Which MPEP Is on the Patent Bar? The Exam's Source Materials (2026)
As at 12 Oct 2026, the exam's questions are based on MPEP 9th ed., Revision 01.2024 (November 2024). OED's source-materials list (last updated 29 May 2026) names four sources, and OED announces when updated materials begin to appear on the exam.
| Source material | What it covers |
|---|---|
| MPEP 9th ed., Revision 01.2024 (November 2024) | Almost everything: filing, examination, patentability, appeals, reissue, reexamination, PCT, designs, fees, term and maintenance |
| Consolidated Trial Practice Guide (November 2019) | Inter partes review, post-grant review and other PTAB trial practice under 37 CFR Part 42 |
| Changes to Representation of Others Before the USPTO, final rule (78 FR 20180, April 3, 2013) | The USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct (37 CFR 11.101 to 11.901) |
| Global and IP5 Patent Prosecution Highway pilot notice | How to request PPH participation |
What that means for recent changes
Rules and fees have changed since November 2024 (for example, the USPTO fee rule that took effect on January 19, 2025). Until OED updates the source materials, the exam's answers follow the November 2024 MPEP and the rules as it states them. Our bank tests the same edition; changes after it sit in a separate topic, changes after the exam's MPEP revision, and never appear in our mocks.
Check before you sit
During the exam
The reference materials are on the exam computer. OED's note says links inside them are redacted, so you cannot follow them to outside sites. See searching the MPEP during the exam.
Frequently asked questions
Which MPEP edition does the patent bar test?
MPEP 9th ed., Revision 01.2024 (November 2024), per OED's source-materials list last updated 29 May 2026 (checked 12 Oct 2026).
Are the 2025 fee changes on the exam?
Not until OED updates the source materials. The exam follows the MPEP revision it names and the rules as stated there.
Is the PTAB Trial Practice Guide tested?
Yes. The Consolidated Trial Practice Guide of November 2019 is one of the four listed source materials.
Go deeper: study notes
Related guides
Put it into practice
Free account, 650+ original practice questions, instant explanations and full timed practice exams.
Build a daily practice habit — a few exam-style questions a day, with worked answers. Free to start.
Start practicing →Patent Bar Prep is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or its Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED). Bank questions are original; USPTO-released exam questions are shown only in separate, labelled sets.