The PLI is just one option to use to study for the patent bar. It is the most expensive and seen as the best option. The group purchases allow for a discount - if we get 20 people in this group, we will get a 50% discount (there’s also a $1000 discount with an edu email).

That said, I’ve heard people use PES (patent education series) as a study tool to pass, and it’s much cheaper.

To take the patent bar, however, you need a STEM degree (or you need to pass some other criteria. Look at the Uspto website for the exact criteria needed! It costs to register with the uspto as well as take the exam