The journey to becoming a registered pharmacist in the United Kingdom (UK) involves a crucial final hurdle: the Common Registration Assessment (CRA). This exam is the gateway to professional practice, ensuring that trainee pharmacists have met the rigorous standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI). For those embarking on their foundation training, understanding the CRA's structure, content, and administrative details is essential.
Who Can Sit the CRA?
To be eligible for the Common Registration Assessment, you must be an approved trainee pharmacist and meet the current eligibility rules for the sitting you want to enter. Because those rules are route-specific and sitting-specific, the safest source is the current GPhC sitting guidance and ready-to-apply material rather than an old summary.
It's important to note that while the Common Registration Assessment is jointly delivered by the GPhC and the PSNI, trainees registered with the PSNI have their own specific application processes and should apply directly through the PSNI website.
Key Documents for Preparation
Before you dive into revision, familiarise yourself with the essential documents provided by the GPhC. These form the bedrock of understanding the assessment's framework and rules.
- Common Registration Assessment Regulations: This document offers a comprehensive overview of the assessment's key information and governing rules.
- Common Registration Assessment Specification: This outlines the structure and content of the exam, detailing the types of questions and the areas of knowledge and skills that will be tested.
- Permitted Items: This document clearly states what you can and cannot bring into the assessment centre.
- Common Registration Assessment Framework: This is your go-to guide for the specific topics, skills, and knowledge areas that will be evaluated.
Thoroughly reviewing these documents is a vital step in your preparation strategy.
The Application Process
Applying for the Common Registration Assessment is managed through the GPhC's online portal, myGPhC. It's crucial to be aware of the application deadlines, as timely submission is key.
For the June 2026 sitting, the published application window runs from Thursday 22 January 2026 to Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 5:00 pm. For later sittings, use the current GPhC application guidance rather than assuming the timetable will follow the same pattern.
When you apply, you'll need to confirm your personal details accurately. You must complete all declarations and provide valid photographic identification. There is a non-refundable application fee, which is payable at the time of submission. After your application is processed, you'll receive a confirmation via myGPhC, indicating your approval to sit the assessment.
Test Centres and Support
Assessments are held at various test centres across the UK. The GPhC aims to allocate candidates to a centre that is geographically convenient based on the address registered on your myGPhC account.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have a condition or circumstance that might put you at a substantial disadvantage during the assessment, you can apply for reasonable adjustments. These adjustments are designed to ensure fair access to the assessment but do not alter the competence standard being tested. You will still sit the same assessment and need to achieve the same pass mark.
There are specific deadlines for applying for reasonable adjustments, and for June 2026 the published deadline is 5pm on Monday 23 February 2026. Use the current adjustments page for the evidence requirements and application forms for your sitting.
Fit to Sit
A fundamental principle of the CRA is your responsibility to be "fit to sit." This means that if you are unwell or experiencing significant personal difficulties on the day of the assessment that could impair your performance, you should not proceed with the exam, even if you have reasonable adjustments in place. The GPhC operates on the understanding that candidates are fit to sit if they are not aware of any reason that would negatively affect their performance.
Assessment Format and Structure
The Common Registration Assessment is a two-part, time-limited, computer-based exam. To pass, you must achieve the required pass mark in both Part 1 and Part 2 during the same sitting.
Part 1: Calculations
This section focuses on your ability to perform pharmacy and healthcare calculations.
- Number of Questions: 40
- Question Type: Numerical free-entry responses. You'll need to input your answers directly.
- Time Allowance: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Part 2: Safe and Effective Pharmacy Care
This part assesses your knowledge and application of principles related to safe and effective pharmacy practice.
- Number of Questions: 120
- Time Allowance: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- Question Types:
- Single Best Answer (SBA): There are 90 SBA questions, each presenting a scenario with five possible options, and you must select the single best answer.
- Extended Matching Questions (EMQs): This section includes 15 sets of EMQs. Each set presents two questions that share the same list of eight possible options. You'll need to match the correct option to each question.
The order of questions within each part is randomised for all candidates.
Preparing for the CRA
Effective preparation is key to success. Start with the official CRA resources and sitting guidance:
- Common Registration Assessment Framework: As mentioned earlier, this document is your primary guide to the assessed content.
- Example Questions: The Board of Assessors provides example questions designed to help you familiarise yourself with the assessment platform and question styles. These are not mock exams but are useful for understanding the format.
- Feedback from Past Sittings: After each assessment, the Board of Assessors publishes feedback. This can highlight areas where candidates have found particular challenges, offering valuable insights for your study priorities.
Calculators and Technical Advice
Follow the current sitting guidance for calculator arrangements and technical requirements. Do not rely on memory from an earlier sitting because the operational details can change.
When accessing the myGPhC portal or the assessment platform, ensure you are using up-to-date web browsers. Recommended browsers include Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer is no longer supported.
How Many Chances Do I Get?
You can sit the Common Registration Assessment a maximum of three times within the overall timeframe allowed for your application for registration as a pharmacist.
Quick FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Common Registration Assessment? The CRA is the GPhC and PSNI's method for ensuring that pharmacists meet the required standards of knowledge and skills to practise safely and effectively. Passing it is a mandatory step for registration.
- How is the assessment structured? It's divided into two parts. Part 1 assesses pharmacy calculations, and Part 2 covers safe and effective pharmacy care through multiple-choice questions. Both parts must be passed in the same sitting.
- Can I use my own calculator? Check the current Specification and Permitted Items document for your sitting. Calculator arrangements are set there and should not be assumed from an older sitting.
- What if I'm unwell on the day of the exam? If you are ill or facing significant adverse circumstances that could affect your performance, you should not sit the exam. The GPhC has procedures for such situations, and it's important to inform them promptly.
- When do I need to apply for the CRA? Application windows are specific to each sitting. For the June 2026 sitting, the published window runs from Thursday 22 January 2026 to Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 5:00 pm. For other sittings, use the current GPhC application guidance.
- What if I'm training in Northern Ireland? While the CRA is jointly delivered, if you are training in Northern Ireland, you must apply directly through the PSNI. Local processes may differ.