What is the Common Registration Assessment (CRA)?
The Common Registration Assessment (CRA), formerly the GPhC pre-registration exam, is the mandatory licensing assessment set by the General Pharmaceutical Council. UK pharmacy graduates must pass it to register and practise as pharmacists. It tests clinical therapeutics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and governance, and public health knowledge.
The CRA is computer-based, sat at a Surpass test centre, and held twice a year (June and November). For a full 12-week study plan see our complete CRA study plan guide.
CRA exam format
The CRA is two papers sat on one day: Part 1: 40 free-numerical calculation questions in 2 hours; Part 2: 120 multiple-choice questions (90 single best answer + 30 extended matching) in 2.5 hours. From 2026, calculators are permitted in both parts (own model from the GPhC-approved list, or the Surpass on-screen calculator, which in Part 2 only appears on questions that need a calculation).
More detail on timing, question types and how the framework weights topics is on the exam format page. When results arrive, see results and feedback. Looking for past papers? See what the GPhC actually publishes. For timed practice, see how to use mock exams.
Single best answer (SBA)
Choose the single best answer from 5 options. This is the most common question format.
Extended matching questions (EMQ)
Match clinical scenarios to the most appropriate option from a longer list of answers.
Calculation questions
Solve pharmaceutical calculations and enter numerical answers directly.
GPhC exam dates 2026
The Common Registration Assessment is held twice in 2026. The dates are:
- June 2026 - Tuesday 16 June, results 21 July
- November 2026 - Tuesday 10 November, results 16 December (applications closed 27 August)
- June 2027 - Tuesday 15 June, results 20 July 2027
Full timetable on the exam dates page. Check the official GPhC website for changes; the June 2027 dates are now published. How the pass mark works: GPhC pass mark explained.
What topics are covered?
The GPhC exam covers all areas of the GPhC framework for initial education and training:
Pharmaceutical calculations
Dosage calculations, dilutions, concentrations, IV flow rates
Clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Drug interactions, patient counseling, evidence-based practice
Pharmacy law and ethics
Legal requirements, controlled drugs, professional standards
Pharmacology
Drug mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects
Pharmaceutics
Drug formulation, stability, pharmaceutical technology
Public health
Health promotion, screening, disease prevention
How to prepare for the GPhC exam
1. Start early
Begin your preparation at least 12 weeks (3 months) before your exam date. This gives you enough time to cover all topics, practice extensively, and address weak areas.
2. Practise questions daily
Complete 30-50 practice questions every day. Focus on understanding the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Quality matters more than quantity.
3. Take regular mock exams
Take full-length mock exams under timed conditions every 1-2 weeks. This builds exam stamina and helps you manage time effectively on the day.
4. Focus on calculations
Practice pharmaceutical calculations daily. Learn common formulas, shortcuts, and avoid common mistakes. Calculations questions can make or break your result. Work through the GPhC calculations topic guides, one question type at a time, then check yourself with the free practice questions.
5. Review weak areas
Use practice analytics to identify your weak areas and focus extra time on these topics. Don't neglect any area completely.
Try practice before you pay
- Try the free demo questions, 15 questions, no sign-up required.
- See what the demo looks like with real screenshots.
- Work through eight original calculation questions with full answers.
- Compare question banks by advertised price, with our ownership disclosed.
GPhC exam pass rate
Pass rates vary between sittings. In November 2025, 60% of first-attempt candidates passed, according to the GPhC results announcement; our resit guide has the breakdown by attempt. Focused practice helps you prepare for the format.
PreRegExamPrep gives you exam-format practice and worked answers, the kind of focused practice associated with better preparation outcomes.
What if I fail the GPhC exam?
If you don't pass, you can retake the exam. However:
- You can sit the assessment a maximum of three times within the time limit available to apply
- An application fee applies for each sitting, and fees are not refunded once paid
- You need to apply again for the next sitting during its application window
Given the limit on attempts and the cost, it's worth investing in thorough preparation to maximize your chances of passing first time.