GPhC pass mark: there is no fixed percentage

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.

Pass marks in recent sittings

The Board of Assessors publishes feedback after each sitting, including the passing score for each part. These are the two most recent sittings with published figures.

In percentage terms those marks are roughly 60 to 63 per cent for Part 1 and 64 to 66 per cent for Part 2. Treat that as a description of two past sittings, not a target: the mark moves between sittings, and the GPhC says it does not set target pass rates. Aim to be comfortably clear of the range, not on it. The "reached it" columns are the share of trainee pharmacists who met the pass mark for that part.

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, and what the result shows, how appeals work and what to do next on the exam results page.

Frequently asked questions