Certified Patent Practitioner
National Credential for the Patent Industry
The Certified Patent Practitioner (CPP) credential is a professional designation that distinguishes those who have demonstrated experience, proficiency, knowledge, and understanding of patent drafting and prosecution through involvement in the patent preparation and prosecution processes.
Next CPP Exam Date: May 31, 2024*
*Introductory exam fee of $297 for first 100 registrants.
Standard exam fee: $499
Our vision
Professional Credential and Standards For The Patent Industry
All patent lawyers, patent agents, technical specialists, patent engineers, and other patent industry professionals are welcome to apply.
Mission
Our mission is to assist and serve the public by establishing certification standards for patent professionals.
Purpose
The CPP credential distinguishes those who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency of patent claims drafting and prosecution, and protecting the intellectual property of patent stakeholders according to the guidelines of the USPTO.
Exam & Eligibility
The 8-hour CPP examination is designed to measure skill and knowledge for an individual who has less than 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience and is currently employed or seeking employment in the preparation and prosecution fields.
Exam Prep Course
Prepare for the CPP examination with a live, 8-day preparation course hosted by the Patent Institute of Training.
Interested in the CPP Credential?
CERTIFIED PATENT PRACTITIONER (CPP) QUALIFICATIONS
The following minimum qualifications are required for consideration to waive in as a Certified Patent Practitioner. Otherwise, aspiring CPPs must take the CPP Qualifying Exam.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Practiced continuously for 5 years within the previous 10 year period or as in-house counsel with the primary role of overseeing patent prosecution, development, licensing, sales and/or acquisitions.
Drafted 50+ patent applications.
Drafted 50+ office action responses.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university.
Complete at least 6 patent specific CLEs per year (a minimum of 4 CLEs/year provided by NCPP at no cost).
CODE OF CONDUCT
Member in good standing of the Patent Bar of the United States and have received no disciplinary action.
CPP credential holders agree to adhere to strict ethics and a code of conduct.
Answers to the most common CPP questions
The exam is slated for May 31, 2024. Candidates must register here.
The Patent Institute of Training will host an 8-day CPP exam preparatory course. However, it should be noted that this does not have to be a candidate’s primary test preparation to complete the CPP exam. Some candidates receive on-the-job experience and will be able to pass the exam based on that experience. Other candidates should seek a formal patent training program to understand the intricacies of patent drafting.
For more information, please consult the CPP Handbook and Study Guide.
CPP Exam is a fully virtual exam and can be taken from your computer.
- Be a member in good standing of the Patent Bar of the United States and have received no disciplinary actions.
- Have practiced continuously for 5 years within the previous 10 year period, or as in-house counsel with the primary role of overseeing patent prosecution, development, licensing, sales and/or acquisitions.
- Have drafted 50+ patent applications.
- Have drafted 50+ office action responses.
- Submit a reference or receive a referral from another CPP that attests to the same.
- Sign affidavit/declaration
For waive-in consideration, please register here.
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