Historically, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians renewed their registration every year and had their CPD records reviewed over the course of a five-year cycle when requested by the regulator. However, with pharmacy practice continually evolving and the need for the public to be assured that their trust in pharmacy professionals is well-placed, the revalidation process has had to adapt.

This is needed to ensure pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are reflecting on how to continually improve their practice and demonstrate they are providing safe and effective patient care.

The revalidation framework from the GPhC sets out what pharmacy professionals must do on an annual basis to meet the new requirements, which involves the submission of activities undertaken and recorded each year at the time of registration renewal.

At first glance, the revalidation process may seem a bit complicated and difficult to navigate, but on considering it more closely, you will see that actually it is very achievable and relatively straightforward. The process is similar to that currently used by other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and midwives. Logging on to enable access to the updated myGPhC system is the first step.

The first group of pharmacists required to submit CPD entries for the revalidation process must do so by the registration renewal deadline of October 31.

An activation PIN number sent to the professional’s registered address is needed for this process, so if this hasn’t been received contact the GPhC.