On Monday, the USPTO announced that it "successfully" tested the delivery of its own continuing education materials to patent practitioners through its Learning Management System. Last fall, the USPTO allowed over 850 patent attorneys and agents to participate in the pilot program, which included courses on how the USPTO handles patent applications post-KSR, common errors made by patent practitioners in petitions practice, and how the USPTO handles electronic signatures and powers of attorney. Although the number of patent attorneys outnumbered the number of patent agents by more than three to one, the program completion rate was slightly higher for patent agents (83% vs. 76%). According to the USPTO announcement (link below), "Feedback provided by the volunteers gave high grades for course content, but noted a number of areas where delivery of the courses through the Learning Management System could be improved. The USPTO is working on system improvements to address concerns and suggestions noted during the CEP Pilot Program. Final rules concerning Continuing Education for Practitioners are currently under consideration. Further announcements will be made as developments occur."

USPTO Announcement: LINK