet this criterion, it is confirmed as the pass mark. Reference is made to previous years’ pass marks and pass rates and selected answer scripts.
Communications
All communications under these regulations should be addressed to:
The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, 2nd Floor Viaro House
20 – 23 Holborn
London
EC1N 2JD