Section 1

Balancing GPhC exam prep with part-time work is a common challenge faced by many pharmacy students. As you navigate the rigours of your academic commitments alongside employment, the key to success lies in mastering effective time management, employing strategic study techniques, and prioritising your overall well-being. This guide will furnish you with practical advice to help you successfully juggle these responsibilities.

Understanding the Challenge

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) exams are pivotal in your journey to becoming a qualified pharmacist, and they require considerable preparation. Research indicates that students who manage their time effectively can enhance their academic performance significantly. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy Education found that students who employed structured study schedules scored, on average, 15% higher than their peers who did not.

Factors to Consider:

Work Hours: Many pharmacy students work part-time, often between 10-20 hours a week. Balancing these hours with study commitments can lead to stress if not managed properly.

Study Load: The GPhC exam preparation generally requires 300-400 hours of focused study, which can be daunting alongside part-time employment.

Effective Time Management Strategies

To successfully balance GPhC exam prep and part-time work, implementing robust time management strategies is essential. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Create a Structured Study Schedule

Use a Planner: Invest in a physical planner or a digital calendar like Google Calendar to map out your study and work hours.

Set Specific Study Goals: Break down your study material into manageable sections and allocate specific days and times for each topic. For instance, dedicate Monday evenings to pharmacology and Wednesday afternoons to law and ethics.

Prioritise Tasks: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Focus on high-priority subjects that are likely to appear in the exam.

2. Leverage Your Work Environment

Utilise Breaks Wisely: If your part-time job allows for breaks, use this time to review flashcards or listen to relevant podcasts.

Engage with Colleagues: Discuss pharmacy-related topics with colleagues during downtime. This not only reinforces your knowledge but also improves retention.

3. Implement the Pomodoro Technique

Study in Intervals: Use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This method can enhance focus and prevent burnout.

Track Your Progress: At the end of each week, review what you’ve accomplished. Adjust your study schedule based on what needs more attention.

Maintaining Well-Being

While academic and work commitments are critical, your health and well-being should always come first. Here are some strategies to maintain a healthy balance:

1. Set Boundaries

Define Work Hours: Communicate clearly with your employer about your availability and try to avoid overextending your work hours during peak study periods.

Limit Distractions: Create a study environment free from distractions. This may involve turning off your phone or using apps that block social media.

2. Prioritise Self-Care

Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, as studies show that regular exercise can improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels.

Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, which is vital for effective exam preparation.

3. Seek Support

Study Groups: Join or form a study group with fellow pharmacy students. Collaborative learning can provide motivation and enhance understanding of complex topics.

Talk to Advisors: If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to academic advisors or mental health services provided by your institution for guidance and support.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive approach to your GPhC exam prep and part-time work, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling student life. Remember, every small step counts towards your larger goal of becoming a qualified pharmacist.

Creating a Realistic Study Plan

Building a realistic study plan is crucial for success in your GPhC exam preparation, especially when balancing it with part-time work. A well-structured study plan not only helps to manage your time effectively but also reduces stress and enhances your productivity. Here’s how to create a study plan that works for you:

1. Break Down the GPhC Framework

The GPhC exam covers a wide range of topics, and it can be overwhelming to tackle them all at once. To make your preparation more manageable, break down the GPhC framework into smaller, focused segments. Here’s how:

• Identify Key Topics: Review the GPhC framework and identify which areas carry the most weight in the exam. For instance, clinical pharmacy and therapeutics often feature prominently.
• Create a Topic List: List these topics and assign them priority levels based on their weight and your confidence in each area.
• Daily Task Breakdown: Divide your topics into daily tasks. For example, if you have two weeks until your exam and ten major topics to cover, aim to study at least one topic every two days.

2. Implement Time-Boxing Techniques

Time-boxing is an effective technique to maintain focus and momentum without leading to burnout. Here’s how to implement it in your study routine:

• Set Specific Study Blocks: Allocate specific times for studying, such as 9 AM to 11 AM. During this time, focus solely on your study material without distractions.
• Use a Timer: Consider using the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This helps maintain concentration and prevents fatigue.
• Reflect and Adjust: After each study session, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and adjust your plan if necessary. Are there topics that need more time? Are you progressing as expected?

3. Incorporate Part-Time Work into Your Study Plan

For students juggling part-time work, integrating your work schedule into your study plan is essential for achieving a healthy balance. Here are some practical steps:

• Honest Assessment of Availability: Determine how many hours you can realistically dedicate to studying each day, considering your work commitments. For example, if you work 20 hours a week, you might only have 2-3 hours of study time available on weekdays.
• Create a Weekly Overview: Draft a weekly planner outlining your work schedule alongside your study goals. This visual representation can help you see when you have free time to study.

Example Weekly Planner:

Monday: Work 4 PM - 8 PM; Study 9 AM - 1 PM (Clinical Pharmacy)

Tuesday: Work 10 AM - 2 PM; Study 3 PM - 6 PM (Pharmacology)

Wednesday: Work 5 PM - 9 PM; Study 9 AM - 12 PM (Therapeutics)

4. Stay Flexible and Adaptable

While having a study plan is crucial, flexibility is equally important. Unexpected events, such as work shifts or personal commitments, can arise. Here’s how to remain adaptable:

• Build Buffer Time: Include buffer days in your study plan where you can catch up on topics you may have missed or need to revise.
• Prioritise Based on Progress: If you find certain topics easier than expected, adjust your plan to spend more time on challenging areas. Regularly assessing your progress will keep you on track.

5. Practical Tips for Effective Study

To maximise your study sessions, consider these actionable tips:

• Utilise Technology: Use apps like Trello or Todoist to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. These tools can help you manage your study schedule effectively.
• Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can enhance understanding and retention of complex topics. Setting regular group study sessions can also help keep you motivated.
• Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritise self-care. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet contribute significantly to cognitive function and overall well-being, making your study efforts more effective.

Conclusion

Creating a realistic study plan for your GPhC exam preparation while working part-time requires careful planning and time management. By breaking down the exam content, implementing effective study techniques, and remaining adaptable to changes, you can achieve a successful balance. Remember, consistency is key, and with a well-structured plan, you can navigate through your studies with confidence and ease.

Employing Active Revision Techniques

To maximise your GPhC exam prep while juggling part-time work, it's crucial to employ active revision techniques that engage your mind and enhance retention. Passive reading often leads to surface-level understanding, while active methods encourage deeper cognitive processing. Here are several effective strategies to incorporate into your study routine:

1. Summarise Key Points

• Paraphrasing: After reading a section of your study material, try to summarise the key points in your own words. This not only reinforces your understanding but also helps in identifying areas where you need further clarification. For example, after studying a chapter on pharmacodynamics, jot down a brief summary of how drugs interact with their receptors and the implications for therapeutic outcomes.

• Mind Mapping: Create visual representations of the information. Use mind maps to connect concepts, which can help in understanding complex relationships between different subjects, such as drug interactions or mechanisms of action.

2. Use Flashcards Effectively

• Creating Flashcards: Develop flashcards for important terms, drug classifications, or key concepts. For instance, you could create a flashcard for each class of antibiotics, detailing their mechanism of action, side effects, and examples.

• Digital Flashcard Apps: Consider using apps like Anki or Quizlet, which allow you to create digital flashcards and use spaced repetition algorithms. Research shows that spaced repetition can significantly enhance retention rates, with studies indicating improvements in recall by up to 30%.

3. Explain Concepts Out Loud

• Teach Back Method: Choose a topic and explain it as if you are teaching it to someone else. This method, often referred to as the "Feynman Technique," forces you to clarify your understanding and articulate your thoughts clearly. For example, explain the process of drug metabolism and the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes to a study partner or even to yourself in front of a mirror.

• Recording Yourself: Record your explanations and listen to them while commuting to work or during breaks. This auditory reinforcement can aid memory retention and provide a different way to engage with the material.

4. Practice Retrieval

• Self-Testing: Regularly quiz yourself on the material you’ve studied. This could be through practice exams or by using question banks specifically tailored for the GPhC exam. Research shows that retrieval practice can boost long-term retention significantly.

• Group Study Sessions: Join or form a study group where members take turns quizzing each other. This social aspect can make revision more enjoyable and less isolating, which is particularly beneficial when balancing part-time work and studies.

5. Incorporate Real-Life Scenarios

• Case Studies: Engage with real-life case studies relevant to pharmacy practice. This not only aids in understanding theoretical concepts in a practical context but also prepares you for the application of knowledge in real-world situations. For example, consider how you would counsel a patient on a new medication, detailing potential side effects and drug interactions.

• Reflective Practice: Keep a reflective journal where you document your thoughts on case studies, what you learned, and how it can be applied in practice. This will help solidify your learning and provide a resource for future revision.

Conclusion

By implementing these active revision techniques, you can create a more dynamic and effective study environment that complements your GPhC exam prep, even with a busy schedule due to part-time work.

Remember that time management is key—set aside specific times each week dedicated solely to these active revision techniques to ensure consistent progress. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day, and adjust based on your work schedule. With dedication and the right strategies, you will be well-equipped to excel in your GPhC exams.

Making Practice Questions a Core Study Tool

Incorporating practice questions into your GPhC exam prep is not just beneficial—it is essential. They serve as a critical component of your study strategy, allowing you to reinforce your knowledge, identify weak areas, and develop the exam techniques necessary for success. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively use practice questions as a core study tool while balancing your part-time work commitments.

Start Early and Create a Question Bank

Begin Early: The earlier you start integrating practice questions into your study routine, the better prepared you’ll be. Aim to begin this process at least three months before the exam date. This timeline allows ample opportunity to cover all topics and revisit challenging areas.

Build Your Own Question Bank: Consider creating a personalised question bank. This can include:

• Official GPhC past papers: Utilising past exam papers is invaluable as it familiarises you with the exam format and question style.
• Online resources: Websites such as the GPhC website and other pharmacy education platforms often provide practice questions.
• Textbook questions: Many pharmacy textbooks come with practice questions at the end of each chapter, which can enhance your understanding of the material.

Identify and Target Weak Areas

Perform a Self-Assessment: Before diving into practice questions, take a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to focus your efforts effectively.

• Example: If you find that you struggle with calculations, allocate more time to practice those specific types of questions.

Track Your Progress: Use a spreadsheet or study app to log your practice question results. This will help you monitor improvement over time and identify persistent weak areas.

Review Explanations and Rationales

Thoroughly Review Answers: For every question you practice, take the time to review the explanations provided, especially for questions you answered incorrectly. Understanding why a particular answer is correct reinforces learning.

• Tip: After reviewing, try to rephrase the explanation in your own words. This can help solidify your understanding.

Set a Structured Practice Schedule

Incorporate Study Blocks: To balance your GPhC exam prep with part-time work, schedule specific study blocks for practice questions. Consider the following:

• Short Sessions: Aim for 30-45 minute focused sessions, which can easily fit around your work schedule.
• Regular Intervals: Designate specific days of the week for practice questions—e.g., Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This consistency builds a routine that can enhance retention.

Use Different Question Formats

Mix It Up: To prepare adequately for the variety of questions you may encounter in the GPhC exam, practice with different question formats:

• Multiple choice questions (MCQs): These are common in the GPhC exam and require quick decision-making.
• Scenario-based questions: These assess your ability to apply knowledge in practical situations, mimicking real-life pharmacy scenarios.
• Calculation questions: Regular practice with these will enhance your speed and accuracy, crucial for time management during the exam.

Consider Group Study Sessions

Collaborate with Peers: Studying with classmates can provide additional insights and support. Organise regular study groups where you can quiz each other on practice questions.

• Benefit: Discussing questions and rationales with peers can deepen understanding and expose you to different perspectives on problem-solving.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating practice questions into your GPhC exam prep will not only enhance your knowledge but also improve your confidence as you approach the exam. Balancing this preparation with part-time work may seem challenging, but with effective time management and strategic study practices, you can set yourself up for success.

Remember:

Start early

Create a structured schedule

Regularly review your progress

Utilise various question formats

By making practice questions a core study tool, you can optimise your study time and approach the GPhC exam with confidence.

Simulating Real Exam Conditions

Regularly practice under exam conditions to adapt to the pressure and timing of the actual GPhC exam. This helps in managing anxiety and improving exam stamina.

Prioritizing High-Yield Topics

When preparing for the GPhC exam while managing part-time work, it's essential to prioritise your study efforts effectively. Focusing disproportionately on high-yield topics—those areas that are frequently tested and carry significant weight in the exam—can greatly enhance your chances of success. Here’s how to strategically approach your study plan:

Identifying High-Yield Topics

• Understand Key Areas:
• Calculations: This includes dosage calculations, dilution, and concentration problems. For example, being proficient in calculating the correct dose of a medication based on a patient’s weight is crucial.
• Clinical Decision-Making: Familiarise yourself with common clinical scenarios, such as choosing the right therapy for conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Understanding guidelines and evidence-based practices in these areas is vital.

• Review Past Papers:
• Consult Previous Exams: Reviewing past GPhC exam papers can provide insight into frequently tested topics. A study by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society indicated that approximately 30% of exam questions consistently revolve around a small number of high-yield topics.
• Create a Topic Checklist: As you review past papers, create a checklist of high-yield topics that appear regularly. This will help you focus your study sessions on the most relevant material.

Grouping Similar Question Types

• Pattern Recognition:
• Categorise Questions: Organise questions into categories such as calculations, therapeutic knowledge, and legal/ethical considerations. This aids in developing a mental framework that can enhance recall during the exam.
• Practice with Purpose: For example, if you group all therapeutic-related questions, you can focus on the rationale behind drug selection in specific cases. This will help you understand not just the "what" but the "why" of clinical decisions.

Practical Tips for Effective Study

• Utilise Active Learning Techniques:
• Engage in active recall and spaced repetition. For instance, after studying a high-yield topic, try to explain it to a peer or write down everything you remember without looking at your notes.

• Set Time Limits:
• When studying high-yield topics, set a timer for focused study sessions (e.g., 25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break, known as the Pomodoro Technique). This can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout, especially when balancing study with part-time work.

• Incorporate Practice Questions:
• Regularly incorporate practice questions into your study routine. Use question banks focused on high-yield topics to simulate exam conditions and improve your time management skills. Aim for at least 10 practice questions per study session.

Regular Review Sessions

• Weekly Recaps: Dedicate time each week to review high-yield topics. This can take the form of flashcards, summary notes, or group study sessions. Consistent review ensures that information stays fresh in your mind.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a log of which topics you’ve mastered and which require further attention. Tools like spreadsheets or study apps can help you visualise your progress and allocate time more effectively.

Conclusion

By prioritising high-yield topics, grouping similar question types, and employing practical study strategies, you can maximise your GPhC exam prep even while working part-time. Remember, the key to success lies in strategic time management and focused study efforts. Balancing work and study is challenging, but with a clear plan and dedication, you can achieve your goals and excel in your exams.

Utilizing Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a powerful learning technique that can significantly enhance your long-term retention of information, which is particularly beneficial when preparing for the GPhC exam while managing part-time work. By revisiting important topics at increasing intervals, you create a structured approach to learning that optimises your study time. Here’s how to effectively implement this strategy in your exam preparation.

Understanding Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is based on the psychological spacing effect, which suggests that information is more easily recalled if it is studied a few times over a long period rather than crammed in a short time. This technique can be particularly effective for pharmacy students, who must memorise vast amounts of information, including drug mechanisms, side effects, and therapeutic guidelines.

Key Benefits:

Improves Retention: Research indicates that spaced repetition can increase retention rates by up to 30% compared to traditional study methods. This can be crucial for mastering the comprehensive material required for the GPhC exam.

Efficient Use of Time: Instead of spending hours revising topics that you may already know, spaced repetition helps you focus on areas that require more attention, making your study sessions more productive.

Implementing Spaced Repetition

To effectively utilise spaced repetition in your GPhC exam prep, consider the following practical steps:

• Choose the Right Tools:
• Digital Flashcards: Applications like Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise allow you to create digital flashcards that use spaced repetition algorithms. These tools automatically reschedule your reviews based on how well you know each topic.
• Calendar Reminders: If you prefer non-digital methods, you can set up a study calendar. Schedule revisits to topics based on your confidence level; for example:
• High Confidence: Review in 1 week
• Moderate Confidence: Review in 3 weeks
• Low Confidence: Review in 1 month

• Organise Your Study Material:
• Break Down Topics: Divide your study material into manageable sections. For instance, instead of studying “cardiovascular drugs” as one block, break it down into subclasses like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics.
• Create a Revision Schedule: Use a weekly planner to allocate specific days for each topic. Incorporate regular review sessions to solidify your understanding.

• Active Engagement:
• Practice Retrieval: When revisiting a topic, try to recall information without looking at your notes. This active recall strengthens memory retention.
• Teach Others: Explaining concepts to peers or even to yourself can deepen your understanding and highlight areas that need further review.

• Evaluate Your Progress:
• Track Your Learning: Regularly assess your knowledge through quizzes or practice exams. This not only helps with retention but also simulates exam conditions, which can reduce anxiety.
• Adjust Your Schedule: Be flexible; if you find certain areas are more challenging, adjust your review intervals accordingly to spend more time on those topics.

Conclusion

By integrating spaced repetition into your GPhC exam preparation, you can maximise your study efficiency while balancing part-time work. This method not only aids in retaining critical pharmacological knowledge but also helps in building a solid foundation for your future career as a pharmacist. Remember, consistency is key. Establish a routine that incorporates spaced repetition, and you will likely see improvements in your exam performance and overall confidence.

Preserving Energy and Mental Health

Balancing GPhC exam preparation with part-time work can be a demanding endeavour, making it crucial to prioritise your energy levels and mental well-being. Here are several strategies to help you maintain that balance effectively:

1. Prioritise Sleep

Importance of Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall health. Research indicates that adults typically need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Insufficient sleep can lead to decreased focus and productivity, which can adversely affect both your studies and work performance.

Tips for Better Sleep:

Create a Sleep Schedule: Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by phones and computers can disrupt your sleep cycle. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath to signal your body that it's time to wind down.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Nutritional Needs: A well-balanced diet fuels your body and mind. Nutrient-rich foods improve concentration, memory, and mental clarity, which are vital during exam prep.

Actionable Dietary Tips:

Schedule Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals. Aim for three balanced meals and healthy snacks throughout the day.

Incorporate Brain Foods: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish and walnuts), antioxidants (berries and dark chocolate), and whole grains for sustained energy levels.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Aim for at least 2 litres of water per day, more if you're physically active.

3. Take Regular Breaks

The Importance of Breaks: Continuous studying can decrease productivity and lead to burnout. Research suggests that taking short breaks can enhance focus and retention of information.

Effective Break Strategies:

Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

Engage in Physical Activity: Use breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or do some light exercise. Physical activity boosts endorphin levels and helps clear your mind.

Practice Mindfulness: Consider incorporating short mindfulness or meditation sessions during your breaks to help reduce stress levels.

4. Recognise Signs of Burnout

Identifying Burnout: Burnout can manifest through symptoms such as chronic fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, and feelings of overwhelm. Recognising these signs early is critical to implementing changes before they escalate.

Signs to Watch For:

Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep

Increased cynicism or negative outlook on your studies or job

Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

5. Seek Support

Importance of Support Systems: Engaging with friends, family, or fellow students can provide emotional support and practical advice. Sharing your experiences can help alleviate stress and offer new perspectives on managing your workload.

Ways to Connect:

Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers to share resources and study techniques. This can make learning more engaging and less isolating.

Talk to Your Employer: If work becomes overwhelming, discuss your situation with your employer. They may be willing to adjust your hours to accommodate your study schedule.

Utilise University Resources: Many universities offer counselling services, stress management workshops, and academic support. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Conclusion

Balancing GPhC exam preparation with part-time work is undoubtedly challenging, but by prioritising your energy and mental health, you can navigate this period more effectively. Implementing these strategies not only helps you perform better academically but also ensures that you maintain a healthy work-life balance, setting you up for success in your pharmacy career. Remember, taking care of yourself is the foundation upon which your educational and professional aspirations will build.

Creating a Mistake Log

A mistake log helps in identifying and addressing repeated errors. Review this log to focus your revision on areas that will most improve your score.

Final Weeks Preparation

In the last two weeks, refine your focus on weak areas, practice mixed question sets, and employ quick revision techniques. Avoid adding new material to your study plan.

Exam Week Strategy

The week leading up to your GPhC exam is crucial for consolidating your knowledge and ensuring you are mentally prepared. It’s essential to approach this period with a clear strategy that balances review and rest, especially when juggling part-time work. Here are some actionable strategies to optimise your exam preparation during this critical time.

1. Prioritise Rest and Recovery

Sleep is often undervalued during exam preparations, yet it plays a vital role in memory consolidation and cognitive function. Research indicates that adults require 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night for optimal performance.

• Schedule Rest Days: Plan to take one or two days off work if possible, allowing for uninterrupted study time and mental recovery.
• Power Naps: If you find yourself fatigued, a 20-minute power nap can increase alertness and cognitive performance, helping you to retain information more effectively.

2. Focus on Light Review

Cramming is not an effective way to absorb information, especially during the final week before the GPhC exam. Instead, focus on light review of key concepts.

• Flashcards for Key Terms: Create flashcards for essential terminology, drug classifications, and clinical guidelines. This method promotes active recall, which is more effective than passive reading.
• Mind Maps: Develop mind maps to visualise connections between different topics. This technique can help reinforce your understanding and recall during the exam.

3. Refresh Key Formulas and Frameworks

Revisiting critical frameworks and formulas is essential for success in the GPhC exam.

• Create Cheat Sheets: Summarise important formulas, guidelines, and frameworks on a single sheet that you can review daily. This can help reinforce your memory and give you a quick reference guide.
• Practice with Past Papers: Engage in practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment. This practice can help you become more comfortable with the format and time constraints.

4. Develop an Exam Strategy

Going into the exam with a clear strategy can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your performance.

• Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each question during the exam. For example, if your exam consists of 100 questions and lasts 3 hours, aim to spend no more than 1.5 minutes per question.
• Answering Technique: Start with questions you feel most confident about. This can boost your confidence and help you manage your time effectively. Return to more challenging questions later.

5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is often overlooked but is crucial for cognitive function.

• Healthy Snacks: Stock up on brain-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and yogurt. These foods can provide sustained energy without the crash that comes from sugary snacks.
• Hydration: Aim to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration, which can hinder your study efforts.

Conclusion

Balancing GPhC exam prep with part-time work requires discipline, strategic planning, and self-care. By prioritising rest, focusing on light review, refreshing vital information, developing an exam strategy, and maintaining good nutrition, you can enhance your performance. Remember, achieving success in your GPhC exam is not just about hard work; it’s also about working smart and taking care of your well-being. With these strategies in place, you can confidently approach your exam and manage your work commitments effectively.