Purpose of the Examination
The PQE Part 1 provides entry to a period of supervised clinical practice in the UK where candidates have completed a recognised course of instruction in the UK, but have failed to obtain a degree approved by the General Optical Council (GOC) for direct entry into supervised practice.
Candidates who have been awarded a degree approved by the GOC for direct entry into supervised practice but were not awarded a certificate of Clinical Competence by the degree awarding institution are required to pass the practical part only of the Pre-Registration Entrance Examination.
The certificate of Clinical Competence is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. The PQE Part I practical will have to be attempted and passed by all prospective PQE Part II candidates whose certificate is more than 2 years old.
Eligibility for Entry
Entry to the examination is open to candidates who are able to satisfy the Academic Committee of the College that they have completed a 3-year full time (4 years at Glasgow Caledonian University) optometry degree course at a UK training institution approved by the GOC.