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" means that the GPhC has recognised that certain aspects of the syllabus have a higher priority than others and as such, will include more questions during the GPhC exam. For instance, in the past few years there has been a bigger drive towards more clinical content and patient scenarios this has higher weighting, so you should revise these aspects more. Conversely, code of conduct and audit have been identified as being a lower priority and therefore, you should not prioritise this as much in your learning. |
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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.