Questions and Answers about the Certified Licensing ProfessionalTM (CLP) Program
Question: First of all, what is the CLPTM certification? Answer: The Certified Licensing ProfessionalTM (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 involvement in patenting, marketing, valuation, IP law, negotiation, and intellectual asset management.
Question: What are the objectives of the CLP certification program? Answer: 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.
Question: Why was the CLP credential established? Answer: The CLP program was created as an initiative of LES 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.
Question: Why should I earn the CLP credential? The CLP credential helps you to demonstrate that you have achieved a higher standard or professionalism and shows employers and colleagues that you are experienced and proficient in the licensing and commercialization of intellectual property. Certified Licensing Professionals will be viewed as credible, respected and proficient, and CLP, Inc. invites you to join the growing community of more than 800 Certified Licensing Professionals. Question: Who is responsible for oversight of the CLP program? Answer: 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 representing AUTM, BIO and LES. They maintain primary 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 CLPTM designation are preserved. CASTLE Worldwide, Inc., an independent, third-party, psychometric consulting firm, has been engaged for the development of the examination and testing criteria.
Question: Who is eligible to pursue the CLPTM credential? Answer: 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 licensing 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.
Question: How does one achieve the CLP designation? Answer: 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 licensing associations to prepare for the CLP exam. Applicants have access to a candidate handbook with sample questions, an online practice exam (with 50 questions) and a list of study references to prepare for the exam. Question: Once a CLP designee, always a CLP designee? Answer: Yes, through regular recertification. Recertification is required every three (3) years for all Certified Licensing Professionals. To recertify, CLP certificants are required to earn 40 “credits” by attending licensing-related meetings (including those offered by LES, AUTM, BIO and other industry organizations); by publishing licensing-related articles and by presenting sessions or workshops at IP-related meetings or conferences. Note: this is not an exhaustive list. Visit the Recertification section of this site for more information.
Question: When can I apply for the CLP exam? Answer: Any time. There is a link to the online application at www.licensingcertification.org. Applications must be submitted no later than 7 days prior to the candidate’s desired test date.
Question: When is the CLP exam offered? The three-hour exam is offered during two, month-long windows annually. It is offered throughout the months of April and October at more than 400 test sites worldwide.
Question: What do I need to know about the exam? The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering eight areas or “domains” of licensing knowledge. A candidate handbook and study guide—prepared and distributed by Certified Licensing Professionals, Inc.—is available online. An online practice exam is also available to CLP applicants.
Question: How do I take the test? The CLP exam is offered via computer-based testing. Certified Licensing Professionals, Inc. has contracted with an independent, third-party testing provider to coordinate test sites in most major metropolitan areas throughout the United States and Canada. The CLP exam is also offered at international test sites for an additional fee of $200. When CLP candidates complete and submit their applications, they are prompted to schedule an exam date and location. The CLP application fee includes two exam attempts within a 13-month period.