Shutterstock.com
The pass rate for candidates sitting the summer registration assessment for pharmacists was 77%, figures from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) show.
The assessment statistics, published on 28 July 2023, show that 2,150 of the 2,805 candidates who sat the exam in June 2023 passed.
The pass rate is a slight drop on the 80% (2,147 of 2,697) of candidates who passed the assessment in the summer 2022 sitting.
For the 2023 registration assessment, data from the pharmacy regulator show that the pass rate among first-time sitters was 79% (1,863 of 2,353); for second-time sitters it was 50% (114 of 229), and for those taking the exam for the third time, it was 59% (58 of 99).
Mark Voce, director of education and standards at the GPhC, said in a statement: “The assessment is one of the main ways we test that trainees can demonstrate they understand how to apply knowledge and are able to make professional judgements in pharmacy practice. This is fundamental in assuring patients and the public that they are in safe hands.
“Unfortunately, there will be candidates who did not pass the assessment, and we understand this can be a difficult time for them. There is information on our website outlining all the options that may be available, including the independent charity, Pharmacist Support, [which] can provide help with mental health and wellbeing.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) said: ‘’The RPS would like to extend its warm congratulations to all those students who have passed this year’s registration exam. It is an exciting time to be entering the profession, and we are really looking forward to supporting all new registrants as they embark on their professional journey and throughout their future career as their professional body.
“For those who have not passed the assessment today, the RPS is here to support those candidates and we encourage them to reach out. Whether it be with further educational resources and study guides, as thoughts turn to resitting the registration exam, or wellbeing support and signposting to appropriate organisations.”
