EPAC- European patent administration certification

The European patent administration certification (EPAC) is a pan-European certification issued by the European Patent Office (EPO). It enables patent administrators, paralegals and formalities officers, as well as IP specialists and innovation professionals in industry, startups, IP firms and private practice, to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skills required to manage European and international patent application procedures before the EPO.

The EPAC's modular examinations cover procedures under the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), as well as national frameworks applicable to European patents and patent applications, including the Unitary Patent.

The four module structure allows candidates to consolidate their expertise progressively and demonstrate their competence in clearly defined areas of patent administration.For each successfully passed module, candidates earn an EPO diploma.

When and how to enrol

To enrol, the following steps must be completed. Note that the deadlines are strictly enforced.

1. Create a personal profile and complete ID verification
   Create a personal profile on the EQC portal and request verification of identity by uploading a copy of a valid passport or national identity card. To be able to enrol for EPAC 2026, these steps must be completed by 15 September 2026.
2. Enrolment
   Enrolment for EPAC 2026 is open from 15 April 2026 until 15 September 2026 for candidates who have completed the first step of profile creation and ID verification. Request for enrolment and payment of prescribed fees must be received by 15 September 2026.

The EPAC 2026 modular examination will take place online on 5 November 2026. Further information is available on the EPO website.