EQE 2025 results and next steps for EQE 2026

Following recent meetings of the EQE Supervisory Board in June and EQE Examination Board in July, all results of EQE 2025 have been sent and dates for the 2027 examination have been published. In total, around 2 000 candidates of 65 nationalities participated in this year’s examination. Over 41% of candidates were women.

EQE 2025 exam results letter

Over 600 candidates received their results three weeks after sitting the first-ever Paper F. The remaining candidates received the results of the main examination papers (A–D) on 7 July. While the exam outcomes—passed or not passed—were correctly indicated in all results letters, unfortunately clerical errors were identified in the letters, introduced during the automatic generation. The European Patent Office (EPO) acted immediately, and revised results letters were issued within 24 hours. These letters, dated 8 July 2025, are the only legally binding communications. We understand how significant this moment is for every candidate and sincerely apologise for any confusion or inconvenience caused.

EQE survey 2025: digital format enhances flexibility, accessibility and gender inclusivity

Since the introduction of the fully digital EQE in 2021, candidates have been able to sit EQE papers anywhere in the world, increasing the EQE’s accessibility, improving work-life balance and contributing to sustainability. This is well reflected in our yearly EQE survey targeted to candidates sitting the exam, with close to 500 answers this year.

One of this year's key highlights is that 77% of candidates recognised that the digital EQE supports a better balance between family and work commitments, compared to 61% in 2021 (+16%). This reflects a growing appreciation for the flexibility offered by remote examination formats. In addition to enhancing work-life balance, this flexibility also fosters a more inclusive environment by reducing gender imbalances and enabling more women to take the exam. Today, over 41% of EQE candidates are women—a percentage that has been increasing over time. To further support inclusivity, the EPO has launched the Candidate Support Programme, which aims to achieve gender parity and create more opportunities for women to thrive in the patent profession.

Towards EQE 2026

The completion of EQE 2025, including the first paper F, marks an important milestone in the ongoing EQE reform and the transition to a modernised modular examination format, with papers M1 through M4 to be gradually introduced from 2026 to 2027. The main exam papers A to D will be offered for the last time next year. To support preparations, both mock examinations and model solutions for new paper F and paper M1 are already available.

Key dates for EQE 2026

Candidates preparing for EQE 2026 are kindly requested to take note of the following deadlines:

• Enrolment possible via the EQC portal from 8 July to 22 September 2025
• The Academy’s course "Preparing for EQE paper F" is currently open for registration and commences 
  1 September 2025

EQE as a mark of excellence

The EQE is a mark of excellence for the European patent system, the patent attorney profession and for all those who pass the examination, including many EPO examiners. Since the EQE’s launch in 1979, more than 14 000 patent professionals have been entered on the list of professional representatives before the EPO after successfully completing the exam.

Further details on the EQE reform and examination process can be found in the links below.