GPhC Exam Format in 2026
The GPhC exam in 2026 consists of two separate parts with a total of 160 questions and 4.5 hours of exam time:
Part 1: Pharmaceutical Calculations
40 calculation questions in 2 hours (120 minutes)
You'll solve pharmaceutical calculations and enter numerical answers directly. Calculators are permitted (a candidate's own model from the GPhC-approved list, or the Surpass on-screen calculator).
Part 2: Clinical & Professional Knowledge
120 questions in 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- 90 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions
- 15 Extended Matching Question (EMQ) sets (30 questions total)
Both parts are completed on the same day with a short break in between. You must pass both parts to pass the overall exam.
Key Dates for 2026
Important dates for the June 2026 GPhC exam sitting:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 22 January 2026 |
| Reasonable adjustments deadline | 23 February 2026 |
| Application deadline | 14 April 2026 |
| Exam date | 16 June 2026 |
| Results released | 21 July 2026 |
| First registration date | 1 August 2026 |
Note: Autumn 2026 dates will be announced by the GPhC later in the year. Typically, the Autumn sitting takes place in September or October.
What's New for 2026
Several important changes have been introduced for the 2026 GPhC exam:
Standardised Exam for All Candidates
From 2026, there is one exam for all candidates. Previously, independent prescriber (IP) trainees took a different exam with additional IP content. Now everyone takes the same assessment.
Independent Prescriber Content Removed
The exam no longer includes questions specifically about independent prescribing. If you're training as an IP, you'll still take the same exam as non-IP trainees.
No Additional Placement for Third Attempt
Previously, failing the exam three times meant you had to complete an additional 13-week training placement. This requirement has been removed from 2026 onwards.
Eligibility Requirements
Your eligibility to sit the GPhC exam depends on your training window and which attempt this is:
| Sitting | Training Window | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| First attempt | Completed 39+ weeks | None |
| Second attempt | Full 52 weeks completed | Failed first attempt |
| Third attempt onwards | Full 52 weeks completed | Failed previous attempts |
You must be enrolled in a GPhC-approved pre-registration training programme and have your tutor's approval to sit the exam.
Exam Day: What to Expect
Arrival and Check-In
Arrive at your Surpass test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. You'll need to present valid photo ID (passport or UK driving licence) that exactly matches the name on your registration.
What's Provided
The test centre provides an on-screen calculator (available in both Part 1 and Part 2 from 2026), a whiteboard and marker for rough work, and noise-cancelling headphones if needed. From 2026 you may bring your own calculator from the GPhC-approved list. You cannot bring a phone or study materials into the exam room.
Break Between Parts
After completing Part 1 (calculations) at 12:00, you'll have a 2-hour-15-minute scheduled break before Part 2 starts at 14:15. The break is long enough to leave the venue and eat properly. Most candidates underestimate how much the lunch break matters — managing anxiety during it is a real task in itself.
Flagging Questions
You can flag questions for review within each part. Use this feature to mark questions you're unsure about and return to them before submitting. Make sure to answer every question - there's no penalty for incorrect answers.
Results & What Happens Next
Results are typically released 5 weeks after the exam date (21 July 2026 for the June sitting). You'll receive your results via email and through the GPhC portal.
If You Pass
- Apply for provisional GPhC registration immediately
- Your first registration date will be 1 August 2026
- Complete any remaining training requirements
- Apply for full registration once all requirements met
- Begin practicing as a registered pharmacist
If You Don't Pass
- Review your performance report to identify weak areas
- Register for the next available sitting (Autumn 2026)
- Pay the £237 exam fee again
- Focus your preparation on areas where you scored lowest
- Consider using additional study resources or revision courses
Remember: From 2026, there is no limit to the number of attempts, and you don't need to complete additional training placements if you fail multiple times. However, each attempt requires the full exam fee.
Future of the GPhC Exam
The GPhC has been consulting on whether to scrap the pre-registration exam entirely as part of broader reforms to pharmacy education and training. Some stakeholders argue that the exam is redundant given the rigorous university assessments and year-long training period.
However, for 2026, the exam remains mandatory for all pre-registration trainees. Any changes to the exam format or requirement would be announced well in advance and would not affect current trainees.
Stay updated: Check the official GPhC website regularly for announcements about future changes to the pre-registration pathway and exam requirements.