Steps to become a patent agent
Answer in brief
Apply to the USPTO, wait for approval (about four weeks for a complete application), book Prometric within your admission window, pass the exam, and register.
The steps
- Read the current General Requirements Bulletin.
- Apply online with an official transcript and fees.
- Respond within 60 days if your application is incomplete.
- Book Prometric within your admission window.
- Pass: 70% of the 90 scored questions.
- Pay the $226 registration fee.
Fees
| Fee | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application (non-refundable) | USPTO | $118 |
| Registration examination | USPTO | $226 |
| Test administration | Prometric | $221 |
| Registration, after passing | USPTO | $226 |
$565 per attempt; $791 for a first-time pass including registration.
Sources for this entry
- Wysebridge — How to apply to the USPTO Wysebridge (publisher of this site)
Step-by-step OED application; Prometric fee $221; registration fee $226 after passing; scheduling window. - 37 CFR 1.21 — Miscellaneous fees (registration of attorneys and agents) eCFR
Official USPTO fee rule: $118 application fee, $226 registration examination fee. - USPTO — Becoming a patent practitioner (General Requirements Bulletin) USPTO
The USPTO's authoritative source for eligibility categories, documents and filing.
Practical guidance is original editorial content. Company-published figures are the company's own claims and are labeled as such.
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How to Become a Patent Agent. “Steps to become a patent agent.” Wysebridge Reference. Content reviewed 9 November 2026.
https://howtobecomeapatentagent.com/steps-to-become-a-patent-agent/