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.

Pass rates vary between sittings. In November 2025, 60% of first-attempt candidates passed, according to the GPhC results announcement. The General Pharmaceutical Council publishes results after each sitting on its website.

The Common Registration Assessment is held twice a year. In 2026 it sat on Tuesday 16 June and sits again on Tuesday 10 November; applications for November closed on 27 August 2026. The next sitting open for application is Tuesday 15 June 2027, with results on Tuesday 20 July 2027.

An application fee applies for each sitting, and it is not refunded once paid. Check the GPhC website for the current fee. It is separate from any preparation costs, so proper preparation is 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.

In November 2025, 60% of first-attempt candidates passed, according to the GPhC results announcement, and rates vary between sittings. Consistent practice with timed mock exams and worked-answer review is associated with better preparation outcomes.