Pre-Examination

In March 2012, the first Pre-Exam will be held for candidates who wish to take the full EQE in 2013. The Pre-Exam comprises legal (D) and claim interpretation (A/B) elements. It is designed to block unprepared candidates taking the full-exam in 2013.

Although the format is multiple-choice, the questions and marking are designed to prevent success by guessing. A mock pre-exam was provided in 2011 here, with answers here, and is also provided as an online questionnaire on the EPO website here.
The legal knowledge required is defined by the Examination Board as covering the same legal topics as for the current EQE DI and DII papers. Multiple-choice means that candidates do not need to formulate their own answers and generate possible options, but only judge the options given. However, these options may only differ by one minor aspect or by the legal reasoning given, and it is not possible to explain why an answer is chosen. “Almost right” is awarded 0 points. So, a complete understanding of the core EPC and PCT topics, and practice in applying these topics is essential.
The claim drafting knowledge required is similar to the level required for the full A and B exams, including competence in the Problem-Solution Approach. Again, it is not necessary to formulate the final answer, but the options may only differ by one feature or by the inventive step reasoning given. Candidates must be able to formulate their own good answers so that they can compare them with the options given.

The Examination Board assumes that candidates for EQE 2013 spend the preceding 3 years training in both legal and practical aspects. The Pre-Exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills that a trainee patent attorney can be expected to have after 2 years of following such a 3-year comprehensive training program.

On separate pages more information can be found for specific Pre-Exam 2012 and Pre-Exam 2013 courses.