Loading...
10 Proven Tips for GPhC Exam
As aspiring pharmacists, preparing for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) exam can be daunting. The GPhC exam is crucial in becoming a registered pharmacist in the United Kingdom. However, with the proper preparation and approach, success in the exam is achievable
Here are our top ten tips for those taking the GPhC pharmacist registration assessment:
Relax and Stay Positive
While a professional exam can be nerve-wracking, staying calm and composed is essential. Remember that the pass rate for the GPhC exam is around 79%, and most well-prepared students pass the exam on their first attempt. Avoid unnecessary stress and believe in yourself.
Remember that the 21% of students who do not pass the exam usually have valid reasons, such as inadequate resources or unforeseen events that affect their study performance. Stay positive and focus on your preparation.
It’s Not as Hard as You Think
Don’t be intimidated by the exam. Many students find the questions in the GPhC exam to be manageable and more accessible than they initially perceived. Some preparatory courses purposefully complicate the questions more than the actual exam to ensure students are well-prepared.
You are likely ready for the real thing if you have consistently scored well in your practice exams and mock tests. Trust in your preparation and believe that you can succeed.
Start Revising Early
Proper time management is crucial when preparing for the GPhC exam. Start your revision early, preferably around December or January, and give yourself enough time to thoroughly review the relevant materials.
The British National Formulary (BNF), Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Knowledge Summaries (NICE CKS) are essential resources that you should be familiar with.
While you will continue to learn on the job, you need to know the BNF inside out for the exam. Consider drug monographs, including cautions, warnings, and adverse effects. Your knowledge of chapters 1-6 should be excellent, while others require specific knowledge.
Utilise CPPE OTC and Responding to Symptoms Books
The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) OTC and Responding to Symptoms books are valuable resources for the GPhC exam. These books contain comprehensive information on over-the-counter medications and joint symptoms and are widely available in most pharmacies.
If your pharmacy does not have them, you can request that your tutor purchase them. Ensure to thoroughly review these books as they cover essential topics likely to be tested in the exam.
Know Your MEP
The Medicines Act, particularly the Medicines, Ethics, and Practice (MEP) guide, is a crucial resource for pharmacists in the UK. Although you cannot bring the MEP into the exam, it’s essential to thoroughly understand its content. Pay close attention to control drugs, emergency supplies, Veterinary Prescription (VET RX), responsible pharmacy, and consent.
Familiarise yourself with the MEP and ensure you know it inside out, as it may be handy during the exam.
Timing is Crucial
Time management is critical during the GPhC exam, as you will have limited time to answer all the questions. You will have around 2 minutes per question in the Open Book exam.
In contrast, the Closed Book exam allows approximately 1 minute per question. It’s important to pace yourself and avoid getting stuck on one question for too long. If you are still trying to calculate an answer, mark it, move on to the next one, and return to it later if you have time.
Make sure to allocate your time wisely. Please only spend a little time on one section or question, as it may impact your ability to complete the entire exam. Practice time management during your mock exams and practice tests to understand how much time you should allocate to each question.
Practice with Past Papers and Mock Exams
One of the best ways to prepare for the GPhC exam is by practising with past papers and mock exams. This will help you familiarise yourself with the exam format, the types of questions asked, and the difficulty level.
Reviewing past papers and mock exams will also allow you to identify knowledge gaps and areas needing further improvement. Review the answers and explanations thoroughly to understand the reasoning behind the correct answers. Practise regularly to build your confidence and improve your exam performance.
Focus on Key Topics and Themes
The GPhC exam covers many topics, but some themes and areas are more heavily tested than others. Based on past exams, common issues frequently tested include:
- Drug interactions.
- Adverse drug reactions.
- Patient counselling points.
- Legal and ethical issues.
- Professional practice standards.
- Calculations.
Focus on these critical topics and themes during your revision and practice exams. Familiarise yourself with everyday drug interactions, side effects, dosages, and counselling points for commonly prescribed medications.
Stay Updated with Current Guidelines and Regulations
The pharmacy field constantly evolves, and staying updated with the latest guidelines and regulations is essential. The GPhC exam may include questions based on current policies, principles, and best practices.
Be informed about changes in pharmacy law, regulations, and professional standards. Stay engaged with pharmacy news, attend relevant workshops or webinars, and participate in continuing professional development (CPD) activities to stay updated with current practice.
Take Care of Yourself
Preparing for the GPhC exam can be mentally and physically exhausting, and taking care of yourself during the preparation process is essential. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly to keep yourself healthy and energised.
Take breaks when needed, and avoid cramming or studying for long hours without breaks, as it can impact your ability to retain information effectively. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or exercise.
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you stay focused and alert and perform better in the exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preparing for the GPhC exam can be challenging, but success is achievable with the right approach and mindset. We have discussed 10 proven tips for GPhC exam success that can help aspiring pharmacists excel in their exams.
Starting early, planning, knowing the exam format and content, focusing on high-yield topics, practising with mock exams, reviewing and understanding the GPhC standards, developing effective exam techniques, taking care of mental and physical well-being, staying updated with current pharmacy news and practices, seeking support and guidance, and staying positive and believing in oneself are vital strategies for exam success.
Wishing you all the best for your GPhC exam and future career as a competent and compassionate pharmacist. Stay focused, stay motivated, and stay true to your dreams. You’ve got this!
FAQs
→ When should I start revising for the GPhC exam?
It’s recommended to start revising early, preferably around December or January, to give yourself enough time to thoroughly review the relevant materials and be well-prepared for the exam.
→ What key topics and themes should I focus on during my GPhC exam preparation?
Some common topics that are frequently tested in the GPhC exam include drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, counselling points for patients, legal and ethical issues, professional practice standards, and calculations. Focus on these critical topics and themes during your revision and practice exams.
→ Can any resources help me with my GPhC exam preparation?
Yes, there are several resources that can aid in your GPhC exam preparation. The British National Formulary (BNF), Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Knowledge Summaries (NICE CKS) are essential resources that you should be familiar with. The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) OTC and Responding to Symptoms books are valuable resources. Additionally, staying updated with current guidelines and regulations is essential.
→ How can I improve my exam performance in the GPhC exam?
One of the best ways to improve your exam performance is by practising with past papers and mock exams. This will help you familiarise yourself with the exam format, the types of questions asked, and the difficulty level. Reviewing past papers and mock exams will also allow you to identify knowledge gaps and areas needing further improvement. Review the answers and explanations thoroughly to understand the reasoning behind the correct answers. Practise regularly to build your confidence and improve your exam performance.
→ What is the pass rate for the GPhC exam?
The pass rate for the GPhC exam is around 79%. While the exam can be challenging, most well-prepared students who take the exam pass on their first attempt. Stay positive, believe in yourself, and focus on your preparation.
Was this article helpful?
Still got a question? Leave a comment
Leave a comment