This page gives information and advice about everything you need to do to be ready for the registration assessment.
The foundation pharmacist assessment exam is the culmination of five years of hard work and study and it is important that trainees make adequate preparations well in advance of sitting the assessment. A proper revision plan and a little advance preparation will help to improve overall performance on the day. This page gives information and advice about everything you need to do to be ready for the registration assessment.
The GPhC trainee manual contains information about the registration assessment, including applying to enter it, deciding whether to enter, problems on the day, syllabus and example questions. The foundation trainee section of the GPhC website also contains further information on the registration assessment. Trainees might find it useful to check the GPhC website regularly for news updates.
All you need to know around sitting the next assessment can be found on the GPhC website, including practical considerations for the assessment day, question types and content of the exam.
Our webpage contains information on the following:
When to use the withdrawal nullification and appeal processes
For trainees who are aware of any illness/personal issue that could affect their performance in the assessment, the GPhC stress the importance of only sitting if fit to do so. Being ‘fit to sit’ means that you do not know of any reason why your performance would be adversely affected on the day of the assessment.
They stress if you are aware of anything that might affect your performance on the day, you should not sit the assessment – even if it is a difficult decision to make.
You are eligible to withdraw from a sitting at any time up until the assessment begins. Once you have decided to withdraw, you will not be able to attempt the assessment. The final point at which you are able to withdraw from the sitting will be made clear to you. By continuing with the sitting after this point, you have declared yourself ‘fit to sit’
If you decide to withdraw, you must complete a withdrawal form to notify the GPhC. If you do not, this could lead to you forfeiting one of your attempts at the registration assessment.
The withdrawal form will be published on the GPhC website prior to each sit. If your withdrawal is confirmed, you will receive a refund of your assessment application fee after the sitting has taken place.
Your wellbeing is important. Set yourself realistic goals and don’t forget you will still need time to eat, sleep and socialise. Make sure that you take regular breaks from studying and have a selection of healthy snacks and drinks on hand to keep your energy levels topped up. Think fruit, dried nuts and water rather than crisps, cake and too much caffeine. Physical exercise provides relief from stress, so setting aside some time for regular exercise makes sense. Make sure that your study plan allows you time to go for a walk or a run, do some yoga or take a swim. If you exercise you will enjoy a better night’s sleep and will wake feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
Try to avoid last minute cramming/all-night studying just before the assessment. Set yourself a manageable timetable for revision and then stick to it. If there are any areas that you do not understand, for example, calculations, ask your colleagues and/or tutors for help.
We all feel stressed from time to time, however, for some people the pressure of sitting the assessment and the anticipation of results becomes too much. It’s important to be aware of the signs of stress and what to do about it – you can find out more here. It may also help to talk things through, you can do this via our Listening Friends service.
Please see our webpage on support during your registration assessment for further information on wellbeing support for trainees sitting the assessment.
The GPhC assessment framework sets out the outcomes that will be tested and gives guidance on some of the topics that may be covered.
Familiarise yourself with the assessment questions by practising with past papers. Time yourself so that you understand how long you will have to answer each question in exam conditions. The PDA offer a revision package, this includes mock exams, practice questions, and revision tips. This package is for PDA members only, but membership for trainees is free. You can find out more about the package on the PDA events page.
There is lots of additional support on revision skills and preparing for exams, including the Skills You Need website, the NUS website, and The Mix.
This video shares our Top Ten Tips for trainee pharmacists who are preparing to sit the registration assessment.
This page gives information and advice about everything you need to do to be ready for the registration assessment.
Your test centre seat will be reserved for you.
If you would like to change your test centre location, you will be able to do this using the Scheduler system.
Changing location is subject to availability, and this may be limited in many test centres. If you can’t find another test centre you want to move to, your place will remain at the test centre that was originally booked for you.
Make sure that you have everything prepared in advance. Plan your route and journey time to the assessment venue well in advance and allow extra time for delays on the day. Those with a long, complicated journey might want to consider staying overnight prior to the assessment. Pack your bag the night before and ensure that all your essentials are in there:
Alternatively, you can use the on-screen calculator if you prefer.
Any items that are not on the list will not be permitted, except for items that have been approved as part of your reasonable adjustment request.
The GPhC has issued the following guidance to exam candidates who experience adverse circumstances during the sitting. Candidates should report any incidents that occur on the day to a Test Invigilator. The Test Invigilator must log a case report and provide the candidate with a case reference number. Candidates must ensure that the Test Invigilator logs the case and provide the case reference number as the case reference number will be part of your nullification request.
You must request nullification within five working days of the date of assessment. You must complete an application form to request a nullification of a registration assessment sitting attempt and provide supporting evidence from an appropriate source explaining why you were adversely affected during the assessment.
The nullification form will be available on the registration assessment sitting page on the day of the exam sit. Complete the form and then submit it with your evidence to [email protected] within five working days of taking the exam, to have your nullification request assessed. Your assessment fee will not be refunded.
For more information on withdrawing from the assessment if you are not able to sit, nullifying your attempt if something happens during the exam, and the grounds for appeal after results, see the withdrawal, nullification, and appeal guide on the GPhC website.
This webpage was reviewed in November 2024.
We understand that the assessment is the culmination of five years of hard work and study. On this page you’ll find information about how Pharmacist Support can help you before, during and after the assessment. The links at the bottom of the page take you to further guidance and support available to you from us…
Lots of people can experience stress when preparing for and sitting exams. Here is some information and links to resources to help you before and during the registration assessment.
On this page, you will find everything you need to do when you receive your registration assessment results and details about support available from us and other organisations.
