You should read this page if you are want to apply to register as a pharmacy technician. It provides guidance on how to apply to us and the application forms to be filled in.
We started a voluntary register of pharmacy technicians in January 2005. Under voluntary registration we have four types of application with different entry requirements. We refer to these entry requirements as transitional arrangements.
In the future registration will become mandatory (compulsory). You will need to apply to register with us before registration becomes mandatory to continue working as a pharmacy technician. This date has not yet been set but is likely to be March 2011.
If you don’t apply to register before mandatory registration starts you will not be able to call yourself or work as a pharmacy technician. If you want to register after mandatory registration starts you will also need to meet our post-transitional entry requirements. This may mean that you will need to complete further qualifications before you can register with us.
We have four types of application, route a and route b for applicants with UK qualifications, overseas (non-EEA) and EEA for applicants with overseas qualifications.
Before filling out the application forms you should read the voluntary protocol and code of ethics.
To apply through route a you must have a UK pharmacy technician qualification and relevant work experience as a pharmacy technician of
If you have a UK pharmacy technician qualification but do not meet the work experience requirements for route a you may still be able to apply through route b. To apply through route b you must have two years relevant work experience as a pharmacy technician and have worked at least 14 hours per week during that time.
If you are applying through route b you will be required to provide additional information about your work as a pharmacy technician. This is information is then assessed by our evaluators to see if you meet our requirements.
To apply under route a or route b print off the application pack and payment form. You can also email us at pharmacytechnician@rpsgb.org or call us on 020 7572 2610 and we will send you a pack.
To apply as an overseas (non-EEA) applicant you must have an overseas pharmacist or pharmacy technician qualification and relevant work experience as a pharmacy technician in the United Kingdom of
To apply under the overseas (non-EEA) route print off the application pack, supplementary application form and payment form. You can also email us at pharmacytechnician@rpsgb.org or call us on 020 7572 2610 and we will send you a pack.
If you an overseas qualified pharmacy technician you will also need to print off the following form.
To apply as an EEA applicant you must be a European (EEA) national with a European pharmacy technician qualification and work experience.
To apply under the EEA route print off the application pack and payment form. You can also email us at pharmacytechnician@rpsgb.org or call us on 020 7572 2610 and we will send you a pack.
We define relevant work experience as 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. This may include work experience during your pharmacy technician course but cannot include work experience before the start of your course.
Further information on relevant work experience is provided in our guidance
NEW Guidance on relevant work experience
We have provided information for pharmacists about the registration process and their responsibilities when countersigning an application in guidance for countersigning pharmacists.
NEW Guidance for countersigning pharmacists
If your pharmacist is still unsure after reading the guidance they can email us at pharmacytechnician@rpsgb.org or call us on 020 7572 2610.
You will need to complete a statutory declaration form in front of a solicitor if:
Further information on pharmacy technician registration is provided in our frequently asked questions.
NEW Frequently asked questions
If you still cannot find an answer to your question after reading this you can: