Key Summary
- The minimum level of study has been increased from Level 3 to Level 4.
- Trainee pharmacy technicians should demonstrate competence in final accuracy checking before registration.
- A minimum Level 2 science qualification (or equivalent) has been introduced as an entry requirement.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) on Tuesday (11) published its new standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians that reflects the significant changes in their role in the last decade.
The updated standards will help ensure that future pharmacy technicians have the knowledge, skills and professional judgement needed to provide safe and effective care as responsibilities continue to develop and expand.
The standards were developed following extensive engagement and consultation with patients, the public, pharmacy professionals, employers, education providers and representative bodies.
The GPhC received 880 consultation responses from individuals and organisations across Britain before the standards were approved by the GPhC Council on 16 July 2026.
Key changes include:- Increasing the minimum level of study from Level 3 to Level 4.
- Requiring trainee pharmacy technicians to demonstrate competence in final accuracy checking before registration.
- Introducing a minimum Level 2 science qualification (or equivalent) as an entry requirement.
- Providing greater flexibility in how supervised workplace learning is completed while maintaining the minimum two-year training period.
The regulator will continue to work with stakeholders to support implementation of the standards, including through its implementation advisory group.
New education and training programmes are expected to begin operating from 2028, with full implementation not taking place before autumn 2029.
The changes will apply to future learners and will not introduce new requirements for pharmacy technicians who are already registered or those currently in training.
