Common Registration Assessment · Pass mark
GPhC pass mark: there is no fixed percentage
The GPhC does not publish a single pass mark percentage for the registration assessment. The pass marks are determined for each sitting, and you must reach them in Part 1 and in Part 2 on the same day.
Updated 1 October 2026
Short answer - No fixed percentage. The standard is set with modified Angoff methodology and the Board of Assessors statistically determines the pass marks for each sitting. Pass Part 1 and Part 2 in the same sitting. No negative marking.
How the pass mark is set
The assessment is set at the standard required for safe and effective person-centred care and professional practice in the UK at the point of registration. The GPhC says the standard is consistently applied across sittings and that it does not set target pass rates.
In the GPhC's mark-awarding algorithm, the standard is set periodically using modified Angoff methodology and maintained using item response theory (IRT). For each sitting the Board of Assessors then statistically determines the pass marks for Part 1 and Part 2 before results are released. That is why the mark you need can differ slightly between sittings even though the standard does not.
You must pass both parts in the same sitting
Part 1 has 40 pharmacy and healthcare calculations with numerical free-entry answers and a 2-hour time allowance. Part 2 has 120 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour allowance: 90 single best answer questions and 30 extended matching questions.
You need the pass mark or greater in Part 1 and in Part 2 within the same sitting. A strong Part 2 does not make up for a Part 1 below the pass mark, and marks from a previous sitting cannot be carried forward. Practise both formats: our calculation questions and practice questions cover them.
Marking rules worth knowing
- Each correct answer scores one mark.
- There is no negative marking, so answer every question.
- There are no mandatory questions you must get right to pass.
Attempts and withdrawals
You can sit the assessment a maximum of three times within the time limit available to apply. If you withdraw before starting Part 1, that sitting does not count as one of your attempts, but the application fee is not refunded. After each sitting the Board of Assessors publishes feedback on topics trainees found challenging, which is useful reading before a resit. See the resit guide for the pass-rate data by attempt.
When results arrive
About five weeks after the sitting in 2026: June sat on 16 June with results on 21 July, and November sits on 10 November with results on 16 December. Full timetable on the exam dates page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the GPhC exam?
There is no fixed percentage. The standard is set using modified Angoff methodology and maintained across sittings using item response theory, and the Board of Assessors statistically determines the pass marks for Part 1 and Part 2 of each sitting.
Can a strong Part 2 make up for failing Part 1?
No. You must achieve the pass mark or greater in Part 1 and in Part 2 within the same sitting. Marks from a previous sitting cannot be carried forward.
Is there negative marking in the CRA?
No. Each correct answer scores one mark and there is no negative marking, so answer every question. There are no mandatory questions you must get right to pass.
How many times can I sit the GPhC assessment?
A maximum of three times within the time limit available to apply. If you withdraw before starting Part 1, that sitting does not count as one of your attempts, but the application fee is not refunded.
How long do CRA results take?
About five weeks in 2026. The June sitting on 16 June 2026 had results on 21 July 2026, and the November sitting on 10 November 2026 has results on 16 December 2026.
Practise both parts under exam conditions
Calculation, SBA and EMQ practice with worked answers.