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Establishment of the QPIP Professional Certification
We are pleased to announce that, after many years of work by an international team composed of representatives from the three major organizations in the sector—PIUG, PDG, and CEPIUG—the European Confederation of Users, to which AIDB has contributed significantly, has established the QPIP certification system for patent information professionals (Qualified Patent Information Professionals) certification system has been established.
This is a historic step toward elevating our profession, and its objectives are:
- set professional standards
- to provide a sort of quality assurance (although, as with any other exam, there is no guarantee that everyone who passes will meet the desired quality standard)
- to gain recognition for the profession and thereby make it more attractive
The intention is not to make QPIP certification mandatory, but rather to ensure that it is widely adopted and recognized internationally.
QPIP certification may be obtained through the PER (Prior Experience Recognition) procedure until March 11, 2019, by those who can demonstrate, primarily, that they have worked as patent document specialists for at least 60% of their professional activity over the past 10 years. Conversely, those who obtain certification through the PER program will be required to serve on one of the committees established within the complex organizational structure, which can then be launched.
After March 11, 2019, anyone wishing to obtain QPIP certification must pass an exam consisting of two parts: a first, practical part involving patent search, and a second, theoretical part designed to assess knowledge of the main patent regulations and procedures.
Successful completion of both exams will allow candidates to obtain QPIP certification for an indefinite period, provided they earn the annual continuing education credits required to maintain the certification and pay the applicable fee.
AIDB is represented within the organizational structure of the ISBQPIP (International Standards Board for Qualified Patent Information Professionals) and promotes initiatives for its members designed to facilitate the certification process.
Further information, requirements, and costs are available on the website https://qpip.org.