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).
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 GPhC exam is typically held twice per year. The 2026 exam dates are:
- June 2026 - Exact dates announced by GPhC
- September 2026 - Exact dates announced by GPhC
Registration opens approximately 3 months before each sitting. Check the official GPhC website for confirmed dates and registration deadlines.
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 & Therapeutics
Drug interactions, patient counseling, evidence-based practice
Pharmacy Law & 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. Practice 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.
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.
GPhC Exam Pass Rate
The national GPhC exam pass rate typically ranges from 70-80% for first-time candidates, though this varies between sittings. With proper preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of passing.
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 must wait at least 6 months before your next attempt
- You'll need to pay the £237 sitting fee again
- There's no limit to the number of retakes allowed
Given the waiting period and cost, it's worth investing in thorough preparation to maximize your chances of passing first time.