Boosting Success within the Candidate Support Programme
European Candidate Support Programme (CSP) Expands and Evolves
The Candidate Support Programme (CSP), a key initiative aligned with the EPO's Strategic Plan 2028 (SP2028), is making significant strides in strengthening quality at source in the European patent system. The programme, now in its second decade, has undergone a series of transformations to broaden its reach and foster a more inclusive, skilled, and geographically balanced patent profession.
Launched in 2012, the CSP initially focused on member states with a relatively small number of EQE-qualified patent professionals. Over the years, it has grown and evolved, now providing financial, coaching, and training support to candidates preparing for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) over a three-year period, mirroring the progressive and modular structure of the EQE.
In 2025, the revamped CSP introduced a new gender pillar for EQE candidates, aiming to broaden access to all 39 member states. This move was accompanied by a surge in applications from women, with 82% of total applications in 2025 being from female candidates. The CSP selected 32 candidates, 26 of whom are women, tripling the average intake of previous years.
The CSP's online delivery makes the qualification process more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. In addition to EQE candidates, from 2026, the CSP will support candidates for the European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC). This extension to the patent administrator profession will broaden the CSP's scope and raise the level of professional certification across Europe.
Each participating National Patent Office (NPO) can nominate one EPAC candidate to receive one year of dedicated support. National patent offices promote the CSP by nominating candidates, ensuring the programme is firmly embedded across Europe. The CSP's new "giving back" principle requires participants to commit to mentoring future candidates after completing the programme, creating a sustainable self-supporting professional community across Europe.
In 2025, the CSP had 30 participating member states, including nine newcomers. Since its launch in 2012, around 130 supported candidates have passed the EQE, reinforcing the quality and diversity of the profession across Europe.
In a notable development, the Czech Republic and Finland contributed to the candidate support program for the first time in 2025, further solidifying the programme's pan-European presence. The CSP now covers EQE exam fees, further reducing financial barriers for candidates.
The CSP hub on the website serves as the central source of information on the programme's objectives, selection process, and timelines. As the CSP continues to evolve and grow, it remains committed to its mission of creating a more inclusive, skilled, and geographically balanced patent profession in Europe.
