Disclaimer: Our trainee blogs are written by trainees for trainees, offering career insights and industry perspectives.
For trainee patent attorneys, March can be an especially stressful month between European examinations and the PEB exam results. In light of this, we felt it would be beneficial to share some details regarding the PEB exam results, to help trainees, and those around them, know what to expect.
When?
Mark your calendars, the results will be published on March 25 2024.
How?
The results will be sent to your registered email address (this may be your personal account!).
What to Expect?
For each examination, you will receive the marks awarded by question or section. A minimum of 50 marks per paper is needed to pass. In the past, candidates have received their marks in a first email, followed by marked scripts in a second email, but the order might vary.
Feeling the Pressure?
Exams are important, but they are not everything. They help advance your career, but results aren’t the sole measure of success. These exams are notoriously tough, and are not really comparable to exams during school/college/university etc.
Seek support if needed. If the stress of results day begins to affect your daily life, talk to someone – a friend, family member, colleague, or internal support network – for example, Appleyard Lees have a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders. There are also a number of resources available online, including CIPA Informals’ support email (informalswelfare@gmail.com), Jonathans Voice, and helplines listed on the Yellow Sheet Blog (Welfare and Wellbeing tab). Remember, you don’t have to be in a crisis to reach out, and, in reality, you won’t be alone in how you’re feeling!
Unhappy with Your Results?
If you are unhappy with your results, PEB advises that in the first instance you review your marked script with your training supervisor, referencing the mark scheme, examiner’s report, and sample pass scripts.
However, if concerns persist, the PEB Enquiries about Results Policy sets out the steps that you can take, such as requesting an investigation by an independent person (appeal).
Good luck!
