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[scmedic]

I was approved to take the patent bar for what I assume is the standard 3 month window.  I'm getting close to the end of the window and don't feel I'm sufficiently prepared.  Is it possible to request an extension?  I can't find anything regarding this subject in the General Requirements Bulletin. 

If an extension is possible, how do I go about requesting one?

If no extension is possible I assume I have to reapply to take the exam?  If this is the case, is there any time restriction on when I am allowed to reapply (assuming I don't take the exam in the 3 month window)?

Thanks for any info!   

[SoCalProductDev]

I was approved to take the patent bar for what I assume is the standard 3 month window.  I'm getting close to the end of the window and don't feel I'm sufficiently prepared.  Is it possible to request an extension?  I can't find anything regarding this subject in the General Requirements Bulletin. 

If an extension is possible, how do I go about requesting one?

If no extension is possible I assume I have to reapply to take the exam?  If this is the case, is there any time restriction on when I am allowed to reapply (assuming I don't take the exam in the 3 month window)?

Thanks for any info!   

If you don't get the answer to this question from here on the forum, do come back and post your findings.

[MYK]

From what I remember of similar earlier discussions, once you've been approved to take the exam, the approval stays on file for a year.  You have to wait 30 days for a retest, and you do have to pay for it, but the cost is lower than the initial fee because they don't have to go through the full vetting process again.

Caveats: those discussions were 3-5  years ago and it might have changed;  that was for re-testing, not for delaying testing.  Call OED and find out for certain.

I'd suggest taking it anyway;  you might pass and not have to worry about it.  If you don't, you're not really any worse off than delaying.

[MarkDighton]

I second MYK's post, on all counts. Why not go ahead and take the Exam. It will only cost you $150, and you will either pass or will at least gain some valuable insight that will help you pass the second time.

Either way, you're going to have to apply a second time (and pay another $240). As long as you apply the second time within a year of your first application, they'll send you a 90-day window right away (no matter how long it took them to review your application the first time).
Mark Dighton, Esq.
Admin. Director, Patent Bar Review
PLI

[scmedic]

Thanks very much for all the input, very good point regarding taking the exam right now regardless of rescheduling.  That is probably the smartest thing to do...  Part of the problem for me is that I waited so long to schedule the exam, that the only open dates left in my time window would require overnight travel or traveling to another state... I'll keep checking to see if something local opens up.

I called the OED, and was told that it is possible to request an extension (they wouldn't tell me how likely it would be that it would be extended though).  To request an extension, you need to mail or fax a request letter to the OED.  I was given the name of a contact to send the request to.  If anyone is interested in doing something similar, just call the OED before sending in your request in order to get the contact info.

If I end up requesting an extension, I'll post the outcome along with any notes on the process here....