This guide outlines the essential documents you need to work as a pharmacy technician or dispenser.
For Dispensers
Photographic ID: A valid passport or a driving licence.
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 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.
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 8 years.
Northern Ireland: An AccessNI check dated within the last 3 years.
For Technicians
Photographic ID: A valid passport or a driving licence.
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 8 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.
NVQ Level 3: A certificate for a Level 3 NVQ or an equivalent qualification in pharmacy services. This is a standard requirement for technicians throughout the UK and Ireland.