Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$450
Provider
USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office)
Validity
Lifetime (with annual CLE in some states)
Available
USA
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- Scientific and technical qualification under one of four categories in the General Requirements Bulletin. Category A is a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a listed technical subject such as electrical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, materials science or mechanical engineering.
- Category B applies to a degree in another subject supported by specified coursework, through one of four options: 24 semester hours in physics for physics majors; 32 semester hours combining 8 hours of chemistry or physics including a lab with 24 hours of biology, botany, microbiology or molecular biology; 30 semester hours in chemistry for chemistry majors; or 40 semester hours combining 8 hours of chemistry, physics or biology including a lab with 32 hours of those subjects.
- Category C applies to applicants relying on practical engineering or scientific experience, who must have taken and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering test administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners and must also submit an official transcript showing a bachelor's degree.
- Category D covers design subjects including architecture, applied arts, art teacher education, fine or studio arts, graphic design, industrial design and product design, and registers a successful applicant for design patent matters only.
- An official transcript with the university stamp or seal is required. A diploma, a copy of a diploma or a copy of a transcript will not be accepted.
- No law degree is required to sit the examination or to register as a patent agent.
- Applicants must answer questions 14 through 21 on Form PTO-158 completely, covering good moral character and reputation, and must update OED within 30 days of any event that changes an answer.
- The $118 application fee and the $226 registration examination fee must both be submitted before OED will evaluate your qualifications.
Number of Questions
100 multiple-choice questions, 50 per session. Ten are unscored beta questions that are not identified, leaving 90 scored questions.
Duration
6 hours of testing, split into a three-hour morning session and a three-hour afternoon session, with an optional timed and scheduled one-hour lunch break between them. A 15-minute tutorial precedes the exam and a 15-minute survey follows it.
Question Format
Multiple choice with five answer choices per question, Fact-pattern items asking which action or response is proper under the patent statutes and rules, Items on standards of ethical and professional conduct for registered patent attorneys and agents
Passing Requirement
63 of the 90 scored questions correct, which is 70 percent of the scored questions. The 10 beta questions do not affect the pass or fail determination.
How It Is Delivered
Computer-delivered at Prometric test centers, year round. There is currently no paper examination option. The searchable source materials are loaded on the exam computer, with all external links redacted.
Languages Offered
English
Visit the official USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam)?
Scientific and technical qualification under one of four categories in the General Requirements Bulletin. Category A is a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a listed technical subject such as electrical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, materials science or mechanical engineering.. Category B applies to a degree in another subject supported by specified coursework, through one of four options: 24 semester hours in physics for physics majors; 32 semester hours combining 8 hours of chemistry or physics including a lab with 24 hours of biology, botany, microbiology or molecular biology; 30 semester hours in chemistry for chemistry majors; or 40 semester hours combining 8 hours of chemistry, physics or biology including a lab with 32 hours of those subjects.. Category C applies to applicants relying on practical engineering or scientific experience, who must have taken and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering test administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners and must also submit an official transcript showing a bachelor's degree.. Category D covers design subjects including architecture, applied arts, art teacher education, fine or studio arts, graphic design, industrial design and product design, and registers a successful applicant for design patent matters only.. An official transcript with the university stamp or seal is required. A diploma, a copy of a diploma or a copy of a transcript will not be accepted.. No law degree is required to sit the examination or to register as a patent agent.. Applicants must answer questions 14 through 21 on Form PTO-158 completely, covering good moral character and reputation, and must update OED within 30 days of any event that changes an answer.. The $118 application fee and the $226 registration examination fee must both be submitted before OED will evaluate your qualifications..
How much does the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam) cost?
The Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam) exam costs $450. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam)?
Visit the official USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Exam)?
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