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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