Guest Post from PRG Director Brad Buehler: Study Tips for the Patent Bar Exam
“What have I gotten myself in to?” That is a question I hear frequently as I work with individuals who have made the decision to sit for the Patent Bar Exam, but haven’t yet developed a study plan. I’ve spoken with many test-takers over the years, and I always tell them that knowledge of what to expect and adequate preparation are important keys to success. I hope that following Chris’ journey as he prepares for the exam, while juggling the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family, will help provide a good glimpse into what to expect as you prepare for the exam.
Before we get to that point, though, it is important to know exactly what the exam is. The exam is a 100 question, multiple-choice, computerized test administered in a single day as two 3-hour sections of 50 questions each. The exam is administered by Prometric, a third-party testing provider, with testing centers throughout the country. The test is based upon the MPEP (Manual of Patent Examining Procedure) and is open-book, with electronic access to the MPEP provided at the testing center on the computer workstation. However, open book exams aren’t as easy as they sound - I think some of my professors created them as torture mechanisms! A strong knowledge of and familiarity with the MPEP is important, but not as important as a firm understanding of patent law and how it is applied.
Throughout Chris’ preparation for the exam, I will contribute posts to this blog regarding study techniques and other tips and tricks for success. Like training for a marathon, preparing for this exam isn’t something to be undertaken without a plan of attack. My first piece of advice is to create a study schedule for yourself. Set aside dedicated time for the purpose of studying, work it into your daily life so that you have a planned schedule to work against. On average, I suggest 120 hours of preparation, in addition to the review course, over a period of three months. On the surface, that sounds like a large time commitment; dividing it out over 12 weeks is 10 hours per week. That is a reasonable commitment of time and will help set you on the path to success. It is going to be a different amount of time for each individual, depending on study habits and experience in the field, but use this as a general guideline.
Lastly, remember that not everyone learns at the same pace or in the same way. Talk to your colleagues and friends. Ask them what worked for them and what didn’t. Be honest with yourself about the time you can commit to this. Understand how you learn best. Devise a study plan and approach that fits you.
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