GPhC Exam Basics — FAQ

The GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) pre-registration exam is a mandatory assessment that pharmacy graduates in the UK must pass to become registered pharmacists. It tests clinical knowledge, pharmaceutical calculations, and professional practice across all areas of the GPhC framework.

The Common Registration Assessment (CRA) is two papers sat on one day at a Surpass test centre. Part 1: 40 free-numerical calculation questions over 2 hours. Part 2: 120 multiple-choice questions (90 single best answer + 30 extended matching) over 2.5 hours. From 2026 calculators are permitted in both parts.

The official GPhC pre-registration assessment pass rate typically ranges from 70-80% for first-time candidates, varying between sittings. The General Pharmaceutical Council publishes results after each sitting on its website.

The GPhC exam is held twice per year in 2026, typically in June and September. Exact dates are announced by the GPhC several months in advance. Registration opens approximately 3 months before each sitting. Check the official GPhC website for confirmed dates.

The GPhC exam sitting fee is approximately £237 per attempt. This is separate from any preparation costs. If you fail, you must wait 6 months before the next attempt and pay the fee again, making proper preparation a worthwhile investment.

Single Best Answer (SBA) questions, Extended Matching Questions (EMQ), and pharmaceutical calculations. The CRA framework lists three core content areas: clinical therapeutics (15 areas, in priority order — cardiovascular leads), law/governance/regulation, and pharmacy and healthcare calculations. All content draws on BNF, BNFC, NICE guidance, MHRA safety alerts, and UK pharmacy law.

The national first-time pass rate typically ranges from 70-80%, varying between sittings. Consistent practice with timed mock exams and worked-answer review is associated with better preparation outcomes.