The General Pharmaceutical Council has announced 2,371 candidates passed the July registration assessment, a pass rate of 82 per cent.

A total of 2,907 candidates sat the exam at three separate sittings, with 2,625 of the candidates (90 per cent) sitting taking the exam for the first time. Of the first sitting candidates, 2,189 (83 per cent) passed on their first attempt.

There were 224 (8 per cent) second time sitters and 58 making their third attempt.

The July pass rate is lower than the 88 per cent recorded in March, when 2,666 provisionally registered pharmacists took a delayed assessment. In 2019 the pass rate was 72 per cent, and in 2018 it was 79 per cent. Since 2011, pass rates for the registration assessment have ranged from 72 to 95 per cent.

GPhC Chief Executive Duncan Rudkin said: “We would like to congratulate the successful candidates who have demonstrated they have the knowledge and skills needed to practise safely and effectively. This is a significant achievement, particularly given the challenges with completing their training during the pandemic.

“We look forward to these candidates joining the register at the earliest possible opportunity.

“We also want to thank the tutors, education and training providers and employers who supported candidates throughout their training.”