Your essential steps to GPhC registration

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulatory body for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies in Great Britain. If you’re looking to practice pharmacy in England, Scotland or Wales, registering with the GPhC is an essential step. This blog post provides an overview of the GPhC registration process, whether you’re a newly qualified UK pharmacist or an internationally trained professional.

Why register with the GPhC?

GPhC registration is a fundamental requirement that protects the public. As a registered pharmacist, you are legally accountable for providing safe and effective care. The GPhC’s standards for education, training and professional conduct ensure that all registered professionals are competent and fit to practice, maintaining public trust in the profession.

The GPhC registration process for UK pharmacists

For those who have completed their pharmacy education and training in the UK, the registration process is a culmination of your MPharm degree and foundation training.

Key requirements:

1. GPhC-accredited MPharm degree: You must have successfully completed a four-year GPhC-accredited Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree in the UK.
2. 52-week foundation training: Following your degree, you need to complete 52 weeks of GPhC-approved foundation training (formerly known as pre-registration training). This training provides the practical experience needed to meet the GPhC’s standards.
3. Registration assessment: You must pass the common registration assessment, which is held jointly by the GPhC and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
4. Application: You will submit an application through the GPhC’s online portal, myGPhC, providing all necessary documents and declarations, including those related to your fitness to practice. More information available on the GPhC’s portal.

It’s worth noting that if you have completed your education and training in Great Britain, you must apply for registration within a specific timeframe (e.g., within eight years of starting your MPharm degree or within two years of passing the registration assessment, whichever is sooner).

How to register as an international pharmacist

The path to GPhC registration for internationally qualified pharmacists is different and depends on where you obtained your qualifications.

GPhC registration for non-EEA qualified pharmacists:

This route is known as the Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP) and is the most common path for pharmacists trained outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Key steps:

1. Initial eligibility application: You must first apply to the GPhC to confirm your eligibility for the OSPAP. This involves an assessment of your academic qualifications, work experience and English language competency.
2. English language competency: You must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to practice safely. This is typically done by achieving a specific score on an approved English language test, such as the IELTS or OET.
3. Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP): Once your eligibility is confirmed, you must successfully complete a one-year postgraduate diploma (the OSPAP) at a UK university. This course prepares you for UK pharmacy practice.
4. 52-week foundation training: After completing the OSPAP, you must secure and complete a 52-week foundation training placement.
5. Registration assessment: Similar to UK-qualified pharmacists, you must pass the GPhC’s registration assessment.
6. Final application: Upon meeting all the above requirements, you can submit your final application for GPhC registration. More information can be found on the GPhC’s portal.  

How to register as an EEA-qualified pharmacist:

If you are an EEA national with a pharmacy qualification from an EEA country, you may be able to have your qualification recognised by the GPhC. The specific route depends on the nature of your qualifications and experience. This qualification must be from an EEA country listed in Annex, section 5.6.2 of Directive 2005/36/EC. You must have started the qualification after the reference date listed for the specific EEA country where it was awarded and it must comply with all the minimum training requirements outlined in Article 44 of the same directive. 

You will still need to demonstrate English language competency and may be required to complete certain assessments before your application for registration is approved.

Key considerations for all GPhC applicants

• Fitness to practice: All applicants must make declarations about their health and character, including any criminal convictions or findings by a regulatory body. The GPhC uses this information to assess your fitness to practice and ensure public safety.
• Professional indemnity insurance: You must have appropriate professional indemnity insurance in place to practice as a pharmacist in the UK. This can be a personal policy, an employer arrangement or an arrangement through a professional body.
• Documentation: Be prepared to provide a range of certified documents, including proof of identity, academic certificates and other relevant paperwork. Ensure all documents are accurate and meet the GPhC’s specific requirements to avoid delays.
• Registration fees: There are several fees associated with the registration process, including a non-refundable application fee and a first-entry fee. Be sure to check the GPhC’s official website for the most up-to-date fee structure.

Your path to practicing as a pharmacist in the UK

Navigating the GPhC registration process is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can successfully join the register and begin a fulfilling career as a pharmacist in Great Britain. Always refer to the official GPhC website for the most current and detailed guidance.