17 Oct 2025 was the 2nd day of a very interesting EQE Tutors Meeting, with the very welcome possibility to have breakout sessions with each exam committee. We covered EQE2025, with a look ahead to EQE2026, including M1 and M2. And EQE2027, including M3 and M4. Unfortunately, slides will not be made public (new policy?). A full Tutors Report will be in the 2025 Q4 epi information.
A lot of questions were submitted beforehand, they were all read, and some were answered (there was not enough time for everything). My submitted questions (BCD Questions) and my takeaways (2025 Tutors meeting – notes PPOL) are attached below. Some highlights:
- M1, M2, M3 & M4 mocks are on the EPO EQE website
- D 2025 passing rate lower, but not clear why. A few people complained that D1 questions were exotic. D2 was long, but most candidates scored reasonably.
- C 2026 paper split likely to be same as 2025. Chance that marking will be a little more lenient. No problem with rereading part 1 during lunch break (on their own). You will see straight away if part 2 is the same subject matter by the empty pages/missing claims in part 1.
- B 2026 will probably be a little shorter than 2025.
- They use a didactic theory that more explanatory text means that candidates who are non-native speakers can read faster. I don’t believe this works in practice on these exams, where you cannot distinguish between just explanation and exam “hints”/ “traps”. Particularly for resitters, who have learned the hard way that they failed because they misread or missed something the first time.
- M3 (2027) is seen as solution to all current BC length/complexity issues. Based on people involved, I sure it will be much better (at least for a couple of years). Compensation between M3 parts is not excluded by new regulations.
- After 3 exams of new system, there will be a review to see if tweaks are needed.
- M1 2026: level is about 2 yr trainee or junior EPO examiner. Best preparation are real cases with your mentor, and discuss basic argumentations skills against typical EPO objections. And study relevant sections of EPC/PCT and Guidelines.
- They caught some candidates in an attempt to cheat last year. They were banned for from taking this year’s exams. Read Instructions to Candidates, and check before exam for updates: EPO EQE website (under Notices). They will probably be very strict going forward. No telephones on desk. No ear buds, headphones, don’t talk etc. If you cannot comply, let them know asap (eg if you need hearing aids or dark glasses). Or you cannot stay seated for parts of exam with no breaks.
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