The pass rate for this year’s registration assessment was 75 per cent – two per cent lower than last year, the GPhC has announced.  

The regulator published the pass rate for June 25 registration exam earlier today, revealing that 2,081 candidates passed out of a total of 2,776 who sat it. 

As in previous years, the pass rate for first time sitters was higher than for those sitting the exam for a second or third time. 

Seventy-seven per cent of 2,358 first time sitters passed, compared to 53 per cent of 111 second-time sitters and 59 per cent of 66 third-time sitters.

The highest pass rates in recent years were in the pandemic years of 2021 (82 per cent) and 2022 (80 per cent), while the lowest was in 2019 (72 per cent).

GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said: “Many congratulations to the candidates who passed this year’s registration assessment. It is the culmination of years of hard work and part of the journey to becoming a registered pharmacist. 

“The registration assessment is one of the ways we test trainee pharmacists to ensure they understand how to apply knowledge appropriately and in a timely way. This means they can make professional judgements when practising. 

“For those who unfortunately didn’t pass the assessment, there are a range of options available, with all the relevant information on the June 2024 registration assessment page. 

“The charity Pharmacist Support can also provide help with mental health and wellbeing as well as practical advice.” 

The next sitting of the registration exam will be on November 12. Candidates who failed the June assessment will be contacted in August with information on how to apply to resit the test.