What is the CLP certification?

The Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) program is a professional designation intended to distinguish those who have demonstrated experience, proficiency, knowledge and exposure to licensing and commercialization of intellectual property through active involvement in patenting, marketing, valuation, IP law, negotiation, business development and intellectual asset management.

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What are the objectives of the CLP certification program?

The goal of the CLP program is to elevate the licensing profession by establishing a standard of knowledge that will differentiate professionals who have taken the steps necessary to become certified. The CLP program was designed to provide an inclusive environment for licensing professionals from varied backgrounds, therefore leveraging the multidisciplinary nature of the licensing field based on certain knowledge standards.

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Why was the CLP credential established?

The CLP program was created to publicly recognize the licensing professional's experience and qualifications as well as their education and professional development.  The CLP program focuses on the licensing professional’s individual development on internationally applicable standards, ethics, and excellence while also providing greater visibility to the licensing profession with added credibility and prestige. The program was started as an initiative of LES (USA and Canada) and is now managed by a separately incorporated entity, Certified Licensing Professionals, Inc. (CLP, Inc.). 

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Why should I earn the CLP credential?

The CLP credential helps you to demonstrate that you have achieved a high standard of professionalism and shows current and potential future employers and colleagues that you are experienced in the licensing and commercialization of intellectual property.  Certified Licensing Professionals may be viewed as credible, respected, and proficient.  CLP, Inc. invites you to join the worldwide community of Certified Licensing Professionals.

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Who is responsible for oversight of the CLP program?

Certified Licensing Professionals, Inc., an independent, non-profit corporation, has been created to oversee the CLP program.  The CLP, Inc. Board of Governors is made up of volunteers from within the licensing community.  They maintain responsibility for oversight of the program.  Their goal is to ensure that the certification requirements remain appropriate and up-to-date and that the standards, ethics, and expectations of the CLP designation are preserved. Scantron Assessment, an independent, third-party, psychometric consulting firm, has been engaged for the development of the examination and testing criteria.

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Who is eligible to pursue the CLP credential?

The CLP credential is relevant for those candidates who are focused on the multi-disciplinary aspects of licensing and are in the professional development phase of their career. The certification is available to those who have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university and have at least three years of professional experience in the licensing field. The CLP program is not limited to LES members, and it is available to eligible professionals worldwide. 

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How does one achieve the CLP designation?

Experience, education and knowledge are the backbone of the program. Applicants will rely upon work history and a blend of courses and materials available through various professional associations to prepare for the CLP exam. Applicants have access to a candidate handbook with sample questions and a list of study references to help prepare for the exam. CLP publishes two practice tests. More information about the practice tests is available on the website. 

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Once a CLP designee, always a CLP designee?

Yes, through regular recertification.  Recertification is required every three (3) years for all Certified Licensing Professionals in order to support the ongoing professional development of the certified individual. To recertify, CLP certificants are required to earn 40 continuing professional development credits by attending and/or presenting industry-related meetings, by publishing licensing-related materials, through practical experience, or by serving as an expert witness/arbiter. Visit the Recertification section of the web site for more information. 

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When can I apply for the CLP exam?

You may apply any time once eligiblity requirements have been met. The online application is available at http://www.licensingcertification.org/for-candidates/application-and-fees/. Applicants are encouraged to complete the application 30 days prior to the beginning of the testing window to ensure a better selection of testing location/date options. Application deadlines are published in the CLP candidate handbook. 

The application fee of $995 includes two separate testing opportunities within a 13-month window. 

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When is the CLP exam offered?

The three-hour exam is offered during two windows annually, one in the spring and one in the fall, at more than 400 test sites worldwide and via live remote proctoring that allows the candidate to test from a home or office location.

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What do I need to know about the exam?

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering five content areas or “domains” of knowledge related to the licensing field.  A candidate handbook with sample questions is available online. CLP publishes two practice tests, and more information is available about these on the website.

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When will my CLP credential expire?

The CLP certification is recognized for a period of three years.  The printed certificate you received after earning the CLP certification lists the date your credential will expire. If certification is not renewed, it expires the last day of the month, three (3) years after certification was initially earned.

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If I have lost my certificate, can I get another copy?

CLP has replaced the issuance of paper certificates with secure digital bages. Digital badges are shareable across the certificant's social media presence, email signature, and more. A PDF certificate with QR verification code is also available in the certificant's digital badge profile. 

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Why should I recertify?

Recertification demonstrates your personal commitment to ensuring high standards within the licensing profession. By recertifying your credential, you demonstrate that you have maintained the knowledge and the skills necessary to be a certified licensing professional.  Earning your certification was a significant career achievement, and maintaining it helps fulfill your personal and professional goals and may increase your career opportunities and job mobility.

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Do I have to pay an annual fee to maintain my CLP credential?

No. There is a non-refundable renewal fee of $425 that is due every three years at the time of recertification.

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How do I access the online application?

The online application is available via the CLP website. 

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What activities can be used to earn continuing professional development credit?

Continuing professional development can be earned from a variety of professional development activities. These are activities in which you are likely already participating, including: 

• Attendance at industry educational events (conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, higher education courses, etc.) 
• Speaking at industry educational events (conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, higher education courses, etc.) 
• Writing articles, books, or book chapters
• Practical experience
• Expert witness testimony

A full list of activities and the number of credits earned for each activity is included in the Continuing Professional Development Summary on the web site.

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Does CLP keep track of my participation in events such as the AUTM, LES or BIO annual meetings?

No. Candidates are responsible for tracking and reporting the number of credits they earn that meet the CLP recertification criteria. CLP will review credits submitted by candidates to determine if they meet the recertification criteria.

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If a course or event is approved for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, does the same value apply for CLP continuing professional development credit?

Not necessarily. CLP does not assign values to industry events. Each candidate is required to track and self-report the credits they earn from educational activities related to the CLP exam content.

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Do networking events count towards the CLP continuing professional development requirement?

No. CLP will consider events that are educational in focus such as concurrent sessions, workshops, etc. The Recertification Committee will not consider social or networking events.

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Will CLP accept a hard copy application?

No. CLP will only accept recertification applications via the online system.

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Can I submit my application before my certification expires?

You may submit your application up to one year prior to your expiration date.

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If I submit my application early, what will my new expiration date for my CLP credential be? When will I have to recertify again?

If you submit your application early (up to one year before your deadline) your credential will be valid for three years from your original recertification deadline.  You will not lose any time if you recertify early.

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Can I keep track of my continuing professional development activity with CLP?

Yes. You may log into the online application and enter your continuing professional development activity as it occurs. The system will save your submissions.

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What happens if my recertification is denied?

If your application is denied, CLP will provide you with information about the appeals process.

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If I submit my application early, can I count any continuing professional development activity between the date that I submit my application and my expiration date toward my next renewal cycle?

Yes.

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What if I fail to recertify and my certificate has expired?

If certification is not renewed, it expires the last day of the month, three (3) years after certification was initially earned or last renewed. An individual whose CLP credential has expired for 1 year or less may reinstate by meeting all of the renewal requirements, submitting a renewal application, paying the non-refundable renewal fee of $425 and an additional administrative fee of $100 (total of $525). After CLP, Inc. approves the renewal application, a new certificate will be sent. The expiration date of the reinstated certification will be the same as if the certification had been renewed on time.

An individual whose CLP credential has expired for more than 1 year must re‐apply for certification. To re‐apply the individual must meet all eligibility requirements in place at the time of re‐application, pay the initial application fee, and pass the CLP exam.

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Will CLP verify the information in my recertification application?

A percentage of renewal applications will be audited each year to verify the information submitted. Individuals whose renewal applications are selected for audit will be required to submit evidence that all requirements have been sufficiently met.

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How do I update my contact information or profile in the CLP system?

Visit https://app.certemy.com/entry/login to update your profile information. Note you must also update Registry Fields if applicable. Select Forgot Password or Reset Password if you do not remember your login information. Email CLP at clpinfo@licensingcertification.org for assistance.

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What is the purpose of the CLP Emeritus status?

CLP, Inc. has received requests from CLP-certified individuals to create a program that recognizes their professional accomplishments and achievement of earning/maintaining the CLP credential after they have stepped back from full-time employment. The CLP Emeritus status identifies individuals that intend to remain somewhat active in licensing/IP through part-time work or volunteer efforts.

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My CLP credential lapsed last year. Can I apply for Emeritus status?

Yes, provided you have held the CLP credential, in good standing, within the previous three (3) years, and meet the program’s requirements, you may apply for Emeritus status. 

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Will I be required to pay the $150 fee more than once?

No. The $150USD fee is a one-time fee required only at the time of the application submission.

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What documentation is required with my application?

Documentation is not required. Individuals applying for the CLP Emeritus status must attest to their current employment status. Individuals found to violate the policies and eligibility requirements of the CLP Emeritus program will have the designation revoked. 

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Does Emeritus status require a professional to have been certified for a minimum number of years?

No. Individuals are able to apply for the status at any time. However, it is presumed an individual would not apply until the certification cycle has ended and will have held the credential at least three (3) years. 

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I am no longer working full time (30+ hours/week), but I do some part time work, independent consulting, and/or pro bono work, etc. Can I apply for the CLP Emeritus status?

Yes. If you are working in a part-time capacity, you may apply for the credential. If you re-enter full-time employment, the Emeritus status must be surrendered, and you must re-apply, pay for, and pass the CLP examination in order to use the CLP credential again. 

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Are individuals who hold the CLP Emeritus status able to volunteer with CLP?

Yes. CLP, Inc. welcomes the opportunity to work with CLP Emeritus designees in many volunteer capacities, including service on CLP committees, task forces, or the Board of Governors.

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Is continuing professional development required to maintain CLP Emeritus status?

No.  There is no maintenance of the CLP Emeritus status as is required to maintain active CLP certification. If an individual returns to full time employment, he/she is no longer eligible to use the CLP Emeritus status, and must re-apply, pay for, and pass the CLP examination in order to reinstate the CLP credential. 

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How do I apply for CLP Emeritus status?

Complete the online application and submit the one-time payment of $150USD. 

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