Planning

Examinations Marking and Psychometric Data Analysis Services

GENERAL PHARMACEUTICAL COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

11 May 2026 at 15:23

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

11 May 2026 at 15:10

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced a planned procurement process for Examinations Marking and Psychometric Data Analysis Services, focusing on the Pharmacists' Common Registration Assessment (CRA). This tender, valued at £200,000, falls under the industry categories of data analysis, research and development consultancy, and higher education services and will serve various locations across the United Kingdom. The open procurement method invites submissions by 10th July 2026, with an enquiry deadline of 26th June 2026. As a public authority within sub-central government, the GPhC aims to engage the market and solicit feedback prior to the formal announcement scheduled for June 2026.

This procurement offers significant opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs involved in data analysis or educational services, providing a platform to enhance their reputation and expand their portfolio within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The project offers a contract set to commence at the start of 2027 with a potential renewal up to the end of 2031. Companies capable of delivering innovative examination marking and analytics services are well-suited to thrive in this competitive space, contributing to essential regulatory functions while fostering business growth. Interested parties are encouraged to express their interest and provide input ahead of the official Request for Quotation phase.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Examinations Marking and Psychometric Data Analysis Services

Notice Description

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) wishes to inform the market of our intention to procure, in relation to the Pharmacists' Common Registration Assessment (CRA), the provision of Examinations Marking and Psychometric Data Analysis Services. The CRA is a two-part, time limited and computer-based examination, undertaken by Trainee Pharmacists across the United Kingdom. It is designed to ensure that those entering our register possess the necessary knowledge and aptitude(s) to practise safe and effective pharmacy care - a significant hurdle for candidates aiming to achieve their registration. The purpose of this notice is to raise awareness of our upcoming Request for Quotation sourcing activity, gauge accurate levels of market interest, and receive feedback on prospective plans/requirements in advance of the formal procurement process; to be announced in June 2026. We kindly ask that all interested suppliers complete and submit the attached response form to Anna Kitoki, at procurement@pharmacyregulation.org by 17:00 on 15.05.2026. Any interest shown does not constitute a commitment to participate; and failure to show interest does not restrict suppliers from participating in this and/or any other procurement process run by the GPhC.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 5 Years (2 Years + 2 Year extension + 1 Year extension)

Planning Information

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) wishes to inform the market of our intention to procure, in relation to the Pharmacists' Common Registration Assessment (CRA), the provision of Examinations Marking and Psychometric Data Analysis Services. The CRA is a two-part, time limited and computer-based examination, undertaken by Trainee Pharmacists across the United Kingdom. It is designed to ensure that those entering our register possess the necessary knowledge and aptitude(s) to practise safe and effective pharmacy care - a significant hurdle for candidates aiming to achieve their registration. Part One: Pharmacists' Common Registration Assessment o Focus: Pharmacy and healthcare calculations. o Question quantity: 40 o Data type/item: Numerical free-entry response. o Marking: Each item is worth one mark; no negative marking is applied. Part Two: Pharmacists' Common Registration Assessment o Focus: Safe and effective pharmacy care of the public. o Question quantity: 120 o Data type/item: Multiple-choice response, comprising 90 'single best answer' items (5 options each) and 30 'extended matching questions' (8 options each). o Marking: Each item is worth one mark; no negative marking is applied. The GPhC conducts two CRA's annually; in comparison to our June examination which accommodates c.4,000 candidates, our November examination accommodates c.2,000 candidates. A candidate must achieve the required pass mark, in both parts of the CRA, within a single examination sitting. The purpose of this notice is to raise awareness of our upcoming Request for Quotation sourcing activity, gauge accurate levels of market interest, and receive feedback on prospective plans/requirements in advance of the formal procurement process; to be announced in June 2026. We kindly ask that all interested suppliers complete and submit the response form (please see corresponding Planned Procurement Notice) to Anna Kitoki, at procurement@pharmacyregulation.org by 17:00 on 15.05.2026. Any interest shown does not constitute a commitment to participate; and failure to show interest does not restrict suppliers from participating in this and/or any other procurement process run by the GPhC.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069607
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043169-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

72316000 - Data analysis services

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

80300000 - Higher education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 May 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
10 Jul 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
22 Jun 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GENERAL PHARMACEUTICAL COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E14 4QJ
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Canary Wharf
Westminster Constituency
Poplar and Limehouse

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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