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.
October 2008 Administration
The final administration of the PQE Part One examinations will be in October 2008.
Practical Examination - Wednesday October 1st 2008.
Written Examination - Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October 2008.
The exam entry deadline is: Friday 15th August 2008.
Please contact the Education Coordinator at the College for further details.
The University Final Year Progression Scheme
The University Final Year Progession Scheme will replace the PQE Part One examinations and will start from September 2008 at the following training institutions:
Aston University & Glasgow Caledonian University - Open to all students.
Bradord University and Ulster University - Open to own students only.
Please contact these institutions directly for further details.