Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Read the Instructions To Candidates before going to the EQE 2016

A number of candidates seem unfamiliar with the Regulations on the EQE (REE), and in particular with the Instructions to candidates concerning the conduct of the EQE.

In 2015, there were some breaches of the REE with unfortunate consequences:

  • Many candidates add names or initials to their answer paper – this is very disruptive to the EC’s because it has to be manually removed before marking to preserve anonymity.
  • A candidate wrote the complete answer on the blank (back) sides of the EQE paper. After copying the sheets, only blank pages were submitted for marking, and the candidate was awarded 0 points. So only write on the lined side of the EQE paper provided. 
  • A candidate kept writing after the stop signal was given, even after being warned. The EB decided to subtract 5 points for this breach of the rules. In future, writing after the stop signal may be more strictly enforced. 
  • Some candidates were surprised that they were not permitted to have their phones with them. The rules concerning electronic devices are strict – candidates may not take any device, such as a telephone, tablet or smart watch, into the examination hall - even if turned off. They should be left at home or in the hotel. Although some examination centers may provide an envelope or lockers, these can be limited in number and should not be relied on.
Dont't be surprised: read the latest version of the REE (found on the EPO’s EQE page here).

Tutors' Report on EQE 2015 Papers

To help candidates and tutors learn more about the 2015 papers, and to give some tips for EQE 2016, I edit this report every year after the EQE Tutor Meeting in October, using the input from several experienced tutors.

This year, some more details are also given about the combined A and B papers to be introduced with EQE 2017.

It has been published in the latest edition of epi information (pages 134-142). An extract of the report only is available here.


From DeltaPatents, I summarised the D and Pre-Exam Paper discussions, and Jelle Hoekstra summarised the C Paper.