Updated information on Mock 1 - e-EQE platform will go online on 21 December 2020 for candidates - tutors can also get access after registration (via epi)
Today, the e-EQE website has been updated to provide the following information (added information cited in full; somewhat reformatted; emphasis added):
e-EQE – updated information (link)
Candidates will be able to have a first look at the examination system Wiseflow which will be used for the EQE 2021 by means of a mock examination between 22 December 2020 and 28 February 2021 (Mock 1). [Blog update 22-12-2020: Dates added]
Mock 1 is intended for candidates to test their equipment and get acquainted with the examination environment.
Candidates will be able to access the respective mock papers according to their current enrolment to the EQE 2021 papers.
There will be no proctoring during Mock 1.
If you have any questions about any aspect of the e-EQE, please contact the EQE helpdesk (helpdesk@eqe.org). We will use your questions as the basis for FAQs, which will be published in due course.
In the meantime, watch this space for updates on the e-EQE.
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Also today, the following message was published in the epi website (emphasis added), indicating that:
- The e-EQE platform will go online on 21 December 2020 for candidates
- Tutors can also get access after registration (via epi)
The e-EQE platform will go online on 21 December 2020. Apart from candidates who are registered for the EQE in March, also tutors will be allowed access to the platform.
If you are a tutor for the EQE and wish to have access to the e:EQE system, you have to register. What is required : first name, family name, email address. Those who request access will then be put in an Excel sheet which will be uploaded by the EPO in the e:EQE system.
Please reply at the latest on Monday 21 December 2020 at 18:00, then you will probably get access before Xmas.
Send your first name, family name, email address to cornelis.mulder@patentepi.org.
Cornelis Mulder
Secretary General
epi - European Patent Institute
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I seriously think we should move towards coursework. All the stress and huge disruption associated with exams are no good for anyone. You can still design a perfectly good coursework that has the same standards as the one in exams. Its better because attorneys do the job everyday and not just once a year.
ReplyDeleteI think this may have to do with the fact that you don't only need admin rights for installing the browser, but also for using/opening it. In my company we are not allowed to install something by ourselves, but need to ask IT or via a particular app we can request direct admin access for 15 minutes. Installation went ok, but when I wanted to use it another day I got certain system login screen after clicking 'start the flow' in wiseflow. I now found out together with IT that, just before starting, I should use the app 'request admin access' (=15 minutes) in order to be able to open the browser. I tested today and it looks that after the 15 minutes the browser keeps running properly. I didn't try 'hand in' yet, but if it should be needed to login again for handing in, I expect that will be problematic because in the browser mode there is no access to any application. So, just for your info, maybe your problem is different. But to be sure I think about to buy a private laptop.. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAll these extra IT requirements has cost me alot of money so far. printers, monitors, speakers etc... I would like to claim some of these back from the EPO. It is ridiculous how much burden they are placing on candidates.
ReplyDeleteAnd the time wasted instead of studying substantive things. Maybe give everybody 5 marks just for successfully starting exam on exam day?
DeleteThe coronavirus crisis is now disproportionately affecting this years candidates. Are the exams this year now fair?
ReplyDeleteeasy answer - NO its not fair on candidates this year.
DeleteIt has put many candidates at a huge disadvantage in terms of exam preparation time and familiarity with the new system. Many candidates will also be home schooling or have other commitments due to coronavirus.
Thanks Anonymous9 January 2021 at 23:42
ReplyDeleteI found out that the Lockdown browser works if i connect to my company network via VPN before. Apparently, the Lockdown browser does not block a VPN connection. However, i fear that on the day of the real exams this might cause problems...
My emotions go up and down - I seen notice of extra mock in wiseflow by epi (https://patentepi.org/en/epi-students/preparing-for-the-eqe/main-examination/#/mock-eqe), but then I see charging 80 eur per paper (for me, 320 eur). So they force use to use an unfinished, broken system, and now make us pay to practice. I cannot believe.
ReplyDeleteWe will see tomorrow when the registration opens.
DeleteIt seems a bit insensitive this year to charge - most of the candidates have already spent hundreds of Euro's setting up their IT (with still a camera to go). "Never waste a good crisis".
epi council meeting - 13-14 nov from Treasurer:
Delete"... Various positions in the budget have been affected by the pandemic, both on the income and expense sides. For example, the cancellation of EQE 2020 resulted in no new additional members and therefore less income from the annual subscription, but also less turnover on expenses of EQE Committees..."
"The Treasurer also informed Council members that after discussion with the Editorial Committee, it was agreed to exceptionally have the last 2020 issue of epi Information printed and distributed as a hard-copy to all members which will represent an expense of ca.35-40 k EUR.
Due to the overall changed financial situation mentioned above, the 2020 budget should result in a surplus of +149950 EUR compared to an originally planned deficit of -90500 EUR."
Sorry, epi. Apparently the charge is only for the live tutorials, forums and access to the recordings thereof. These are the Mock 2 papers, so all candidates get access to do them, and there will be free model solutions.
DeleteI agree - the PEB systems used Word (two views possible of same document) and print to PDF, which almost no-one needs to learn. They had a system of trust (apparently EQE trainees are more likely to cheat than UK trainees) which allowed them to distribute the papers for full printing. So the pressure on candidates was minimised as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteIt is even worse than that - it looks like e-EQE deliberately left out or disabled a lot of the functionality like side-by-side viewing and highlighting.
Things I find:
ReplyDelete- CIPA collecting opinions: https://yellowsheet.wordpress.com/2021/01/08/e-eqe-feedback-and-opinions/
- Doing A, B & C: https://saltedpatent.blogspot.com/2021/01/eeqe-mock1-experience-tips-b-c.html
- Doing C: https://eqe-c.blogspot.com/2020/12/paper-c-split-in-two-parts-in-e-eqe-2021.html
- Doing Pre-Exam, DI, DII: https://saltedpatent.blogspot.com/2020/12/eeqe-mock1-experience-tips-pe-d1d2.html
- Doing DI: https://eqe-d.blogspot.com/2020/12/answering-d-esp-di-questions-in-e-eqe.html
Roel - will Delta post for A,B,DII?
Hi Johan, you can find comments and tips for DII in some comments by me on this blog - please check those. Tips are also discussed in our courses. If there is more news, e.g. after today's e-EQE online training session, we will post more news.
DeleteYou have long post on DI, and C showing attempts. DII a little, A and B nothing. You have all secrets, but I have to pay for "tips"? If you have good ways, why not give some overview for A and B? You are convinced that A and B can be made in the time given?
DeleteDII now dedicated post - http://eqe-d.blogspot.com/2021/01/answering-dii-paper-in-e-eqe-platform.html
DeleteA and B to come. For A and B, absence of full paper texts makes is certainly a complication as is the lack of annotation in the paper. But the committees are aware of that.
In yesterdays' e-EQE Virtual classroom, it was indicated that:
"For A and B no extra time as no breaks, so no compensation needed.
o Electronic/editor has pros and cons
o Editor has been asked on for many years
o Committees have taken into account that there is a new situation."
So yes, I think you can be confident that A and B can be made in the time given (assuming that you can make the paper A and B in the time given for those).
Thank you. It helps a lot.
DeleteNo annotation or highlighting is our problem. For A, I have read that a few can do it. For B, no-one has showed us the way.
How can they take into account that we will not finish in time? We have to trust, but we do not know how to practice.
Mr Roel - did you get chance for A and B post? Or you agree they are not possible under normal times? Silence=yes, I think.
Delete... your AB posts have been read. Many pieces from other posts. Limitations & problems. Still no help how to do papers in time.
Delete... Will struggle with Mock nr2 myself and pray.
Paper C : I practice 2014 version in a paper format (before Covid 19) and now with the lockdown browser. For sure not the same feeling.
ReplyDeleteHowever, after some time to understand how the system works, I am positive if they fix the issue with the Ctr F function which obviously is not working with the pdf.
My main concern is more on the fact that I was "CEIPI" educated. :( Shame on me! and I hope that I am welcome in this blog
For sure, the copy paste approach is no more efficient.
Could I ask if the E-EQE has the same impact on Delta patent method for the paper C.
If not, does Delta Patent suggest to perform a test matrix (scope vs difference)
My first feeling is that it will spend too much time, but on the other hand that seems the only solution...
Your comments would be appreciated
I
Hi, anyone knows if the caledars for Paper D are available? If yes, where?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I only had to buy a webcam. No need for new computer or new monitor.
ReplyDeleteThat took me 10 minutes on the internet. It was delivered within 4 days.
Travelling to Munich to sit there would have taken me more time!
Does anyone know when EPO will send an Invitation for Mock 2?
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I had to ask the company for admin rights, order webcam/mic and speakers, installed the Lockdown Browser read pages of the user manual etc. If I would do the exam at home, I had to buy/borrow a seperate screen. Time spent could be used for working or revision instead.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if you lose your connection with your ISP - you are not allowed any electronics and therefore you would not be able to even grab your mobile and use it as a hotspot, this would be another concern for me.
ReplyDeleteOr what to do if you require support from your IT service provider? i) no electronic devices allowed = cannot call the IT; no additional person in the same room = IT service cannot help at place
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem with a Macbook and external webcam. LockFlow does not try to connect with the webcam.
ReplyDeleteI tried Pre-Exam of Mock 1.
ReplyDeleteWhen answering the questions in the WiseFlow LockDown, I cannot find any calendars. They are not in the Expand menu on the right. They are not in the External resources at the top. They are not in another tab. I see no link or file.
Because I do not have a printer, I relied on the complete pre-exam paper being available when answering it, including the calendars.
Where can I find the calendars when I am answering the exam?
Same problem in D mock, no calendars available after the exam mode has been started.
DeleteHi there,
ReplyDeletemaybe anybody who attended the online Info session today could help me with an answer.
I had the following PROBLEM: the computer switched to POWER SAVE MODUS („Lock Screen Timeout“) while I was reading the documents.
After I logged in again the lockdown browser interpreted the switching to Power Save Modus as cheating and sent a message to me saying that next time I do this it will kick me out.
And so was it: next time the computer switched to Power Save Modus (the monitor gets dark and locked, I had to re-enter my Wiondows password to gain access) and I logged in the second time, I was kicked out: the session was closed !
Then I could only escape the window by physically unfolding the laptop which I use as a computer and which normally stays folded underneath my desk.
Then I logged in again to Wiseflow and re-started the C-Paper part 2 Flow, but in exam conditions I suppose you are kicked out for ever.
Did anybody experience something like that ?
Hi John,
DeleteI did not run into that problem. But I have anyhow switched off these power scheme stuff as it gives problems with many more applications.
I suggest you check it with the experts, but I assume that the same applies as when your computer beaks down or reboots for another reason (see the documentation on the we-EQE website):
If computer reboots after a crash, or you even need to change to new computer after a crash, you candidate needs to go through same starting phase to (if not yet done) install and start the flow, and then th system will then load latest stored version which is on the server (see last pages of user guide).
I think Hanlon's razor applies here "Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence".
ReplyDeleteI don't think that side by side viewing and highlighting are disabled. They are just not available in a single window browser such as Wiseflow.
Same as having a single Firefox/ Opera/ Chrome window open - side by side viewing and highlighting are not possible.
Word, a PDF viewer of your choice, and some trust in trainees would be a far better solution.
Hello, could anyone please ask today if it is possible to answer the mock 2 (planned for first feb. week) at another date?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
We really need more clarity on this. I mean even simple, basic stuff like "what to do if my office has a big window in it - should I block it?"
ReplyDeleteEarlier today, two e-EQE Virtual classrooms were organized by the Academy/EPO/epi.
ReplyDeleteThe first session targeted candidates and tutors; the second session was for tutors only. The session has been recorded and will be available on the EQE website soon.
It was announced that there will be two more session like this, for further questions (end Jan; mid Feb). Also, the online information will be updated.
Candidates are all strongly advised to test the e-EQE platform with Mock 1 and Mock 2 well before the exam.
Many questions were answered, confirming what is already in the FAQ or adding some more detail. The following topics may be worth to mention.
Admin rights are needed to install and run – without admin rights, the software cannot be secure. There are two possible ways:
1) You can have admin privileges yourself; OR:
2) Your company IT can whitelist this software to run with admin privileges , even if you do not have admin privileges yourself.
So you donot need these privileges yourself, but your sftware can have it (That solution is also used within the EPO).
Headphones/earplugs not allowed.
In general, only allowed to have electronics needed to take the exam, but nothing else.
Not allowed to cover your ears – ears shall be visible on the camera (considered part of the face)
All sound that comes into your ear shall also come into the microphone of the invigilation.
...
…[continued]
ReplyDeleteCamera should be in front of you, centered at top or bottom of the screen that you are going to use.
Laptop camera is allowed with external screen if the camera can be so positioned
External camera and speakers are allowed, but no earplugs/headset
Printer can be in different room.
As it is allowed before the lockdown browser is started, when you still have full control of your hardware and network.
However, once the lockdown browser is started, you cannot print anymore – so, only start the lockdown browser after you have collected your printout and have closed your door.
Allowed to use an external screen if you use a laptop, but you will need to shut down your laptop screen.
Cannot use an additional laptop to e.g. access your electronic documents – can not use any other electronic equipment than what you need to do the exam.
Can use mobile phone as wifi hotspot, as long as it is preconfigured and not in reach of the person sitting the exam, so e.g. in next room. But recommended to use cabled internet connection.
W.r.t. toilet/unscheduled breaks:
- Scheduled breaks are indicated in the Schedule;
- Pre-Exam has 70-min parts: not allowed to leave the examination room during a 70-min part, unless you handin your answer of the part (=conclude on that part);
- DI has 90-min parts: not allowed to leave the examination room during such a 90-min part, unless you handin your answer of the part;
- For all other papers (A, B, 2 parts of C) and for the DII-part, you can leave the room, but need to notice the invigilator when you leave and when you come back.
Cannot use other software than the exam system. So cannot use Excel, Word, …
Flockdown will shut down other software when it starts.
You can NOT highlight in the assignments (pdfs of paper) – not supported by the system.
But could copy the text into the editor, as workaround - some of those features are available in the text editor.
Paper C has been split into two equal parts – equal time, but not necessarily equal marks (“100 marks for paper as a whole, but no further comments; may be different between the two parts”)
- First part lot of reading, relatively easy attacks
- Second part less reading, relatively longer and more difficult attacks
If you open too many copies of the Assignment in many many Tabs, the system may crash and reboot. So do not open too many Tabs! (Issue is under investigation)
During the exam, there is an “External Resources” link at the top of the browser window. It will give access to:
- Calendars
- e- EQE technical manuals
- In Mock 1, can browse complete EPO website – that will NOT be possible in real e-EQE. Rather, in the e-EQE: A limited set of legal documents will be available; working on it; aim to get (most of the) documents from the legal syllabus. These will NOT be searchable.
Future EQEs will not go back to paper, exam-hall EQEs. It will continue to be a digital exam. It will be further developed.
It appears that there is a limit on how many tabs you can open in the C-exam. If I open more than 9 tabs on my computer, the Wiseflow program stops working and you cannot do anything or exit Wiseflow naturally. If you connect another screen you can force an exit from this locked mode.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that there is a limit on how many tabs you can open in the C-exam. If I open more than 9 tabs on my computer, the Wiseflow program stops working and I cannot do anything including exiting Wiseflow naturally.
ReplyDeleteIf you connect another screen you can force an exit from this locked mode, e.g. by opening the laptop lid
Yes, this is a bug/limitation in the browser. Salted Patent blog has mentioned this. Yesterday, EPO said there is no way to fix this before the exam. "Work-around": Don't open so many tabs.
DeleteThat is a problem with this kind of proprietary software - little visibility of bugs, limited testing, secret code and little power to demand new versions.
It seems that the laptop camera is not activated when lockdown Browser is started as there is no light turned on (indicating the laptop camera is on). We need to be informed earlier how to solve it or it is better to get a webcam, or else it will be too late to get a webcam in the shop or if there is any stock left!
ReplyDeleteWC
Dear Roel and Delta Patents.
ReplyDeleteI am finding Paper B extremely difficult to do online with the new format and I am very concerned that I will not be able to finish the paper on time. I've practiced 3 papers online and every time, I ran out of time.
Paper A is very tight but could be doable.
My concern is that the EQE committee has already said that they will NOT provide any compensation for moving online as they think moving online in 4 hours is the same as doing it on paper. In reality, this is not true and I find working online for paper B much more difficult and time consuming.
Is there a way we can do Paper B better online. No time compensation to be given is worrying.
In the C-exam it says in the Wiseflow program that you should be able to jump to the headings in your answer by clicking on it. That is not working for me. Anyone else experiencing this issue?
ReplyDeleteHi Stefan,
DeleteI had not yet noted it, but yes, I have the same problem.
I am using Headers at level 2 and 3. I added headings so that i can easily navigate around my answer (see my DII post).
I tested that the headers ended up in the ToC, but I had not yet noted that the clicking in it does not work. That is a pity - now the ToC only shows the order of your headers, but does not allow direct access.
Thx Roel,
DeleteHope they get the ToC to work!