The content of the GPhC Exam (pre-reg exam) has been in flux for almost a decade because there is constant debate as to what the future of the pharmacy profession will look like as simple dispensing is being seen as more superfluous. The most recent publication of the GPhC framework has brought in a "weighting system" to the syllabus, which is illustrated below.
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"Weighting" indicates that the GPhC has determined certain parts of the syllabus to be more important than others, leading to a higher number of related questions in the GPhC exam. For example, recent years have seen a stronger emphasis on clinical content and patient scenarios, which carry greater weighting, making these areas essential for focused revision. In contrast, topics like the code of conduct and audit are considered lower priority and should be given less emphasis during your study. |
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Below, we have summarised the "high" priority aspects of the GPhC exam syllabus:
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, including the provision of first aid. Think of first aid, anaphylaxis and CPR.
- Identify and employ appropriate diagnostic or physiological testing techniques in order to promote health.
- Identify inappropriate health behaviours and recommend suitable approaches to interventions.
- Instruct patients in the safe and effective use of their medicines and devices.
- Clinically evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medicines.
- Provide, monitor and modify prescribed treatment to maximise health outcomes.
GPhC Exam Trends
Over the years we have seen the GPhC move away from traditional fact-based questions toward more complex problem-solving scenarios. For this reason, the GPhC removed the requirement to take resources into the exam. Nevertheless, you should familiarise yourself with these resources as they will present excerpts in questions they present to you, these resources include:
- extracts from a British National Formulary (BNF)
- a Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
- diagrams and photographs
- a medication chart
Although these references have been removed from the exam, there are still some items you are permitted to take with you into the examination hall, these include:
- Approved photographic ID
- Approved calculator(s) - PART ONE PAPER ONLY.
- Pencil
- Pencil eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- Ruler
- Highlighters (maximum of 2, and no packaging)
- Glasses/spectacles with no case
- Water and non-fizzy drinks
- Cough sweets or other medication/sustenance if you have a medical condition (unboxed and appropriate quantity for the duration of assessment)
- Tissues (unpackaged)
Want to know the best way to pass the GPhC Exam?
If you want to give yourself the best chance of passing the pre-reg exam have a look at our article on how to pass the exam and then head over to our top 10 tips for passing the GPhC exam.