Common Registration Assessment · Format
GPhC exam format: structure, timing and question types
What is in each part, how long you get, how the questions work on screen, and how the framework decides what gets asked.
Updated 1 October 2026
- Part 1
- 40 calculations, 2 hours
- Part 2
- 120 questions, 2.5 hours
- Delivery
- On screen, UK test centre
The two parts side by side
| Section | Format | Questions | Time | Rough pace | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Calculations | 40 questions | 2 hours (120 minutes) | About 3 minutes | Numerical free entry. The units are stated in the question and next to the answer box. |
| Part 2, Section 1 | Single best answer (SBA) | 90 questions | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) for all of Part 2 | About 75 seconds, shared across Part 2 | Five options each. Choose the most appropriate. |
| Part 2, Section 2 | Extended matching (EMQ) | 15 sets of 2 questions (30 questions) | Part of the same 150 minutes | About 75 seconds, shared across Part 2 | Each set shares the same eight options. |
Pace is simple arithmetic from the published totals (120 minutes for 40 calculations, 150 minutes for 120 questions), not a GPhC recommendation. A scheduled break sits between Part 1 and Part 2.
How the questions behave on screen
- Question order is randomised. In Part 2 it is randomised within each section, and the two questions in an extended matching set stay together.
- In Part 1 you type a number into a box. The required units are stated in the question and beside the box, so check them before you enter an answer.
- In Part 2 you select the most appropriate option from those on screen.
- Some questions in both parts come with resources, such as a reference document, shown in a PDF viewer inside the test platform.
- Text is black on a light grey or white background, and you can zoom in, zoom out and reset zoom from the keyboard.
Calculators
A calculator is permitted in both parts. You can use the on-screen calculator or bring one approved model. In Part 2 the on-screen calculator only shows on questions that need a calculation. The approved models and how to choose between them are on our approved calculator page.
The framework: what actually gets asked
Every question is derived from the Common Registration Assessment framework, which sets out learning outcomes and how heavily each one is weighted. The Board of Assessors says in its feedback that trainees should use the framework as the foundation for their preparation. The GPhC publishes the current framework on its sitting page.
| Share of questions mapped to | June 2025 | November 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| High weighted outcomes | 67.1% | 67.8% |
| Medium weighted outcomes | 27.1% | 27.3% |
| Low weighted outcomes | 5.8% | 4.9% |
Roughly two questions in three come from the outcomes the framework weights highest. That is a reason to cover those outcomes first and well, not a reason to skip the rest: more than a quarter of questions still come from medium weighted outcomes. These figures describe two past sittings, not a forecast.
Where to go next
- Exam dates and booking
- Pass marks from recent sittings
- Results day and Board feedback
- Calculation topics for Part 1
- A 12-week study plan
Frequently asked questions
Is the GPhC exam multiple choice?
Part 2 is. It has 120 multiple-choice questions: 90 single best answer questions with five options and 15 sets of extended matching questions. Part 1 is not multiple choice. It has 40 calculations where you type a numerical answer.
How long is the GPhC exam?
Part 1 is 2 hours and Part 2 is 2.5 hours, with a scheduled break between them. That is 4.5 hours of testing time in total, not counting the break.
Is the GPhC exam computer-based?
Yes. It is delivered on screen in Surpass-partnered test centres in the UK. A paper-based assessment is not available.
Are the questions in a fixed order?
No. Question order is randomised. In Part 2 the order is randomised within each section, and the two questions in each extended matching set appear together.
Can I use a calculator in Part 2?
Yes. A calculator is permitted in both parts. You can use the on-screen calculator or an approved physical model. In Part 2 the on-screen calculator only appears on questions that need a calculation.
What is the syllabus?
The GPhC publishes an assessment framework that lists learning outcomes and their weightings, and every question is derived from it. The Board of Assessors tells trainees to use the framework as the foundation for their preparation.
How much does the framework weighting matter?
A lot. In the November 2025 sitting 67.8% of questions mapped to high weighted outcomes, 27.3% to medium and 4.9% to low. In June 2025 the split was 67.1%, 27.1% and 5.8%.
Practise in the real format
Single best answer, extended matching and calculation questions with worked answers.