EPAC 2026 Enrolment Open Until 15 September: Which Modular Patent Administration Exam Module Will You Pass First?

Munich, Germany, MMN Correspondent: The next European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC) examination is set for 5 November 2026, with enrolment open until 15 September. This year brings a major change. The examination is fully modular. Each successfully completed module leads to an EPO Diploma, and candidates who pass all four modules earn full EPAC certification. What does that mean for you? More control over how and when you earn your credential.

EPAC is designed for professionals who handle patent procedures, formalities and administration. That includes patent paralegals, formalities officers, IP administrators and many others in innovation related fields. The European Qualifying Examination (EQE) is aimed at patent attorneys. EPAC works alongside it by offering a recognition pathway for the administrative and procedural side of patent work. Since its introduction, EPAC has gained real momentum. A recent cycle attracted around 2,000 candidates, and the digital exam format has made participation easier for people across Europe and beyond.

The modular structure changes the experience completely. You can build your certification step by step. Modules can be taken independently, in any combination, and across different EPAC sessions. This flexibility means you can start with one module, see how it feels, and continue the following year if that works better for you. The pressure is lower, and the journey can fit around your job and your studies.

Module 1 is the natural starting point for many. It tests general knowledge of the European Patent Convention (EPC), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Paris Convention. Passing it earns you an EPO Diploma in patent administration under European and international patent law. That diploma has immediate value. It is especially relevant for people working in intellectual property, technology transfer, R&D, start-ups, technology policy or innovation support. If your goal is not full EPAC certification, Module 1 will still give you a formal way to validate your foundation.

Modules 2, 3 and 4 dive into specific territory. Module 2 covers the European patent granting procedure. Module 3 focuses on post grant procedures, including those related to the Unitary Patent. Module 4 examines the PCT procedure in detail. Together, these four modules cover the complete spectrum of patent administration, from filing through grant and beyond. That depth is valuable when you want to show employers and clients exactly how much you know. So which module should you start with? The answer depends on your day to day work and where you want to go next.

The 2026 schedule has been published. Module 1 lasts one hour, and Modules 2, 3 and 4 each last 75 minutes. The exam is delivered online through the WISEflow assessment platform, so you can participate from a controlled remote environment. The EPAC Board has released the syllabus for all four modules, giving you a clear roadmap as you plan your study time.

Full EPAC certification is awarded after you pass all four modules. It validates comprehensive expertise in patent administration and supports professional development, credibility and mobility across IP and innovation ecosystems. For employers, it confirms that you know the European, international and post grant procedures that matter in this field. For you, it is a portable credential that can open doors in national patent offices, law firms, corporate IP departments, universities and technology transfer offices.

Enrolment takes two steps. Start by creating a personal profile and completing identity verification on the European Qualification and Certification (EQC) portal. Then choose your modules and pay the applicable fee through the same portal. You will get a confirmation email once both steps are done. The EPO encourages candidates to enrol early and secure their place.

One thing to remember is that participating in an EPAC course does not register you for the examination. Formal enrolment through the EQC portal is mandatory. If you plan to sit for the November exam, give yourself time to confirm your enrolment status before 15 September. Early enrolment also reduces the chance of administrative hiccups near the deadline.

To help you prepare, the EPO offers practical test sessions on 20 and 29 October. On both days, you can join between 10.00 and 11.00 hrs or 14.00 and 16.00 hrs CET. The test takes around 15 minutes and lets you check your equipment and technical setup, answer sample questions in WISEflow, and get comfortable with the exam environment. The EPO strongly encourages every candidate to attend at least one session. It is a simple way to avoid surprises on exam day.

The EPAC section on epo.org is the central resource for all candidates. It includes details about upcoming examinations and past papers with suggested solutions. The published syllabus is the best roadmap. Enrolled candidates also get access to the EPAC Compendium, where past examinations are available for practice in a WISEflow environment. The European Patent Academy adds another layer of support. Training materials from the tutored phase, including scripts, presentations, recordings and quizzes, remain available on the e-learning platform. The course forum stays open until the day before the exam, so you can get ongoing support while you prepare. The FAQ section on the EPAC webpage answers specific questions in detail.

The move to a modular EPAC fits a broader modernisation across EPO qualification pathways. The EQE has also transitioned to a fully modular format, and the direction of travel is clear. Professional certification is becoming more flexible and more accessible. For patent administration, that means you can start at a level that makes sense for you, earn recognition quickly through a module diploma, and continue toward full certification at your own pace. The 2026 EPAC examination gives you a concrete timeline. Review the syllabus, complete your EQC enrolment, join a practical test session and use the available training resources. Pass all four modules, and you will hold full EPAC certification as part of a growing community of recognised patent administration professionals across Europe.