Application Process

The general process to take the computer delivered version of the patent bar is as follows:

1. First, you submit an application for admission to the exam. The application goes to the USPTO and contains information regarding your technical qualifications (i.e., your undergraduate degree).
2. In approximately a month, if the USPTO finds you are qualified, you will receive a letter granting you admission to the exam.
3. Once you have been granted admission to the exam, you sign up to take the exam at a Prometric facility. You can schedule and re-schedule your test date online.
4. On the day of the exam, you go to your designated Prometric facility and take the exam. You will receive unofficial results regarding whether you passed on the computer screen immediately after taking the exam.
5. Shortly thereafter (often days) you receive the official results through the mail.
6. You then are required to pay a registration fee to the USPTO.
7. Your name will then be published in the Official Gazette of the USPTO. If anyone believes you do not have good moral character, they can submit complaints to the USPTO.
8. If you satisfactorily make it through the publication period, you become a patent agent or attorney.