Previously, trainees who failed the exam were required to undertake a further placement before they were eligible to re-take it, but the regulator removed this from the assessment regulations on Monday (October 21).

This gives trainees the option to use the time to “reflect on your performance in the assessment and form your own plan to address the issues you identify”, it said.

“Although there is no longer a formal requirement to complete any further pharmacy work experience, you may still want to continue with a current placement, or to arrange work experience before your next assessment sitting, if you feel this would help you prepare to sit the assessment again,” the GPhC said.

“It’s important that you reflect on your performance, identify any issues and make a plan to address these,” it added.

“This will help to give you the best chance of passing the assessment when you next attempt it.”

More information on how to prepare for a re-sit can be found in the GPhC’s pre-registration manual.