The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) exam is a critical step for pharmacy graduates seeking to become licensed pharmacists in the UK. It assesses their knowledge, skills, and readiness to practice professionally. Passing this exam requires thorough preparation, strategic planning, and attention to detail. Here is a 7-point summary of nearly 20 years of our top advice, drawn from helping thousands of pharmacists successfully pass the exam:
1. Understand the Pre-Registration Training Requirements
Before sitting for the GPhC exam, every pre-registered pharmacist must complete 52 weeks of supervised and assessed training. This training typically takes place in community or hospital pharmacies and is designed to ensure candidates gain practical experience and meet the necessary standards of competence. Use this time to build a strong foundation in clinical practice, patient care, and the ethical responsibilities of a pharmacist.
2. Stay Informed About Exam Logistics
In the weeks leading up to the exam, regularly check your emails and post for updates from the GPhC. They will send a letter detailing the following:
- Your Exam Venue: The location where you will take the assessment.
- Registration Time: The specific time you need to arrive on the exam day.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the route to the venue. Plan for potential delays by considering alternate travel options or, if feasible, booking accommodation near the venue to minimize stress on the exam day.
3. Prepare Approved Items for the Exam Room
The GPhC provides a detailed list of items that are permitted in the assessment room. Adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid unnecessary complications. Commonly allowed items include:
- Identification documents.
- Pens or pencils as specified by the instructions.
Organize these items the night before the exam to avoid last-minute issues. Double-check the list provided by the GPhC to ensure you comply fully.
4. Focus on High-Weighting Topics
The GPhC exam emphasizes certain areas of the syllabus more heavily than others. Clinical content and patient scenarios often carry higher weighting, reflecting their importance in pharmacy practice. Prioritize your revision on these aspects, ensuring you are comfortable with handling patient-centered scenarios and applying clinical knowledge effectively.
Conversely, topics such as the code of conduct and audit are considered lower priority and can be revised less intensively. Utilize past papers, feedback from previous candidates, and mock exams to identify areas requiring additional focus.
5. Develop a Strategic Revision Plan
A structured study plan is essential to cover the extensive syllabus efficiently. Break your revision into manageable sections, allocating more time to high-priority topics. Include:
- Daily practice of calculation questions.
- Review of pharmacy law and ethics.
- Familiarization with the Registration Assessment Framework.
- Consistently assess your progress through mock tests and adjust your plan to address weak areas.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Preparing for the GPhC exam can be demanding, but self-care is crucial for peak performance. Maintain a healthy balance by:
- Getting adequate sleep.
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Taking regular breaks during study sessions.
- Incorporating physical activity to manage stress.
- Final Preparations Before the Exam
- Visit the exam venue in advance if possible to avoid surprises on the day.
- Ensure your identification documents are valid and meet the GPhC requirements.
- Pack your bag with all necessary items and any permitted snacks or water.
- On the day of the exam, aim to arrive early to settle in and minimize anxiety.
7. Cross-Sectional Placement
If you get the ability to go on a cross-sectional placement it's a great idea to increase the breadth of your experience. Below is one of our lectures for Hospital pre-regs. It goes through how to get started and what to concentrate on...
During the pre-registration year, the pharmacy student may be offered a "Cross-sectional placement". It is highly recommended that the candidate take up this offer as it allows for one month's training in either community or hospital pharmacy.
8. During the Exam
Stay calm and focused throughout the assessment. Begin with questions you find easier to build confidence before tackling more challenging ones. Manage your time effectively, keeping track of the clock to ensure you complete all sections.