The 2026 Common Registration Assessment is a computer-based two-part assessment. Candidates must meet the pass standard in both parts in the same sitting; marks are not compensated between Part 1 and Part 2.
AT A GLANCE
What matters first
Part 140 calculations / 120 minutes
Numerical free-entry calculation questions; approved calculator models are permitted under the current framework.
Part 2120 questions / 150 minutes
The 2026 framework specifies 90 single-best-answer questions and 30 extended-matching questions.
PassingPass both parts
The framework requires the pass mark or above in both Part 1 and Part 2 in the same sitting.
HOW TO READ THE EXAM
Understand the assessment before you optimise your revision
Part 1 rewards reliable calculation process
The calculation paper is not just a formula recall test. Candidates need to identify the correct method, manage units and rounding, use the permitted calculator appropriately and decide whether an answer is clinically/plausibly sensible.
Part 2 changes the reasoning task
SBA and EMQ formats ask you to discriminate between plausible choices using the scenario and current pharmacy knowledge. Extended-matching sets particularly reward careful reading of the option list and the specific task in each item.
There is no compensation between papers
A strong Part 2 score does not rescue a failed Part 1, and vice versa. Keep calculation practice active throughout revision rather than postponing it until the final week.
Current official guidance wins
The CRA framework, specification and candidate communications govern the current sitting. Calculator, reference and exam-day arrangements should be checked directly with the regulator before the assessment.
FREE TEST 1
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