Pharmacy Technician Registration, General Pharmaceutical Council 129 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7BT

Pharmacy Technician Registration,
General Pharmaceutical Council
129 Lambeth Road,
London SE1 7BT
[email protected]
www.pharmacyregulation.org
tel: 0203 365 3560
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Introduction
On 1 July 2011 registration will become mandatory (compulsory). You will need to apply to register before
registration becomes mandatory to continue working as a pharmacy technician or call yourself a pharmacy
technician. After mandatory registration starts there will be different entry requirements to register and you
may need to complete further qualifications before you can register.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and
pharmacy premises.
The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) is the professional body for pharmacy technicians –
www.aptuk.org
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
What is registration for?
Protection of title.
Registration is your licence to practise as a pharmacy technician. Only those who meet and maintain
recognised professional standards will be able to register and practise as pharmacy technicians and use the
title.
Professional recognition
We approve new qualifications and set other criteria for entry onto the register. We define the standards for
the training and education of pharmacy technicians.
Upholding the reputation of pharmacy technicians
The reputation of an entire professional group can be compromised by a few individuals who, through poor
performance or misconduct, do not keep the same high standards as the rest of the group. We have powers
to bring proceedings against any registered pharmacy technician who is considered to be practising in a way
which puts the public at risk.
Defined standards of professional conduct
All registered pharmacy technicians must comply with the GPhC’s Code of Ethics which sets out our
expectations regarding the professional conduct of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Once registered
you will need to have indemnity insurance in place. You may already be covered by your employer’s
insurance but it is your responsibility to check that you are appropriately covered!
Maintaining professional competence
Keeping up to date in your role as a pharmacy technician is vital. All pharmacy technicians, on the GPhC
Register, must undertake continuing professional development (CPD). See website www.uptodate.org.uk.
CPD enables registered pharmacy technicians to demonstrate to employers, the NHS and patients that they
are maintaining and building on their capabilities. CPPE provide online study packages and workshops
throughout the UK, to help pharmacy technicians stay up to date. These are free to registered pharmacy
technicians.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Preparing and completing your application
1.
Read all the guidance carefully.
2.
Use a black ball point pen, WRITE IN BLOCK CAPITALS and mark boxes clearly to answer the questions
on the application form.
3.
Check the guidance if you are not sure how to answer a question. Additional guidance documents are
listed below. Contact us if you are still not sure how to answer a question.
4.
Using the Registration application checklist, collect together all your certificates and passport. See
below for alternatives to current passports.
5.
If you are applying with an overseas qualification there are additional documents you will need to send.
6.
Check that all the names on your documents are spelt the same way and any changes in name can be
tracked. If there are variations see below for advice.
7.
Arrange to visit a UK practising solicitor to obtain certified photocopies of the original documents you
need to submit
8.
Arrange for your photograph and section 9 of the form to be signed (your countersigning pharmacist or
pharmacy technician can sign if they have known you for at least 2 years).
9.
Arrange to meet with the pharmacist/pharmacy technician who will countersign your application form.
10. Provide your pharmacist with a copy of the guidance for countersigning pharmacists/pharmacy
technicians in advance.
11. Before meeting your pharmacist, check you have answered all the questions in the application form.
Using the checklist, check you have provided all the necessary copies of documents.
12. Your countersigning pharmacist pr pharmacy technician should check your application thoroughly
before signing section 8 of your form.
13. Send your completed application to us as instructed on the checklist.
14. It is important that your application is double checked before sending it to us.
15. If any information or documents are missing we will return your application and your registration will be
delayed. We will charge £46 if we have to return applications for missing information more than once.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Additional guidance documents and forms
The following documents can be downloaded from our website www.pharmacyregulation.org
Guidance:
Standards of conduct, ethics and performance
Standards for continuing professional development
Criteria for the initial registration as a pharmacy technician
Guidance on registration with the GPhC and Fitness to Practise. Advises how to answer the questions
on the fitness to practise form.
Good character assessment framework. This lists the areas we will take into consideration when you
have declared a conviction or police caution.
Health assessment framework. This lists all the relevant points we will take into consideration when
you have declared matters concerning your health.
Additional forms:
Fitness to practise form. To be completed if you have declared a conviction, caution or health
matter.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Registration application checklist
Application form (including photograph certification)
Payment form
Birth certificate – certified copy (and/or statutory declaration)
Marriage certificate/s (if you are married) – certified copy (or statutory declaration)
Qualification certificate (s)– certified copy
Passport – certified copy or alternative documents
Photograph – attached to section 9 of the application form
Stamped self addressed postcard for confirmation that we received your application
All overseas (non-EEA) applicants must also send
Supplementary application form - for overseas (non EEA)
Current curriculum vitae
Detailed curriculum (syllabus) of your qualification
* Academic transcript from your awarding body (college/university)
* Letter of good standing from your registration body
* Your academic transcript and letter of good standing must be sent directly from the issuing body to
our address as below. If we consider that they have been supplied by either you or a third party, they
will be rejected and you will have to arrange for new documents to be sent. We will keep your
documents safely if they arrive before your application form and match them up with your form.
All overseas (non-EEA) pharmacy technicians must also send
Underpinning knowledge checklist
Assessment of competence
Please contact us for these two documents
Send your completed forms and other documents to
Pharmacy Technician Registration,
General Pharmaceutical Council
129 Lambeth Road,
London SE1 7BT
We will not accept liability for any loss as a result of completed applications not reaching us.
Recorded delivery is recommended.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Keep a copy of your application in case the original does not reach us.
A stamped addressed postcard must be enclosed with your application for us to acknowledge receipt.
Wait at least four weeks before contacting us about the progress of your application.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Guidance for filling in the application form
Section 1 Personal details
Questions 1.2 and 1.3 Names
The name you register under must be the same as the name you intend to practise under.
If you wish to be registered in a different name to that printed on birth certificate you must provide:
A certified copy of your marriage certificate or other acceptable documentation (for instance a Deed Poll or
Certificate of Civil Partnership), or
A statutory declaration completed in front of a solicitor. Please contact us for a statutory declaration form.
Your name on all the documents you submit must be exactly the same – letter for letter, word for word. If
there are any variations in your name within or between documents you must provide a declaration of those
variations on the Statutory Declaration form, sworn before a solicitor in the United Kingdom or authorised
British Embassy official in your home country.
Please tell us if you change your name. If you change your name whilst we are processing your application,
you must notify us in writing and send a certified photocopy of the relevant document (for instance a
statutory declaration or marriage certificate). If you change your name after you are registered, you must
notify us in writing within one month of the date of change with a certified copy of the relevant document.
Question 1.5 Your address
You must keep your contact details up to date. If you change your address you must notify us within one
month of the date of change.
Your registered address must be the address where you live, as this is the address we will use when we write
to you.
We will not publish this address on the publicly available Register.
Please provide us with an e-mail address. We will contact you by e-mail if we require additional information
or documents.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Section 2 Application type
When you apply to register with us you must have an approved qualification and relevant work experience
Acceptable UK qualifications
Refer to section 4 of this guidance – only the qualifications on this list are acceptable, for those applying for
registration before 1st July 2011.
If you apply on or after this date you will need to undertake additional education and training to meet our
registration requirements.
Relevant work experience
This is work during which you have been carrying out the roles and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician
in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Channel Islands under the supervision, direction or guidance of an
accountable pharmacist.
You can include work experience during your pharmacy technician course but not before the start of your
course.
Refer to our Guidance on Relevant Work Experience for more information. The type and amount of work
experience you have will determine whether you should apply via route a or b.
What type of applicant are you?
Apply via route a if you have
Acceptable UK qualification and
Relevant work experience as a pharmacy technician of at least 28 hours a week for 2 out of the last 4
years OR 14 hours a week for 4 out of the last 8 years
Apply via route b if you have
Acceptable UK qualification and
Completed 2 years relevant work experience as a student or qualified pharmacy technician and have
worked for at least 14 hours a week during that time. You will also need at least one months relevant
work experience in the last 12 months, so you can answer the questions in section 6. This can be in a
voluntary or paid job.
Apply via overseas (non-EEA) route if you have
Overseas pharmacist or pharmacy technician qualification and
Relevant work experience as a pharmacy technician of at least 28 hours a week for 2 out of the last 4
years OR 14 hours a week for 4 out of the last 8 years
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
If you are applying via route b or overseas (non EEA) route you must answer the questions in section 6 of the
form. This information is then assessed by our evaluators to confirm you meet our requirements.
Section 3 Fitness to Practise
Question 3.1 Previous applications
You must tell us if you have previously:
registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) or the GPhC in the past as
a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
applied for registration with the RPSGB or GPhC as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
undertaken or applied to RPSGB or GPhC for pre-registration training.
If any of the above applies, you must also tell us:
the date of your application
the type of application (for instance, was it made through transitional provisions, as an international
application or were you applying to register as a pharmacist)
any previous registration or pre-registration or application numbers you may have had
any other information you think is relevant (for instance, if you began an application but then
withdrew).
Questions 3.2 and 3.3 Registration with other health regulatory bodies
You must tell us if you are, or have been, registered with any other regulatory bodies either in the UK or
overseas. If you are registered with more than one body please provide details on a separate sheet.
Questions 3.4 to 3.9 Legal and disciplinary proceedings
We define a ‘conviction’ as a finding, in criminal proceedings in the UK (or elsewhere), that a person has
committed the offence alleged. You do not need to include road traffic offences where you were offered the
option of paying a fixed penalty. This is even if you refused the option of paying the fixed penalty and were
convicted of the offence by a court.
You must tick either yes or no for questions 3.4 to 3.10.
If you have answered yes to any of the questions you must complete the Something to Declare form.
You must tell us if you have been involved in any legal or disciplinary proceedings including any that have
resulted in a caution or if you have any problems with your physical or mental health that may impair your
ability to practise. Failure to do so may result in misconduct allegations at a later stage.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
If you are registered with more than one body please provide details on a separate sheet.
Section 4 Education and training
If you have an overseas qualification, leave this section blank.
If you have a UK qualification, fill in this section. We accept the following UK qualifications:
Pharmacy Services NVQ level 3 (City & Guilds)
Pharmacy Services NVQ level 3 (Edexcel)
Pharmacy Services SVQ level 3 (Scottish Qualifications Authority)
BTEC National Certificate in Science (pharmaceutical)
BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science (pharmaceutical)
BTEC National Certificate in Pharmacy Services
SCOTEC National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science
SCOTEC Pharmacy Technicians Certificate (2 year)
SANCAD Pharmacy Technicians Certificate (2 year)
SCOTVEC National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science
SQA National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science
City & Guilds of London Institute, Dispensing Technicians Certificate
Certificate of the Society of Apothecaries
Dispensing Certificate of the Royal Army Medical Corps or the Royal Air Force
NPA 2-year Dispensing Technicians correspondence course completed prior to 1998
Boots 2-year dispenser training course completed prior to 1993
Boots 1 year dispenser training course completed after 1993 but before March 2005 plus accredited
top-up training module plus assessment of competence
Current or recent UK registration as a pharmacist
National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science, Stow College 1984-1992
National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science, Aberdeen 1990-1991
National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science, Dundee 1985-1987
National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science, James Watt College 1991-1992
National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science, Edinburgh Telford College 1984 – 1992
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
BTEC National Certificate in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sunderland 1994 -1998
For each qualification you should write the title of the qualification, the date you started your course and the
date you were awarded your qualification.
If you have more than two qualifications please continue on a separate sheet.
If you have the Boots Dispensers Training course completed after 1993 and the Boots Top Up Module, list
these qualifications separately.
Only include the qualifications listed above not pharmacy/dispensing assistant or medicines counter
assistant qualifications.
Section 5 Career History
Only include work experience from the date you started your pharmacy technician course, even if you were
working in pharmacy before you started your course.
Provide information on your work experience as a pharmacy technician and student technician, including
main responsibilities and duties. Only include work experience that is pharmacy-related.
If there are gaps between jobs because e.g. you have been travelling you will need to give a brief explanation
in a covering letter.
Include any maternity leave dates and changes in hours or responsibilities as appropriate.
Applying via route a - only include jobs covering the last 8 years. If you qualified less than 8 years ago, give
details from the date you started your pharmacy technician training.
Applying via route b or overseas – include all your jobs from the date you started your training.
Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
Section 6 Statement of practice (overseas and route b applicants only)
Please provide details of your professional practice within the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of
Man, demonstrating that you work within the GPhC’s Standards of conduct, ethics and performance for
pharmacy professionals and that your practice embraces a range of the generic competencies defined for
pharmacy technicians.
The information you provide must be your own and written independently. Any applicant found to submit
another applicant’s work may have their application refused.
Sections 4 to 6 of your form will be sent to 2 evaluators, who will assess the information you have given.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Write in BLOCK CAPITALS or type your answer on an additional sheet.
Answer each question as fully as you can, the evaluators only have the information you provide to decide if
you meet our requirements for registration.
If you have more than one job or recently changed jobs - write down, for each example – the job it relates
to.
Continue on an additional sheet if necessary.
All additional sheets must be signed and dated by your countersigning pharmacist. On each page the
countersigning pharmacist must write “I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the evidence provided is
true, accurate and relates to the applicant”.
6.1 What are the key responsibilities within you role?
Refer to your job description; list all the responsibilities within your job that are relevant to the role of a
pharmacy technician.
6.2 What do you do to improve the wellbeing of patients?
Describe what you do that has a direct or indirect impact on patients’ healthcare, to ensure that they receive
the best possible care. Think about your role (not the role of the whole department).
Explain what you do for a patient that helps them get better. You can give a recent example to support your
statement.
If you are in an administrative or education and training role you may not have direct contact with patients
so you need to think about how your role impacts on others, and how that enables them to do a better job
as a healthcare professional.
6.3 Give examples (with approximate dates and/or duration of the course where applicable) of when you
have had to update your knowledge to keep up to date in your area of work.
You should ensure that your knowledge, skills and performance are up to date and relevant to your area of
practice.
Your answers must relate to work experience as a student or qualified pharmacy technician within the UK,
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Give details of any professional associations or networks that you have regular contact with e.g. The
Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Describe at least 5 examples from the last 12 months of how you have updated your knowledge and how
this has benefited your work.
For each of your examples you must include:
Date of your learning (at least month and year).
The duration of the learning (e.g. time you took reading or length of the course).
What you learned (one sentence summary) or the activity you did.
How you were able to use your learning in your role or reason you went on the training.
Examples could include: reading an article, learning by doing, dealing with a recent problem, participating in
staff meetings or working groups, projects and professional audits, preparing a presentation, work
shadowing, study days, lunchtime lectures.
For more ideas check our continuing professional development website www.uptodate.org.uk
Good example from an applicant in a non dispensing role.
Date: March 2010
Duration: 3 hours
Activity: I have read the guidance information on the RPSGB website about pharmacy technician registration.
How I have used my learning: I am now confidently able to undertake my role at the RPSGB and answer calls
and emails about registering as a pharmacy technician. A pharmacy technician asked which route they
should apply by. They had trained for 2 years in a hospital but had been working in industry for the last 5
years. There were no pharmacists working on their site. I explained that their application could be
countersigned by a pharmacist working at a different site for the same company, as long as the pharmacist
has a professional relationship with their supervisor or line manager. They would also have to apply via route
b.
6.4 How do you ensure confidentiality in your area of work?
This should relate to verbal, written or computerised information.
Read the GPhC’s Standards of conduct, ethics and performance, think about situations in your role as a
pharmacy technician where you have had to ensure confidentiality.
Give recent examples demonstrating that you respect and protect the confidentiality of information that you
acquire in the course of your role as a pharmacy technician.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
6.5 Tick boxes relating to the generic competency reference codes for pharmacy technicians you think your
practice covers, covering as wide a range as possible.
Read your job description and think about the competencies each area of your role covers.
Tick the boxes you think are appropriate to your role. Discuss this with your pharmacist or manager if you
are unsure.
Generic competencies:
TG1 Interacting and working with people.
TG2 Managing your work and self-development.
TG3 Managing a team or a service
TG4 Maintaining and improving the quality of your service.
TG5 Helping others to learn and develop.
TG6 Making decisions and solving problems.
TG7 Working with information.
TG8 Participating in research and development
TG9 Ensuring health and safety
TG10 Dispensing medicines and products
TG11 Controlling stock of pharmaceutical materials and equipment
TG12 Undertaking specialised activities.
TG13 Working with other professions in healthcare and with other sectors
TG14 Managing risks
TG15 Producing, using and maintaining records, using information technology
TG16 Maintaining an awareness of issues affecting pharmacy and pharmacy technicians
For instance, the Standards of conduct, ethics and performance for pharmacy professionals
6.6 Please describe up to three recent events or situations from your workplace that demonstrate that you
are competent in at least five of the generic areas of competence outlined above. State the reference
codes that relate to each example e.g. TG1, TG2.
Think of events or situations you have been involved in which demonstrate your competency as a pharmacy
technician. Talk to your supervising pharmacist or manager for guidance.
Your examples must:
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Have occurred within the last 12 months.
Be your own and relate to your role as a pharmacy technician (not as a counter assistant).
Show how you comply with our Standards of conduct, ethics and performance and SOP’s from your
work.
Show a wide range of generic competencies. Some of your examples may be relevant to only one
competency, others may demonstrate several.
Include sufficient detail to fully demonstrate the competencies you are claiming.
For each example include:
date of the situation or event.
background information, e.g. who was involved - job titles only
actions you took to resolve the problem.
final outcome(s) – a summary will be fine.
The relevant generic competency codes demonstrated by your example – see question 6.5
Good examples - from a pharmacy technician in a non dispensing role.
Example 1
Date: October 2009
Competencies demonstrated: TG12, TG7.
Background: I was asked to adapt the CPD guide ‘Plan and Record’ written for pharmacists in order to create
a version for pharmacy technicians (evidence of TG12).
Actions: I have reviewed the CPD system for pharmacists. I identified sections that required updating and
researched additional information that should be included in the pharmacy technicians’ version (TG7).
Final outcome: My manager agreed that the draft version I produced for pharmacy technicians, was up to
date and relevant (TG7).
Example 2
Date: December 2009
Competencies demonstrated: TG1, TG5, TG6.
Background and staff involved: I have set up a working party to review the draft version of the CPD guide for
pharmacy technicians (setting the scene). The working party includes pharmacy technicians working in the
main fields of practice, the head of support staff section and the CPD manager at RPSGB (evidence of TG1).
Actions: I have sought their views and advice on the CPD documentation ‘Plan and Record for Pharmacy
Technicians’ and agreed changes to reflect their ideas and input (TG6).
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Final outcome: I have liaised with the printing staff to ensure the documentation is well presented and
straightforward to use (TG1, TG5).
Example 3
Date: March 2010
Competencies demonstrated: TG16
Background: I attended 3 steering group meetings on the regulation of pharmacy technicians which covers
the implementation of statutory and voluntary registration for pharmacy technicians (background
information).
Action: I have reviewed and commented on the content of policies, procedures, application packs and other
documentation relating to registration (TG16).
Final outcome: Some of my comments and suggestions were included in the revised versions.
Competencies demonstrated in total equals 6. (TG1, TG5, TG6, TG7, TG12, TG16).
Section 7 Declaration by applicant
You must sign and date the declaration. The GPhC register is divided into parts. Part 2 is for registration as a
pharmacy technician.
Fraudulently procuring an entry in the pharmacy technicians’ register will be treated as misconduct and may
result in removal from the Register.
Section 8 Declaration by countersigning pharmacist or pharmacy technician
Pharmacists/pharmacy technicians must read the Guidance for countersigning before countersigning
application forms. This guidance explains their responsibilities; copies can be downloaded from our website.
This section must be completed by a practising pharmacist/pharmacy technician with current UK registration
who is in good standing.
The pharmacist’s/pharmacy technician’s registration number must be provided so we can verify their details.
The countersignatory is asked to declare that to the best of their knowledge the information given in the
application and in any supporting information is true and accurate, and relates to you.
Section 9 Photograph certification guidance
You must provide one recent passport sized photograph. This must be signed on the back by an appropriate
official. The photograph must be attached to the photograph certification page of your application form.
The person who signs the photograph (the counter signatory):
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Must be a professional person, or a person of standing in the community. Examples include a
pharmacist, registered pharmacy technician, a UK registered solicitor or a licensed Medical
Practitioner. If you have any questions about who is an appropriate official contact us.
Must have known you for at least 2 years
Must not be related to you by birth or marriage. Neither should they be in a personal relationship
with you e.g. husband and wife, nor live at your address.
Must write on the back of the photograph the words ‘I certify that this is a true likeness of (give full
name of the applicant)’ They must also sign and date the back of the photograph.
They must also complete the photograph certification page of the application form giving their full
name, occupation and sign and date the form. Photograph Certification
Requirements for the photograph
The photograph must be:
Taken within the last month
In colour
Against an off-white, cream or light grey plain background so your features are clearly
distinguishable
Printed on low-gloss, plain-white photo-quality paper
Undamaged, for example, by creases from paperclips
Of you on your own
In sharp focus and clear
Have a strong definition between the face and background
The photograph must show:
No shadows
You facing forwards, looking straight towards the camera
A neutral expression, with your mouth closed (no obvious grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows)
Your eyes open and clearly visible (no sunglasses or heavily tinted glasses and no hair across your
eyes)
No reflection or glare on your glasses, and the frames should not cover your eyes
Your full head, without any head covering, unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Nothing covering your face. Please ensure that nothing covers the outline of your eyes, nose or
mouth.
Section 10 Equality Monitoring Form
You are not required to provide this information if you do not wish to do so.
Section 11 Payment for application for registration as a pharmacy technician
When you apply to register with us you need to pay the following fees
The application fee. This covers our costs for checking the documents you have provided
The scrutiny fee. This covers our costs for evaluating your qualification against the national
requirements for registration.
The entry fee. This covers our costs for putting and maintaining your name on the register.
Route a applicants
You need to submit both the application fee and the first entry fee with your application. The application fee
is taken when we receive your application, the first entry fee when your name is entered onto the Register.
Route b and overseas applicants
You need to submit just the application and scrutiny fee with your application. We will contact you for the
first entry fee once the evaluation of your application has been completed if your application has been
successful.
Please note:
The current application, scrutiny and first entry fees are provided on the payment form.
You must make your payment by credit or debit card as we no longer accept cheque payments. You
should complete the Payment Form included with this pack providing your card details.
You will not be registered as a pharmacy technician until we have taken the first entry fee payment.
If you send in your application without the correct fees your application will be returned to you.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Guidance on providing supporting documents
Certified copies
We recommend you send certified copies (not the originals) of the following documents:
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate or other acceptable document(s) (where appropriate)
Passport. If you do not have a passport, see advice below.
Qualification certificate(s)
Only UK registered solicitors can certify your documents.
The official must write on each photocopy:
“I certify that I have seen the original document and that this is a true copy”,
sign,
date and
provide an official solicitors stamp.
If a document is not in English, you must provide a certified translation in English, and the certified copy of
the original language document.
No liquid paper amendments or alterations of any other kind are permitted to certified copies.
Changes in name
All the names on your birth certificate, passport, qualification certificate and application form must be
exactly the same, that means word for word, letter for letter. This includes any middle names or initials you
may have and any changes in spelling or order.
You must provide documentation to support all changes to your name, for instance a marriage certificate,
Deed Poll or Certificate of Civil Partnership. If you are not able to do this, you must see a solicitor and
complete the relevant section of the statutory declaration form.
Translations for documents not in English
Any document that is not written in the English language MUST be accompanied by a translation.
You must provide the original translation together with a solicitor certified copy of the document which is
not in English.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Translations must be carried out by a professional translator.
The translator must sign and date the translation and provide their name and business address.
The translator must also certify that they are authorised to translate from the particular foreign language
into English, and that the translation produced is true and accurate. The certification must be on the same
page as the translation or be attached to the translation.
The translation must be a literal translation NOT an interpretation of the original document.
All certifications and ink stamps on the original document must also be translated.
Contact your embassy for a list of official translators.
Applicants without passports
If you do not have a current passport you can send a certified copy of your:
UK driving licence plus
NHS card or National Insurance card.
Both the photo card and paper part of the driving licence must be provided. The driving licence must be
current.
If you do not have a photo card driving licence you can send:
NHS card or a National Insurance card (certified copy) plus
three of the following original documents (we will return them to you by recorded delivery)
o
Bank/building society, credit card or financial statement (such as a pension statement)
o
P45/P60
o
Utility bill
o
TV licence
o
Addressed payslip
o
Council tax or benefit statement
o
CRB disclosure certificate
All documents must be dated within the last 12 months.
The details on the document (including address) must be the same as the details on your application form.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
1. Personal details
1.1 Title
Mr
Mrs
Ms
Miss
Other (please specify)
1.2 Surname(s)
1.3 Forename(s)
1.4 Date of birth
1.5 Address including postcode
1.6 Country
1.7 Nationality
1.8 Home phone
1.9 Work phone / mobile
1.10 Email address
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
2. Type of application
2.1 Which application process applies to you
Please tick one box
Route a
Applicant with a recognised UK qualification meeting route a work experience requirements
Route b
Applicant with a recognised UK qualification meeting minimum work experience requirements
Overseas (non EEA)
Applicant with a non-UK qualification meeting UK work experience requirements
3. Fitness to practice
3.1 Have you ever applied previously for registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
(RPSGB) or the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), either as a pharmacy technician or as a
pharmacist or undertaken preregistration training with the RPSGB or the GPhC?
Yes
No
If you have answered ‘yes’ to question 3.1 please provide details, including your application, registration
or preregistration number
3.2 Are you currently or have you previously been registered with any UK statutory health regulatory body
(any member body of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence) or a health regulatory body
outside Great Britain?
Yes
No
If you have answered ‘yes’ to question 3.2 please provide name of body and registration number
By virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2003, you are exempt from the
provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore you are not entitled to
withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are spent under the provisions of the
Act and failure to disclose such convictions could result in disciplinary action
3.3 Has a determination ever been made against you by a regulatory body in the United Kingdom
responsible under any enactment for the regulation of a health or social care profession to the effect
that your fitness to practise as a member of a profession regulated by that body is impaired, or a
determination by a regulatory body elsewhere to the same effect?
GPhC Sept 2010
Yes
No
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
3.4 Do you currently have any problems with your physical or mental health that may impair your ability to
practise safely and effectively or which otherwise impairs your ability to carry out your duties in a safe
and effective manner?
Yes
No
3.5 Have you previously been convicted or cautioned for a criminal offence in the British Islands or
elsewhere (which, if committed in England, Scotland or Wales would constitute a criminal offence) or
have you previously agreed to be bound over to keep the peace by a Magistrates’ Court in England or
Wales?
Yes
No
Please note that Road Traffic offences in which the person committing the offence has been offered the
option of paying a fixed penalty (e.g. certain speeding offences etc) will not be treated as a conviction
for the purposes of renewal in the Register and need not be declared.
3.6 Have you previously agreed to pay a penalty under section 115A of the Social Security Administration
Act 1992 (penalty as alternative to prosecution)?
Yes
No
3.7 Are you currently under investigation by any regulatory body (other than the GPhC) or criminal
enforcement authority (e.g. police or NHS Counter Fraud Service) in the British Islands or elsewhere?
Yes
No
3.8 Have you previously accepted a conditional offer under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland)
Act 1995 (fixed penalty: conditional offer by procurator fiscal) or have you previously been subject to an
order under section 246(2) or (3) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 discharging you
absolutely (admonition and absolute discharge)?
Yes
No
3.9 Have you previously been included by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (also known as the
Independent Barring Board) barred list (in England, Wales or Northern Ireland) or the children’s list or
adult’s list maintained by the Scottish Ministers?
Yes
No
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above you are required to submit a ‘something to
declare’ form with your application. The ‘something to declare’ form is available on our website
www.pharmacyregulation.org by email at [email protected] and by telephone on 0203
365 3600.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
4. Education and training
Applicants should provide details of pharmacy technician qualification(s) gained in the United Kingdom.
Only qualifications listed in the guidance document should be included. Overseas qualified applicants
should provide details of their qualification(s) on their Supplementary Application Form. Applicants with
more than two qualifications should continue on a separate sheet. Applicants with the Boots Dispenser
Training Course completed after 1993 and the Boots Top-Up Module should list these qualifications
separately.
4.1 Title of first qualification
4.2 Date commenced (month and year)
4.3 Date awarded (month and year)
4.4 Title of second qualification
4.5 Date commenced (month and year)
4.6 Date awarded (month and year)
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
5. Career history
Provide information on your work experience as a pharmacy technician and student. Start with your
most recent role.
Applying via route a - only provide information on jobs from the last 8 years. If you qualified less than 8
years ago, give details from the date you started your pharmacy technician training.
Applying via route b or with an overseas qualification – include all your jobs from the date you started
your training.
Gaps in career history - you must tell us if there are any gaps in your work experience, e.g. maternity
leave, long term sick leave. On a separate sheet or covering letter, give a brief reason for the gap and
start / end date.
A.
Most recent job title / position
Name and address of organisation
Hours worked per week
Start date (dd/mm/yy)
End date (if applicable) (dd/mm/yy)
Main responsibilities / duties
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Name and job title of most recent line manager / supervising pharmacist and registration number
Contact number of most recent line manager / supervising pharmacist
B.
Job title / position
Name and address of organisation
Hours worked per week
Start date (dd/mm/yy)
End date (if applicable) (dd/mm/yy)
Main responsibilities / duties
Name and job title of most recent line manager / supervising pharmacist and registration number
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
C.
Job title / position
Name and address of organisation
Hours worked per week
Start date (dd/mm/yy)
End date (if applicable) (dd/mm/yy)
Main responsibilities / duties
Name and job title of most recent line manager / supervising pharmacist and registration number
Please continue you career history on separate sheets if necessary
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
6. Statement of practice (route b and overseas applicants only)
This section must be completed by overseas qualified applicants and applicants applying under route b.
Route a applicants should leave this section blank and should continue with Section 7.
Please provide brief details of your professional practice within the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or
Isle of Man, demonstrating that you work within the GPhC’s Standards of conduct, ethics and
performance for pharmacy professionals and that your practice embraces a range of the generic
competencies defined for pharmacy technicians.
Answers can be typed on a separate sheet. All additional sheets must be signed and dated by your
countersigning pharmacist, on each sheet they must write - “I certify that to the best of my knowledge,
the evidence provided is true, accurate and relates to the applicant” and provide their registration
number.
6.1 What are the key responsibilities within you role?
6.2 What do you do to improve the wellbeing of patients?
6.3 Give examples (with approximate dates and/or duration of the course where applicable) of when you
have had to update your knowledge to keep up to date in your area of work? Overseas qualified
applicants must provide this information in addition to information about knowledge not covered in
their initial qualification on the Supplementary Application Form.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
6.4 How do you ensure confidentiality in your area of work?
6.5 Click the generic competency reference codes for pharmacy technicians you think your practice covers,
covering as wide a range as possible.
TG1
TG2
TG3
TG4
TG5
TG6
TG7
TG8
TG9
TG10
TG11
TG12
TG13
TG14
TG15
TG16
6.6 Please provide details of up to three events from your practice as a pharmacy technician that
demonstrate you are competent in at least five of the generic areas of competence listed in 6.5. State
the TG codes that relate to each example. Include the date that each event occurred.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
7. Declaration by applicant
I declare that
7.1 I am applying for registrationl in Part 2 of the Register and I hereby declare that, in accordance with
Article 20(3) of the Pharmacy Order 2010, I intend to practise as a pharmacy technician in Great Britain,
the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
7.2 The information that I have provided in this application for registration is complete, true and accurate. I
am also aware that I am under a duty to notify the Registrar of any changes to my name, home address
or other contact details within one month starting on the day on which the change occurred.
7.3 I will adhere to the standards relating to conduct, ethics and performance and continuing professional
development published by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
7.4 I have in place appropriate indemnity arrangements.
7.5 I accept that I am under a duty to notify the Registrar if there is any change in the circumstances relating
to the fitness to practise declaration that I have made within 7 days starting on the day on which the
event occurred.
I understand that
7.6 If I am found to have given false or misleading information in connection with my application for
registration in the Register, this may be treated as misconduct, which may result in my removal from the
Register.
Signature
Date
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
8. Declaration by countersigning pharmacist or pharmacy technician
This section must be completed by a practising pharmacist or pharmacy technician with current UK
registration who is in good standing.
I declare that
8.1 I am on the GPhC Register
8.2 I am in good standing with the GPhC
8.3 I have checked the documents to be submitted and confirm that they are all present and have been
enclosed with this application form
8.4 To the best of my knowledge the information given in this application and in any supporting documents
is true, complete and accurate and relates to the applicant
8.5 I know of no reason why this applicant would not be a fit and proper registered pharmacy technician
Name
Registration number
Signature
Date
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
9. Photograph certification
This section must be completed by the person who signs the back of the photograph
9.1 Name
9.2 Address
9.3 Country
9.4 Phone
9.5 Email address
By countersigning this application, you agree that the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) may
contact you to verify the information that you have provided.
I declare that I have signed the photograph enclosed and that I have known
for
years and the information I have provided is correct.
Signature
I certify this is a
true likeness of
Give applicants full
name and title
Date
Signature of
certifying person
and date certified
Attach photograph here by one corner
All writing must be visible
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
10. Equality monitoring
10.1 What is you ethnic group?
Please tick one
White
British
Irish
Other
African
Other
Black or Black British
Caribbean
Mixed
White and Black Caribbean
White and Black African
White and Asian
Other Mixed (please specify)
Asian or Asian British
Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Other Asian (please specify)
Other ethnic group
If other please specify
10.2 What is you gender?
Male
Please tick one
Female
10.3 What is your sexual orientation?
Heterosexual
Please tick one
Lesbian / Gay
Bisexual
10.4 What is your religion?
Please tick one
None
Christian
Buddhist
Hindu
Jewish
Muslim
Sikh
Other
If other please specify
10.5 Do you consider that you have a disability?
Yes
GPhC Sept 2010
Please tick one
No
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
11. Payment for application for registration as a pharmacy technician
11.1 Name of applicant
11.2 Type of card
Please tick one
Mastercard
Visa
Maestro
Solo
Visa Purchasing
Visa Delta
11.3 Card number
11.4 Issue date (mm/yy)
11.5 Expiry date (mm/yy)
11.6 Issue number (for Solo and Maestro cards only)
If your card does not have an issue number please enter ‘NA’ in the box
11.7 Name of card holder (exactly as it appears on the card)
11.8 Please charge this card with the sum(s)
Application fee £100
Scrutiny fee route b £158
Scrutiny fee overseas application £190
We will process your application fee and scrutiny fee payment when we validate your application
First entry fee £142
Signature of cardholder
Date (dd/mm/yy)
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
Route a applicants
You need to submit both the application fee and the first entry fee with your application. The application fee
is taken when we receive your application, the first entry fee when your name is entered onto the Register.
Route b and overseas applicants
You need to submit just the application and scrutiny fee with your application. We will contact you for the
first entry fee once the evaluation of your application has been completed if your application has been
successful.
The first entry covers the costs of maintaining your name on the register of pharmacy technicians for twelve
months from the date of first entry. The fee of £142 is the first entry fee for applicants entered on the
register up to and including 15 September 2012. The fee for entrance onto the register after this date will be
the subject of a GPhC fees consultation in 2011 and may be higher.
Please note
Fees are non-refundable. The GPhC will not accept cheque payments
You are required to provide two payments, the application fee and the scrutiny fee with your application.
The application fee and scrutiny fee covers the cost of processing you application. The first entry fee covers
the costs of maintaining your name on the register of pharmacy technicians for twelve months from the date
of first entry.
We will process the first entry fee payment when your name is put on the register. The first entry fee is
required to enter you onto the Register of Pharmacy Technicians and you will not be registered until this
payment has been processed.
An additional £46 administration fee will be levied in the event of an application for registration having to be
returned to the applicant more than once.
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application
GPhC Sept 2010
UK and Overseas (non EEA) Pharmacy Technician application