The GPhC assessment framework maps 16 topic areas that the CRA can test. Understanding the weighting and strategic importance of each area allows you to prioritise revision for maximum impact — studying smarter, not just longer.
The Topic Areas
The 16 areas span: clinical therapeutics across major body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, central nervous system, endocrine, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, renal, infectious diseases, dermatology, eye/ear/nose/oropharynx), pharmaceutical calculations, medicines management and safety, pharmacy law and professional standards, public health, and professional practice.
Strategic Prioritisation
High-weight clinical areas (estimated 60-70% of clinical questions). Cardiovascular (hypertension, heart failure, AF, ACS, lipid management), CNS (depression, anxiety, epilepsy, Parkinson's, pain management), endocrine (diabetes types 1 and 2, thyroid disorders), respiratory (asthma, COPD), and infectious diseases (antibiotics by indication, antifungals, antivirals). These five areas collectively dominate the clinical content.
Medium-weight areas. GI (PPIs, IBD, antiemetics), MSK (gout, RA, osteoporosis), renal (AKI, CKD, dose adjustments), dermatology (eczema, psoriasis, acne). Important but lower question frequency.
Distinct skill areas. Pharmaceutical calculations — a separate skill requiring daily practice. Law and professional standards — finite, rule-based content that is highly scoreable with focused study. Public health and professional practice — smaller question count but important for borderline candidates.
Strategic Approach
Weeks 1-4: high-weight clinical areas (cardiovascular, CNS, endocrine, respiratory, infections). Weeks 5-6: medium-weight areas and law/ethics block. Weeks 7-8: review, gap filling, and mock exams. Daily calculation practice throughout — do not save this for the end.
How Adaptive Mode Helps
iatroX's adaptive engine tracks your performance per topic area. If your cardiovascular knowledge is strong but CNS pharmacology is weak, the engine automatically increases CNS question frequency without you needing to manually adjust your study plan. This eliminates the most common preparation error: spending equal time on strong and weak areas.