Patent Examiner Employment Application

Vacancy Questions Preview
Approved for use through XX/XX/XXXX. OMB 0651-0042
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OMB Approval Language
A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply
with an information collection subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, unless the information collection has a currently valid
OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 0651-0042. Public burden for this form is estimated to average 30 minutes
per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the information collection. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions
for reducing this burden to the Chief Administrative Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 or email
[email protected].

Vacancy Questions Preview
Grade: 07
The next question will require you to select the response that best describes your experience and/or
education related to the basic qualification requirements of a Patent Examiner (Professional Engineering).
Refer to the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of the job announcement for a detailed explanation of the
basic qualification requirements for this position.

*

1

Select the response that best describes your experience and/or education related to the Basic
Qualification Requirements for a Patent Examiner (Professional Engineering), GS-1224. Refer to
the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of the job announcement for a detailed description
of the basic qualification requirements.

I possess at least a bachelor's degree in professional engineering. This degree was
obtained in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional
engineering curriculum.
I possess at least a bachelor's degree in professional engineering. The curriculum
included differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year
physics and chemistry) in at least five of the following seven areas of engineering
science or physics: (1) statics, dynamics; (2) strength of materials (stress-strain
relationships); (3) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (4) thermodynamics; (5) electrical fields
and circuits; (6) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate
structure to properties); and (7) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering
science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

I have a combination of education and experience. I have completed college-level
education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished a thorough knowledge of
the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering AND a good
understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and
techniques and their applications to engineering. (Refer to the "Qualifications and
Evaluations" section of the job announcement for specific examples demonstrating the
adequacy of your background in this area).
I will complete the qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application.
I do not possess the education and/or experience described above.

Candidates for the GS-7 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the
GS-5 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience
performing at least one of the following functions: (1) Interpreting and applying basic electrical engineering
and/or scientific principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology; (2)
Planning and conducting technical research to draft technical papers; or (3) Applying appropriate references
and case law to claimed inventions. Examples of qualifying specialized experience can be found in the
"Qualifications and Evaluations" section of the job announcement.

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

*

2

Select the response which best describes your possession of the specialized experience
requirements defined in the statement above.

I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in
the Federal service as defined in the statement above.
I have a bachelor's degree in an engineering curriculum and superior academic
achievement demonstrated by my grade point average (GPA). I have a GPA of 2.95 or
higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on my transcripts based on 4 years of
education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of
the curriculum.
I have a bachelor's degree in an engineering curriculum and superior academic
achievement demonstrated by my grade point average (GPA). I have a GPA of 3.45 or
higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in
my major field during the final two years of the curriculum.
I have a bachelor's degree in an engineering curriculum and superior academic
achievement demonstrated by (1) My class standing in the upper third of my class or
major university subdivision OR (2) My election to membership in a national scholastic
honor society.
I have 1 full year of graduate level education that provided the knowledge, skills and
abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. One year of full-time graduate
education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has
determined to represent 1 year of full-time study (If that number cannot be obtained
from the school, 18 semester hours is considered an academic year of graduate study).
I have a combination of education and experience. I have less than the full amount of
education described in "2" above and less than the amount of experience described in
"1" above, but have a combination of the type of education described in "2" above and
experience described in "1" above.
I do not have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade
level in the Federal service as defined in the statement above.

Grade: 09

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

The next question will require you to select the response that best describes your experience and/or
education related to the basic qualification requirements of a Patent Examiner (Professional Engineering).
Refer to the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of the job announcement for a detailed explanation of the
basic qualification requirements for this position.

*

1

Select the response that best describes your experience and/or education related to the Basic
Qualification Requirements for a Patent Examiner (Professional Engineering), GS-1224. Refer to
the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of the job announcement for a detailed description
of the basic qualification requirements.

I possess at least a bachelor's degree in professional engineering. This degree was
obtained in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional
engineering curriculum.
I possess at least a bachelor's degree in professional engineering. The curriculum
included differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year
physics and chemistry) in at least five of the following seven areas of engineering
science or physics: (1) statics, dynamics; (2) strength of materials (stress-strain
relationships); (3) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (4) thermodynamics; (5) electrical fields
and circuits; (6) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate
structure to properties); and (7) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering
science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
I have a combination of education and experience. I have completed college-level
education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished a thorough knowledge of
the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering AND a good
understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and
techniques and their applications to engineering. (Refer to the "Qualifications and
Evaluations" section of the job announcement for specific examples demonstrating the
adequacy of your background in this area).
I will complete the qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application.
I do not possess the education and/or experience described above.

Candidates for the GS-9 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the
GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience
performing at least one of the following functions: (1) Interpreting and applying intermediate electrical

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

engineering and/or scientific principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies used in the evaluation of
technology; (2) Planning and conducting technical research to draft technical papers; or (3) Applying
appropriate references and case law to claimed inventions. Examples of qualifying specialized experience can
be found in the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of the job announcement.

*

2

Select the response which best describes your possession of the specialized experience
requirements defined in the statement above.

I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in
the Federal service as defined in the statement above.
I have a combination of education and experience. I possess at least a bachelor's
degree in engineering AND have experience applying engineering principles and theories
in the engineering field.
I have at least two years of graduate level education leading to a master's degree or
equivalent graduate degree in an engineering curriculum from an accredited college
and/or university in the fields of study as described in the Basic Qualification
Requirements of this job announcement. One year of full-time graduate education is
considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to
represent 1 year of full-time study (If that number cannot be obtained from the school,
18 semester hours is considered an academic year of graduate study).
I have less than the full amount of education described in "3" above and less than the
amount of experience described in "1" above, but have a combination of the type of
graduate education described in "3" above and experience described in "1" above.
I do not have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade
level in the Federal service as defined in the statement above.

Grade: All Grades

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

*

1

How did you hear about USPTO job possibilities?

Facebook/Twitter
Friend
Job Fair
Journal/Magazine
Monster
Newspaper
Online Blog/Bulletin Board
Professional Society/Organization
University Career Fair
University Career Placement Office
USAJobs
USPTO employee
USPTO Web Page
Virtual Job Fair
Other

*

2

Have you previously served or currently serving In the United States Armed Forces?

Yes
No

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

*

3

Are you the spouse of a service member with permanent relocation orders?

Yes
No

*

4

Is your spouse (service member) relocating /permanent change of station (PCS) outside your
current geographical area?

Yes
No

*

5

Have you received a permanent position under the authority for military spouse relocation or
PCS move non-competitive appointment?

Yes
No

*

6

Do you have any education/experience in intellectual property?

Yes
*

6.1

Please indicate where you obtained your education in intellectual property
and/or experience in planning and conducting field of search for patent
applications or in reviewing or analyzing patent applications. Please select all
that apply.
USPTO externships
Externships

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

Internships
Patent searcher
Patent law clerk
JD with specialty in patent law
Coursework
Other
I have no experience or education in intellectual property

No

*

7

Are you a current or former Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)?

Yes
*

7.1

Please list your dates of employment at the USPTO. (Maximum length of 250
characters.)

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

No

*

8

Have you passed the Patent Bar Exam?

Yes
*

8.1

Please provide the date you passed the Patent Bar Exam. (Maximum length of
250 characters.)

No

YOUR RESPONSES TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED IN YOUR RESUME. FAILURE TO
SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER(S) IN YOUR RESUME MAY IMPACT YOU OR ELIMINATE YOU FROM
CONSIDERATION.

RESPONSES OF "NA" OR "SEE RESUME" TO THE BELOW QUESTIONS MAY CAUSE YOU TO LOSE
CONSIDERATION.

This statement and the next one contain a list of relevant technical areas. Please refer to them in order to

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

respond to the question following these listed areas: / 1. Digital Communications (e.g. multiplex, computer
networks, information security) / 2. Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems / 3. Memory
Access/control (e.g. EEPROM, Flash memory, volatile memory, MJT, MRAM, PRAM, DRAM) / 4. Computer
Graphics, Graphical User Interface, Visualization / 5. Control Systems (e.g. simulation, modeling, emulation,
well or reservoir, building automation, adaptive control system) / continued on next list.

List of technical areas continued: / 6. Simulations (e.g. emulations, video gaming) / 7. Biomedical Imaging
(e.g. x-ray, signal Analysis, MRI, CT Scan) / 8. Medical Robotics / 9. Medical Diagnostics (biopsy devices; in
vivo sensing and monitoring, e.g. glucose, pulse oximetry, pressure, respiratory, EEG, EMG). / 10. Online
Cryptography, Payment architectures, schemes or protocol, web design of e-commerce interfaces. / 11.
Electrical/Computer Controls for Medical Devices/Systems. / 12. Radio Wave systems (e.g. Radar,
Radio/satellite navigation). /13. Optical and Acoustic wave communication, Seismic, and Sonar Systems;
LADAR; LIDAR; Geophysics/ 14. Video Compression (e.g. HVEC, H.264, H.265).

*

9

Do you possess any education and/or experience in conducting research, analysis, and
application of scientific principles associated with any of the technical areas listed above?

Yes

9.1

Please select those technical areas below in which you have experience
and/or training conducting research, analysis, and application of scientific
principles. Please select all that apply.
Digital Communications (e.g. multiplex, computer networks, information
security).
Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems.
Memory access / control (e.g. EEPROM, Flash memory, volatile memory, MJT,
MRAM, PRAM, DRAM).
Computer Graphics, Graphical User Interface, Visualization.
Control Systems (e.g. simulation, modeling, emulation, well or reservoir,
building automation, adaptive control system).
Simulations (e.g. emulations, video gaming).
Biomedical Imaging (e.g. x-ray, signal Analysis, MRI, CT Scan).

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

Medical Robotics.
Medical Diagnostics (biopsy devices; in vivo sensing and monitoring, e.g.
glucose, pulse oximetry, pressure, respiratory, EEG, EMG).
Online Cryptography, Payment architectures, schemes or protocol, web
design of e-commerce interfaces.
Electrical/Computer Controls for Medical Devices/Systems.
Radio Wave systems (e.g. Radar, Radio/satellite navigation).
Optical and Acoustic wave communication, Seismic, and Sonar Systems;
LADAR; LIDAR; Geophysics.
Video Compression (e.g. HVEC, H.264, H.265)
None of the above.

*

9.2

Please indicate where in your resume this level of experience or education is
described. To receive full credit, be sure to include specific
information/examples of the electrical engineering principles and concepts,
and how this information was presented. (Maximum length of 250 characters.)

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

No

*

10

Select the choice that describes your highest level of experience and/or education orally
communicating with a wide variety of audiences (for example, professors, clients, patent
professionals, superiors, or subordinates) on applying basic electrical engineering principles and
concepts.

I have participated in meetings/interviews to collect or disseminate technical information
from a variety of audiences in the advancement of electrical engineering principles and
concepts.
*

10.1

Please indicate where in your resume this level of experience or education is
described. To receive full credit, be sure to include specific
information/examples of the electrical engineering principles and concepts,
and how this information was presented. (Maximum length of 250 characters.)

I have facilitated discussions on the advancement of electrical engineering principles
and concepts.
*

10.1

Please indicate where in your resume this level of experience or education is
described. To receive full credit, be sure to include specific
information/examples of the electrical engineering principles and concepts,
and how this information was presented. (Maximum length of 250 characters.)

I have presented technical and/or legal information to a wide variety of audiences on
electrical engineering related topics.

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

*

10.1

Please indicate where in your resume this level of experience or education is
described. To receive full credit, be sure to include specific
information/examples of the electrical engineering principles and concepts,
and how this information was presented. (Maximum length of 250 characters.)

I have presented technical and/or legal information to a variety of audiences by
conveying the results of research findings, analysis, rationale, and/or
evaluations/conclusions of fact (for example, through a research project as part of my
coursework, work project, capstone project, or thesis studies) in the application of
electrical engineering principles and concepts.
*

10.1

Please indicate where in your resume this level of experience or education is
described. To receive full credit, be sure to include specific
information/examples of the electrical engineering principles and concepts,
and how this information was presented. (Maximum length of 250 characters.)

I do not have experience and/or education orally communicating with a wide variety of
audiences on applying basic electrical engineering principles and concepts.

*

11

Do you have experience and/or education communicating in writing to develop documents
related to electrical engineering principles and concepts?

Yes
*

11.1

Select the responses that best describe your experience and/or education
communicating in writing to develop documents related to electrical
engineering principles and concepts. Check all that apply.
I have prepared a formal written product for a Capstone or other research
project in the electrical engineering field.
I have written reports, letters or memoranda related to electrical engineering
principles and concepts where I translated complex technical language for
review by non-technical audiences.

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

I have drafted patent applications related to electrical engineering principles
and concepts for clients or professionals in the intellectual property
community.
I have written technical or legal documents related to electrical engineering
principles and concepts.
I do not have experience and/or education communicating in writing to
develop work products related to electrical engineering principles and
concepts.

*

11.2

Please indicate where in your resume this level of experience or education is
described. To receive full credit, be sure to include specific
information/examples of the electrical engineering principles and concepts,
and how this information was presented. (Maximum length of 250 characters.)

No

*

12

Have you held a political appointment within the previous five-year period?

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Seeker - Vacancy - Questions Preview

Yes
No

VIEW VACANCY DETAILS

AGENCY FINANCIAL REPORT
GOBIERNOUSA.GOV
NO FEAR ACT

COMMENT POLICY
COMMERCE ARCHIVE
EEO POLICY
FOIA
IMPROPER PAYMENTS
INFORMATION QUALITY
INSPECTOR GENERAL
PLAIN LANGUAGE
PRIVACY POLICY
RECOVERY.GOV
USA.GOV
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
WHITEHOUSE.GOV

This is a Federal job application system. Providing false information, creating fake IDs, or failing to answer all
questions truthfully and completely may be grounds for not hiring, for disbarment from Federal employment, or for
dismissal after the applicant begins work. Falsifying a Federal job application, attempting to violate the privacy of
others, or attempting to compromise the operation of this system may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (US
Code, Title 18, section 1001).

https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?_ref=smrdcnvnpt0&jnum=112224&orgId=17

Privacy Act Statements
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) collects this information under authority of 5 CFR
339.205. The information in this system of records is used to manage: (a). Name; address; date and place of
birth; Social Security Number; citizenship; physical characteristics; employment and military service history;
credit references and credit records; education; medical history; arrest records; Federal employee relatives;
dates and purpose of visits to foreign countries; passport numbers; names of spouses, relatives, references, and
personal associates; activities; and security; and suitability materials. This system does not include records of
EEO investigations. Such records are covered in a government-wide system noticed by the Office of Personnel
Management and now the responsibility of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (b). Summaries
of personal and third party interviews conducted during the course of the background investigation. (c).
Records of personnel background investigations conducted by other Federal agencies. (d). Records of
adjudicative and HSPD 12 decisions by other Federal agencies, including clearance determinations and/or
polygraph results. The information you provide is protected from disclosure to third parties in accordance with
the Privacy Act.
However, routine uses of this information may include disclosure to the following: to law enforcement and
investigation in the event that the system of records indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether
civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, to a Federal, state, local, or international agency, in response to its
request, to an agency, organization, or individual for the purpose of performing audit or oversight operations
as authorized by law, to non-federal personnel under contract to the agency; to a court for adjudication and
litigation; to the Department of Justice for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) assistance; to members of
congress working on behalf of an individual; to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for personnel
research purposes; to National Archives and Records Administration for inspection of records, and to share
relevant information contained in this system with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which
performs legislative coordination and clearance functions. Failure to provide any part of the requested
information may result in an inability to process requests for access and information. The applicable Privacy
Act System of Records Notice for this information is COMMERCE/PAT-TM-24, Background Investigations:
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 226 / Friday, November 22, 2013 / Notices 70020 available at https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2013-11-22/pdf/2013-27968.pdf