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The number of preregistration trainee pharmacists who passed their registration assessment in June has fallen from the previous year, according to results released by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The regulatory body for pharmacy has announced that of the 2,823 candidates who sat its June registration assessment, 2,208 passed the assessment — a pass rate of 78.2%.
This year’s pass rate compares with the 95% rate for the June 2016 registration assessment. The GPhC said that while “this year’s overall pass rate is lower”, it is “more consistent with previous pass rates for June sittings”.
In 2015, the pass rate was 74%, in 2014 it was 85% and in 2013 it was 78%.
Student complaints
The British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association received almost 600 complaints from students about the length and complexity of questions in the exam, particularly in paper 2.
Paper 2 was passed by 81% of candidates and part 1 of the exam was passed by 90% of those who sat it.
There were 2,568 candidates who sat the assessment for the first time, 179 for the second time and 76 for the third time.
Preregistration trainee pharmacists are permitted three attempts at the registration assessment.
GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said that from the first day on the GPhC register “pharmacists play an integral role in supporting the health of their patients”.
“The registration assessment helps to make sure that candidates have — and are able to demonstrate — the knowledge and skills to meet this important responsibility,” Rudkin said.
He congratulated the trainees who passed this year’s registration assessment and wished them “all the best for their future careers”. He also acknowledged “the hard work of tutors, and education and training providers in helping trainees prepare for this important milestone”.
The full list of candidates who passed the registration assessment is available here.
