The latest UK registration exam pass rate for trainee pharmacists has increased, with 62% of candidates passing the November 2025 assessment an improvement compared with last year’s figure. Results released by regulatory bodies show both stability and gradual progress in pharmacy education outcomes across the UK. Experts say the data reflects changing patterns in candidate performance and assessment trends. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and partners organise the national registration assessment, which is a critical step for trainee pharmacists before professional licensing and practice. This year’s results provide insight into how trainees are adapting to evolving exam expectations.
Breakdown of registration exam pass rate Statistics
Before we look at demographic and attempt-level performance, here is the overall picture: In the November registration exam, 1,174 trainee pharmacists took the assessment, and 722 passed, equating to a 62% pass rate. This represents a modest rise from last year’s 58% pass rate, indicating improved outcomes among recent cohorts. This increase highlights not just a numerical uptick, but also education performance trends over time.
First-Time and Repeat Candidate Trends
Performance varies significantly by attempt level, revealing important patterns:
- Among first-time sitters, a notable proportion succeeded in achieving the passing score, reinforcing the strength of initial training programmes.
- Candidates on second attempts showed strong resilience, with pass rates typically higher than those in their first tries.
- Third-time students had lower success rates, mirroring historical patterns seen in professional assessments where repeated attempts correlate with additional preparation time. These breakdowns help educators and students target areas for support and preparation.
Historical Context in Pharmacy Education Results
Data from previous years showed fluctuating results, with the registration assessment pass rate varying around the mid-50s to mid-60s percentiles. Last year’s pass rate was 58%, and earlier cycles recorded figures as high as 66% in some autumn sittings. Such trends are used by training institutions to refine curricula and by regulators to adjust professional education standards.
What This Means for Trainee Pharmacists?
A rising registration exam pass rate suggests incremental improvement in candidate preparation and educational quality. However, it also highlights the competitive nature of pharmacy training and the importance of targeted study strategies for success. Future analyses are expected to explore demographic and institutional influences on pass rates and to offer guidance on best practices in pharmacy education and assessment success.
