Built to take you from zero to exam ready – gradually, actively, and without the overwhelm
Created by a registered patent practitioner, updated over the last 25 years. The course starts with the fundamentals and builds gradually – so the hardest material makes sense by the time you get to it. No law background required.
No credit card required · 14-day money-back guarantee · 6-month extension if you attempt the exam within 12 months and don’t pass – available on 12-month plans.
Since 2001
25+ years in business
2,800+
Practice questions
12 hrs
Video training
#51,006
USPTO registration
“I passed the patent bar after five months using PES exclusively. I had zero prior experience with IP law or patent prosecution.”
Meenal Deshmukh, Ph.D. — Registered Patent Practitioner
USPTO registration #51,006 — Lisa Parmley, registered patent practitioner
STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS FROM
WHAT IS THE PATENT BAR?
The exam you need to pass to practice patent law.
To work as a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney — writing, filing, and prosecuting patents on behalf of inventors — you must pass the patent bar exam administered by the USPTO.
6 hours
Exam length
Computer-based, taken at an approved testing center
100 questions
Multiple choice format
All questions drawn from the MPEP and exam supplements
70% to pass
Minimum passing score
You can reference the MPEP during the exam
~50% or less
National pass rate
Making it one of the most challenging professional exams in the US
You don’t need a law degree — but you do need a science, design, or engineering background.
The USPTO requires a technical degree or equivalent to sit the exam. Most candidates are engineers, scientists, or design professionals.
THE REALITY
~50%
national pass rate —
and sometimes much lower
Half of all patent bar candidates fail. Most of them shouldn’t have.
The patent bar isn’t impossibly hard — but it is easy to prepare for the wrong way. Most people who fail spend hundreds of hours on the wrong material, in the wrong order, with no clear sense of what’s actually tested.
The good news is that failure is preventable with the right structure and the right tools.
WHY MOST PEOPLE FAIL
✗ No foundation in patent law
Jumping straight into the MPEP without understanding how patent law works first makes everything harder to retain.
✗ Studying everything equally
The MPEP doesn’t tell you what’s heavily tested. Without frequency guidance, people waste time on topics that rarely appear.
✗ Not enough practice questions
Passive reading doesn’t build exam readiness. Without active practice, the material doesn’t stick when it counts.
The PES course is built to solve all three.
✓ 12 hours of video training before the MPEP
✓ Frequency charts showing what’s most tested
✓ 2,800+ practice questions throughout
✓ Timed exam simulator for exam day readiness
WHY YOU NEED A REVIEW COURSE
The MPEP is the exam’s source material. Here’s why you can’t use it to study.
Every patent bar question comes from the MPEP – a 4,000+ page legal manual written for patent examiners, not students. Trying to learn from it directly is one of the biggest reasons people fail.
4,000+
Pages in the MPEP across 29 chapters
~50%
National pass rate for the patent bar
0
Glossary entries in the MPEP
Hundreds
Of hours wasted without a structured plan
✗ Studying the MPEP alone
✓ With the PES review course
Nearly impossible to read
Dense legalese, endless cross-references, and paragraphs that go on for pages. Written for examiners, not students.
Broken down into plain English
Every chapter is condensed into clear outlines and summaries. Key points are extracted so you can actually absorb them.
Over 4,000 pages to sift through
Even if you could read it all, you’d spend hundreds of hours on material that will never appear on the exam.
Only the tested material
We cut everything that isn’t tested and show you exactly which chapters and topics appear most frequently on the exam.
No signal on what’s actually tested
The MPEP treats everything equally. There’s no way to know where to focus your time without outside guidance.
Frequency charts show you where to focus
MPEP chapter rankings and frequency charts tell you exactly which topics are most heavily tested so you study smarter.
No glossary, no definitions
Legal terms are used without explanation throughout. If you don’t already know the language, you’re on your own.
250+ term glossary in plain English
Every key term is defined clearly, with the relevant MPEP chapter and exam module linked for easy reference.
Don’t go it alone
Try the course free — no credit card required.
HOW IT WORKS
A proven 3-step path to passing
Most people fail the patent bar because they dive straight into the MPEP without the right foundation. This system is designed to fix that — building your knowledge in the right order, at the right pace.
STEP ONE
Build your foundation
Before you touch the MPEP, you need to understand how patent law actually works. The Patent Training Workshop gives you 12+ hours of video training that turns complex legal concepts into plain English — so the MPEP makes sense when you get to it.
Built as a primer, not a recap
Most courses assume you already know patent law basics. Step one teaches them from scratch in plain English — so the MPEP isn’t your first exposure to the field.
A glossary that actually connects
250+ terms in plain English, each linked to the relevant MPEP chapter and workshop module. Look up once and see exactly where the concept fits.
Audio feed for the whole workshop
Listen on the commute, at the gym, or while exercising. Students consistently call this a big time-saver.
“A very helpful introduction and a good mental preparation for all that is to come.”
STEP TWO
Master the material
Work through all 29 MPEP chapters + currently tested supplements in a condensed, structured guidebook that cuts out the material that isn’t tested. Frequency charts show you exactly where to focus, and interactive quizzes at every step lock in what you’ve learned.
Frequency charts at the rule level
Not just “Chapter 2100 is heavily tested.” We rank individual rules by how often they appear on the exam — so you know exactly where to spend your hours.
Active recall built into every chapter
1,141 workbook quizzes plus 293 short-answer prompts force you to put concepts in your own words. This is why students switching from passive-reading courses see results faster.
12.5 hours of MPEP audio summaries
Every tested section, summarized and narrated for review on the go. It’s proven to be a big time saver for many clients.
Hundreds of structure diagrams
Every chapter includes visual diagrams mapping the section’s structure and sub-topics. Easier to learn, and on exam day, you’ll understand where the topics are within the MPEP.
742 quiz deck cards
Flashcard-style decks that drill the high-frequency facts you can’t afford to forget. Use repetition to help solidify the important, high-frequency MPEP facts.
Cuts out the untested material
The MPEP is 4,000+ pages. The Guidebook condenses it down to what is most likely to appear on the exam — saving you hundreds of hours.
“Your outline breaks down the MPEP and commonly asked exam questions in plain English.”
INSIDE EVERY CHAPTER
Five study tools, working together on every page
Each Guidebook chapter pulls together five different ways to study the same material — so you’re not just reading, you’re hearing it, seeing its structure, and quizzing yourself as you go. Here’s what a page from one chapter looks like:
STEP THREE
Prove you’re ready
Put your knowledge to the test with 550+ real exam-style questions across 40+ topics. Then run full timed simulations that replicate the pressure of exam day — so when the real thing arrives, it feels familiar.
Topic-level practice control
Practice mode lets you target weak areas with instant feedback across 40+ topics. Most competitors only offer mixed banks — drill exactly what you need.
Timed simulator with the live MPEP
50 questions, 3 hours, MPEP open in a side browser. Get used to searching under time pressure before it counts.
Built around legal logic, not memorization
Students consistently mention this in reviews: PES teaches you to recognize why an answer is right, which is what actually transfers to the real exam.
“The PatExam system was excellent — an indispensable tool for developing the skills to answer USPTO questions.”
By the end, you’ll be ready to sit the exam with confidence.
Follow the system, put in the work, and you’ll know when you’re ready.
ALSO INCLUDED – TOOLS TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK
Study planners
1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12-month plans — a structured daily guide for any schedule
MPEP search strategy
A detailed tutorial on navigating the MPEP quickly and confidently on exam day
Progress checklists
Printable checklists to track your scores and spot where to focus your time
Program tutorials
Short video walkthroughs of each step so you always know exactly what to do next
SUCCESS STORIES
People just like you have passed.
Over 70 verified success stories from engineers, scientists, and career-changers — many with no prior legal background.
● Switched from another course
“I failed using their material so started over with PES. Much preferred the environment, and liked the larger number of quizzes and questions — it’s how I learn most effectively. I passed after 3 months.”
Graham — Registered Patent Agent
Previously failed with a different course
3
months to pass
70+
verified success stories
“I passed on my first try after using your program exclusively. The guidebooks and workbook quizzes were especially helpful.”
David Lee
Registered Patent Practitioner
No prior patent experience
“This course was extremely helpful to prepare for the patent bar, and thanks to the PES study materials, I passed on my first try. The simulated exam questions felt very similar to the questions I saw on exam day.”
Dr. Michael S. Cordray, Ph.D.
Registered Patent Practitioner
Ph.D. scientist, passed on first try
“Your materials are perfect for someone with no law background. The other course I tried simply regurgitated the dry MPEP — big waste of money.”
Brett R.
Registered Patent Practitioner
No law background, passed first try
“I still can’t believe I made it. The trick was finding the legal logic behind the questions — this course helped me do exactly that.”
Alessandro
Registered Patent Practitioner
“A cost-effective, efficient way to prepare. The PatExam engine is the best part — impossible to pass without learning to navigate the MPEP.”
A.C.M.
Registered Patent Agent
Used the online-only course
“I’d give especially high praise to the video courses. The PatExam system was excellent practice compared to other courses I tested.”
Kat
Registered Patent Practitioner
Compared multiple courses before choosing PES
PRICING
Start free, study risk-free, and get 6 extra months if you attempt the exam within 12 months and don’t pass.*
*Available on 12-month plans only.
Online Course (12 months access)
Best for most students. Enough time to study thoroughly and attempt the exam.
$597 / 12 months
or $165/month × 4 months
- ✓ Access entire online course for 12-months.
- ✓ Updated for post-September 24, 2025 exams.
- ✓ Does not automatically renew.
- ✓ Extensions of online course are available at a reduced rate for clients who need more time.
- ✓ 14-day money-back guarantee.
- ✓ 6-month extension if you attempt and don’t pass.
Payment plan option: $165 × 4 months ($660 total over 4 months)
Hard Copy + Online Course (12 months access)
For students who prefer to study with printed materials alongside the online course. Please note, the questions are the same as those in the online course. They are printed out for your convenience in the hard copy books.
$947 / 12 months
includes free US shipping
- ✓ Access entire online course for 12-months.
- ✓ Updated for post-September 24, 2025 exams.
- ✓ MPEP Edition 9, Revision 01.2024 print Workbook + 3 Practice Exam Manuals.
- ✓ Print materials typically shipped out within 3 business days.
- ✓ Does not automatically renew.
- ✓ Extensions of online course are available at a reduced rate for clients who need more time.
- ✓ 14-day money-back guarantee (minus shipping costs).
Online — 30 days only
A focused, intensive option for students who’ve already been studying — through self-study, another course, or work experience — and want a final structured push before a scheduled exam.
- Access entire online course for 30-days except on-the-go audio downloads.
- Updated for post-September 24, 2025 exams.
- Access does not automatically renew.
- 3-Day 100% Money Back Guarantee.
WHAT’S INCLUDED – PLAN COMPARISON
| Online — 12 months | Hard copy + online | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | ||
| Getting started tutorials + 6 study planners | ✓ | ✓ |
| Course content | ||
| Patent Training Workshop (12 hrs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 109 Workshop quizzes + 250 Glossary terms | ✓ | ✓ | 29 Guidebook chapter breakdowns | ✓ | ✓ |
| MPEP frequency charts & chapter rankings | ✓ | ✓ |
| MPEP executive summaries | ✓ | ✓ | New tested supplements breakdowns | ✓ | ✓ |
| MPEP audio summaries (12.5 hrs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Practice questions | ||
| 1,141 workbook quizzes + 293 short-answer quizzes | ✓ | ✓ |
| 742 Quiz Deck questions | ✓ | ✓ |
| MPEP search strategy tutorial | ✓ | ✓ |
| 550+ PatExam Engine + unlimited simulator | ✓ | ✓ |
| Print materials | ||
| Printed workbook | — | ✓ |
| 3 printed practice exam manuals | — | ✓ |
| Free US shipping | — | ✓ |
| Extras | ||
| Patent law career toolkit | ✓ | ✓ |
| 30% off professional training on passing | ✓ | ✓ |
| 14-day money-back guarantee | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | $597 | $947 |
| Get instant access | Get instant access | |
Risk-free guarantee
All 12-month plans include a 14-day money-back guarantee. Attempt the exam within your 12-month enrollment period and don’t pass — send us your USPTO failure notice within 30 days and we’ll extend your access for 6 months free.
AFTER YOU PASS
Passing the exam is the milestone. Getting hired is the goal.
Most exam prep courses stop the moment you pass. PES doesn’t. We include two extras to help you land your first role as a patent practitioner — as quickly as possible.
Included with every plan
Patent law career toolkit
A comprehensive PDF guide with audio — written specifically for people entering patent law. Nothing like this exists anywhere else for this career path.
- ✓ Choosing the right job opportunities in patent law
- ✓ Writing a resume and cover letter for patent roles
- ✓ Interviewing and networking in the patent field
- ✓ Audio version included for on-the-go listening
30% off
Professional training discount
When you pass, email us your USPTO pass notice and we’ll send you a 30% discount on any of our professional development courses — to help you hit the ground running in your new role.
- ✓ Claim drafting — best practices before your first job
- ✓ AI & patent law — stay ahead of the field
- ✓ Robotics & patent law — advanced specialization
- ✓ Active listening for patent practitioners
We’re not just here to help you pass — we’re here to help you succeed.
The career toolkit is included with every plan. The 30% training discount unlocks when you pass — just email us your USPTO pass notice.
FAQ
Common questions
Still on the fence? These are the questions most people ask before enrolling.
Before you enroll
No — the course is specifically designed for people with no legal background. Step one is a 12+ hour video course that teaches you patent law from scratch in plain English before you ever open the MPEP. Many of our students are engineers and scientists who had never studied law before passing the exam.
It depends on your schedule and background, but most students complete the course in 3–6 months. We offer study planners for 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12-month timelines so you can follow a structured daily plan whatever your pace. The 12-month enrollment gives you plenty of time even if life gets busy.
If you attempt the exam within your 12-month enrollment period and don’t pass, send us your official USPTO failure notice within 30 days and we’ll extend your access for 6 months at no charge. All 12-month plans also come with a 14-day money-back guarantee (minus shipping costs if you purchase the hard-copy version). If you need an additional 12-month extension, you can get it at a discounted rate.
A few things stand out: Lisa Parmley (#51,006), a USPTO-registered practitioner, built and personally oversees the course. It also emphasizes active learning, with 2,800+ practice questions woven throughout rather than just passive reading. And it’s been continuously refined since 2001, so the approach is based on what actually helps students pass.
The course
Yes — the full course works on laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. There’s also a private audio feed so you can listen to the training on the go when you have a few spare minutes.
The course is online-only and requires an internet connection. The MPEP and video slide PDFs are available to download. If you’d prefer printed materials, the hard copy + online plan includes a printed workbook and three practice exam manuals shipped to your door.
Both plans include full access to the complete online course. The hard copy plan adds a printed workbook and three practice exam manuals — useful if you prefer studying with physical materials. You can always start with the online plan and add the books later if you change your mind.
Access & Billing
You can extend your subscription at any time from within your account. A 12-month extension is available to current students at a reduced rate of $297.
PES sits in the middle of the market — less than the most expensive bootcamp-style courses, more than the bare-bones question banks. The difference is what’s inside. The 12-month plan at $597 includes 12+ hours of foundational video training, a 29-chapter guidebook, 2,800+ practice questions, MPEP audio summaries, frequency charts, and a timed exam simulator you can use along with the MPEP. We’ve also been refining the course since 2001, so you’re paying for 25 years of iteration, not a course built last year.
Most students are weighing the course cost against the cost of failing the exam. The USPTO exam fee alone is around $400, and a second attempt means another testing center booking, more weeks of studying, and a delay before you can start working as a registered practitioner. Patent agents and attorneys typically earn $90,000-$180,000 per year, so every month of delay carries a real cost. The course is priced to be a fraction of what a single failed attempt costs you in time and lost income — and the 6-month extension if you don’t pass means you’re not gambling on a single shot.
Yes — you can try every step of the course for free with no credit card required. Start your free trial here.
Still have a question?
We’re happy to help before you commit.