Entry into force of new EQE regulation

On 1 January the “Regulation on the European Qualifying Examination” (REE) entered into force, laying the legal basis for the reformed European Qualifying Examination (EQE). To support the implementation of this modernised and modular examination format, select European Patent Office (EPO) staff and members of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi) have been appointed to EQE bodies.

This step represents part of the longer journey towards transforming the way patent practitioners are trained, tested and admitted into the profession. Introducing a framework of examination based on competences which builds on progressiveness, modularity and sustainability, the reformed EQE gives candidates the chance to demonstrate their legal knowledge and skills to prepare them for the real-world challenges they’ll face throughout their careers. This approach is in line with the EPO’s Strategic Plan 2028 objectives and emphasis on enhancing IP education in Europe.

Upcoming milestones in EQE reform

To support candidates’ preparation for the new examination format, mock papers will gradually be released ahead of each exam. Mock paper F was published in July 2024 and the first paper F examination is scheduled for 21 March 2025, alongside papers A, B, C and D in the EQE 2025 session.

Mock paper M1 was released in January 2025 and has already been met with positive feedback. Further mock papers M2, M3 and M4 will be made available in due course, offering candidates and other stakeholders ample opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new examination format and structure. The reform will continue to see the gradual introduction of new modules in 2026, with the transition to the new EQE due to be completed by 2027.

Ensuring a smooth transition

The EQE continues to attract growing interest, with over 2 100 candidates enrolled in more than 4 200 papers for the 2025 session. The enrolment increase of around 20% underscores the effectiveness of the transitional provisions, which allow candidates already in the EQE process to sit or re-sit papers A, B, C and D in 2025 or 2026. These provisions ensure continuity and provide candidates with the opportunity to complete their qualification journey under the reformed framework.

Resources to support EQE preparations

To provide more context on the EQE reform, the EPO has published a EQE podcast series where experts discuss the benefits of this new approach, share information on the formal requirements and give candidates information to help them successfully prepare to sit the exam. A video tutorial has also been published to help facilitate EQE preparations, summarising important steps and how to ensure a smooth examination process. This complements the many EQE resources the EPO has already made available, such as the guide for preparation and e-learning courses through the European Patent Academy.