This guide outlines the essential documents you need to work as a pharmacy technician or dispenser.
For Dispensers
Photographic ID: A valid passport.
Right to Work: A UK or Irish passport. If you were not born in the UK or Ireland, you must provide a share code along with proof of your Share Code Status.
Training Certificate: A certificate proving you have completed a Level 2 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in pharmacy services, NVQ 3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a similar qualification. Alternatively, proof of enrolment in a UK-based pharmacy course with a start and end date is also accepted.
Reference: A letter of recommendation from a pharmacist who can confirm your capabilities and the time you worked with them. The letter must include the pharmacist's contact information and their GPhC number. If your dispensing experience was gained in a hospital setting, a reference from a doctor who can confirm your capabilities and the time you worked with them, may be accepted, provided it includes their contact details and General Medical Council (GMC) registration number.
Police Check:
England and Wales: A Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check dated within the last 3 years.
Scotland: A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check dated within the last 5 years.
Northern Ireland: An AccessNI check dated within the last 3 years.
For Technicians
Photographic ID: A valid passport.
Right to Work: A UK or Irish passport. If you were not born in the UK or Ireland, you must provide a share code along with proof of your Share Code Status.
Indemnity Insurance: An insurance certificate or a statement of facts as proof of your professional indemnity insurance.
Police Check:
England and Wales: An Enhanced DBS check. You must also be registered with the DBS update service.
Scotland: A PVG Scheme record dated within the last 5 years.
Northern Ireland: An AccessNI check dated within the last 3 years.
Registration Number: Your professional registration number from the appropriate governing body:
England, Scotland, and Wales: General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration number.
Northern Ireland: Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) registration number.