A Certified Canadian Patent Administrator (CCPA) demonstrates the competencies required to assist a patent agent or lawyer practicing in the field of patent law. Duties cover a wide range of tasks related to the administration of patents such as preparing patent applications, paying government fees, docketing deadlines, preparing correspondence with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and drafting letters to clients.
The designation Certified Canadian Patent Administrator (CCPA) is exclusive to members of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC).
There are no pre-requisites to enroll in any of the 4 courses. They are primarily intended for patent assistants, patent paralegals, and patent clerks seeking the certification of patent administrator. The courses will also be of interest to individuals wishing to acquire knowledge of patent administration.
Although it is not required to be a member of IPIC to enroll in the courses, members benefit from reduced tuition fees.
Available on-demand, the courses are delivered online and are self-paced. The study materials include quizzes (Q&A), as well as practice assignments accompanied by model answers. Students will have access to a patent agent who will answer questions and provide guidance in “Ask the Expert” format.
Students have 3 months to complete each course.
There is a natural progression in the flow of the 4 courses, however, you may elect to begin with the course that best satisfies your career needs.
All 4 courses must be completed to sit for the examination and obtain the certification of patent administrator.
You may enroll in any one of the courses without seeking the certification.
Once all four courses are completed, you may register and sit for the exam (exam fee is applicable). The exam is administered online, in multiple choice question format, within a 3-hour period and is open book. Candidates who successfully obtain a score of at least 80% are eligible for the designation of Certified Canadian Patent Administrator (CCPA) exclusive to IPIC.
EXAM DATES
Spring Exam: June 19, 2025
Fall Exam: December 11, 2025
Certified patent administrators whose membership is in good standing with IPIC are entitled to affix the post-nominal letters CCPA next to their name, display digital credentials (provided by IPIC) on social media, have their name listed on the official list of Certified Canadian Patent Administrators, and benefit from continuing education offered to patent administrators.
To maintain the designation CCPA, one must be a member in good standing of IPIC.
IPIC offers a wide range of benefits for its members, including preferential pricing for its courses and webinars, access to publications focusing on hot-button IP issues and networking opportunities.
In 2022, IPIC introduced a lower priced membership category for Certified Administrators, which is a non-voting member category offered to both those who are A) currently in the process of completing one of IPIC’s Certification Programs to become either a Certified Canadian Trademark Administrator or a Certified Canadian Patent Administrator, or B) those who have completed one of IPIC’s Certification Programs and received their certification as a Canadian Trademark Administrator or a Canadian Patent Administrator and are currently maintaining their certification.
Please email membership@ipic.ca or call 613-234-0516 if you have questions about the Certified Administrator category or IPIC membership in general.
| All 4 courses | $1,899.00 + tax | |
| Course 1 | $499.00 + tax | |
| Course 2 | $599.00 + tax | |
| Course 3 | $599.00 + tax | |
| Course 4 | $599.00 + tax | |
| Proceed to Checkout | ||
| All 4 courses | $2,999.00 + tax | |
| Course 1 | $799.00 + tax | |
| Course 2 | $899.00 + tax | |
| Course 3 | $899.00 + tax | |
| Course 4 | $899.00 + tax | |
| Proceed to Checkout | ||
Financial aid may be available to participate in this program. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their annual income. Inquiries: education@ipic.ca
Tuition fees can be paid by MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
A refund will be granted up to two business days after login information is provided less a $50 cancellation fee.
Please email education@ipic.ca or call 613-234-0516 if you have questions on the Program.
Please email membership@ipic.ca or call 613-234-0516 if you have questions about IPIC Membership.
