WIPO Technology And Innovation Support Center (TISC) Staff Certification Program

Upskilling and professionalizing WIPO’s global network of TISCs to maximize innovation potential and support knowledge-driven development of developing, least developed and transitional economies.

TISC Foundation Certificate Course (TISCFDNE25S1)

Application Deadline: May 4, 2025

Course Start Date: May 26, 2025

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TISC
(PHOTO: WIPO)

The WIPO TISC Staff Certification Program is a tailored professional training initiative to equip WIPO’s global network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) with essential knowledge, skills and tools needed to effectively deliver IP and innovation management services to inventors, researchers, universities and entrepreneurs in their respective countries.

This program comprises a series of Foundation and Specialization courses structured for TISC professionals to enhance their specific IP and technology expertise, instill best practices, and advance their careers in the field of technology and innovation support.

The program has been designed to accommodate the diverse needs of national TISC networks and will be delivered in a blended learning format, combining,

  • Self-paced eLearning modules with complementary learning resources
  • Online practical exercises and knowledge checks
  • Peer-to-peer discussions
  • Live training seminars
  • TISC training videos
  • Tutor support by IP and TISC experts

Who can participate?

Staff members and officials of WIPO’s global network of Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC).

What's in it for TISC Staff and Officials?

Develop In-Demand Expertise

  • Foundational knowledge on the national and international framework of IP and patents
  • Specialized skills associated with TISC services to support inventors, researchers, and businesses

Flexible and Hands-on Learning

  • Balance professional commitments and learning with self-paced eLearning modules and online knowledge checks
  • Apply learning through practical exercises, and instructor-led interactive workshops

Boost Career Opportunities

  • Improve job performance and professional prospects by expanding your knowledge and skills base
  • Exchange insights and best practices with TISC professionals and IP specialists worldwide

Earn a WIPO Academy Certificate

  • Validate your competencies to enhance professional credentials in IP-related services
  • Stand out as a "WIPO Certified TISC Staff"

Certification Overview

  • The program has two (2) progressive levels of certification courses – Foundation and Specialization.
  • Specialization Certifications will be available starting 2026. The Foundation Certification is mandatory for progressing to Specialization Certifications.
  • TISC Foundation Certificate Course
  • TISC Specialization Certificate Course – Patentability Search

TISC Foundation Certificate Course

This certificate course is composed of two (2) learning phases, followed by a final assessment phase.

Phase 1: eLearning 14 WEEKS

Objective: Learn the fundamentals of intellectual property and related topics relevant to TISCs

Modules:

  1. Introduction to Intellectual Property
  2. Types of Intellectual Property
  3. Patents
  4. Patent Search – Patent and Non-Patent Literature
  5. Efficient and Effective Searching
  6. Patent Filing and Prosecution: An Overview

Mode: Online – WIPO eLearning Centre

Grade: 25% (based on an Assessment at the end of Phase 1)

Phase 2: Live Training Seminar(s) 8 HOURS

Objective: Develop foundational skills for professional development in technology and innovation support services through instructor-led training videos, workshop and exercises focused on building TISC core competencies

Modules:

  1. Introduction
  2. Value of Patent Information
  3. Patent Search Tools and Strategies
  4. Using Patent Classification for Searching
  5. Key Concepts and Considerations in Patent Search
  6. Searching Patents Using Free Patent Databases
  7. Types of Patent Search
  8. Patent Search Exercise
  9. Accessing and Using TISC Resources

Mode: Online – WIPO eLearning Centre and Zoom

Grade: 25% (based on an Assessment at the end of Phase 2)

Final Assessment and WIPO Certificate

Objective: Validate learning through an assessment of combined knowledge, skills, and techniques covered in Phases 1 and 2

Grade: 50% (based on an Assessment at the end of Phase 2)

Location: Online - WIPO E-Learning Centre

WIPO Certificate will be awarded to those who complete Phases 1 and 2 Assessments and the Final Evaluations with an overall score of 65% at the end of the course.

TISC Specialization Certificate Course – Patentability Search

This certificate course will be composed of three (3) learning phases, followed by a final evaluation phase.

Available in 2026

Phase 1: Specialized eLearning

Advanced training in patent search strategies and prior art analysis.

Phase 2: Live Training Seminars

Practical workshops on conducting patentability searches.

Phase 3: Practical TISC Experience

Mentored professional work, and applying learned skills in real-world settings.

For more information

Please contact us at tisc_certification@wipo.int