FAQs

Who are APTUK?

The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) is the Professional Leadership Body for Pharmacy Technicians. We are a not for profit, Limited by Guarantee company

Who is on the Board / Executive Committee?

Please see the biographies page for information on the APTUK Board and Executive Committee.

How can I get more involved with the work APTUK does? 

We are always looking for help with the running of APTUK and work on projects. Current vacancies are advertised on our website: APTUK jobs. For all other enquiries, please email operations@aptuk.org with your full name, membership number (if known) and details of how you would like to help.

How can I join APTUK?

Join here: Join APTUK

Why should I join APTUK?

APTUK is the only Professional Leadership Body for Pharmacy Technicians in the UK. At whatever stage of your career or whichever sector you work in, by joining APTUK, you will benefit from the following:

• Information and resources
• Peer and professional networking
• The Pharmacy Technician Journal
• Career development
• Shaping the future of pharmacy technician profession
• Kudos and recognition with the post nominal MAPharmT 

For more information please see the website: Benefits of Membership.

Who can join APTUK?

Membership is for pharmacy technicians and science manufacturing technicians only. This includes:

• Pharmacy technicians from England, Scotland and Wales who are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Qualified pharmacy technicians working in Northern Ireland
• Pre-registration / trainee student pharmacy technicians in the UK
• Qualified or trainee science manufacturing technicians

How much does it cost to join APTUK? 

How can I find/join/contact my local professional practice hub?

Details of the current hubs, including contact details can be found on the APTUK Professional Practice Hubs Page of our website.If there isn’t a local hub near you, please email our Branch Liaison Executive: branchliaison@aptuk.org who will be able to put you in touch with another hub.

How can I set up a hub?      

Please contact the Branch Liaison Executive who will work with you to set up a branch.

Can you give me details of members in my local area to contact to set up a hub?  

Due to GDPR restrictions, we are not able to release member personal details. However, the Branch Liaison Executive can contact APTUK members within postcodes / regions. Please get in touch with the Branch Liaison Executive to discuss your requirements.

When is the next annual APTUK conference and where can I find more information about it? 

The date and location of the next APTUK Professional Conference and Awards Dinner can be found on the APTUK website. You can also follow us for updates on:

• LinkedIn – Association of Pharmacy Technician (APTUK)
• Instagram @APTUK1 
• Facebook /APTUK1
• Blue sky @aptuk.bsky.social

Can non-members attend the APTUK conference?

Yes. The APTUK conference and exhibition is open to all pharmacy technicians. Registration details and ticket prices will be available on the APTUK website when they are released. 

Can you provide details for my employer to pay for me to attend the APTUK conference?

Yes. When booking, there will be an option to add details of your purchase order and to request an invoice.

How do I send in a nomination for one of the APTUK Pharmacy Technician awards?

All the details will be on the APTUK website approximately 6-8 months before the conference date.

Do APTUK have sample job descriptions for various Pharmacy Technician roles?

No. APTUK do not supply these. Members may be able to ask local professionlal practice hub members if they could share any job descriptions.

PCPA have job descriptions for Primary Care Network job roles. See their website here: pcpa.org.uk

Can APTUK advise on recruiting a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician?

Recruitment advice is not a service that we offer. The GPhC accredited programmes for training are available here with entry criteria. Training providers will be able to confirm entry requirements.

Do you advertise jobs?

We advertise voluntary and employed APTUK jobs to join our professional committee on our website, but we do not advertise employed pharmacy technician jobs. Job search sites such as NHS jobs / Indeed etc. may be helpful. 

Can you give advice on disputes at work and terms and conditions of employment etc.

APTUK is not affiliated with a Trade Union and therefore cannot offer advice on employment issues. If your employer has an HR department, they may be able to provide advice, or take a look at ACAS or Citizens Advice. 

Can you offer advice of scope of practice i.e., what a pharmacy technician can / can’t do?

This section of the APTUK website gives information on what is a Pharmacy Technician. The Professional Standards for Pharmacy Technicians can be accessed from the regulator here: standards for pharmacy professionals.

Can a pharmacy technician refuse to provide services based on religious values or personal beliefs?

See here for Guidance from the GPhC.

Can a pharmacy technician administer medicines without the pharmacist?

A registered pharmacy technician may administer medicines under a PGD, or local policy with associated governance. Where medicines administration is determined by the individual trust, there should be a policy in place;  the role should be specifically included within job descriptions; and individuals should be trained accordingly in line with GPhC standards.

Can a pharmacy technician administer vaccinations?

A registered pharmacy technician may administer a vaccine under a Patient Specific Direction (PSD), following assessment and authorisation by an appropriate prescriber. They may also administer vaccines under a Patient Group Direction (PGD), where pharmacy technicians are included as an authorised profession within the PGD and have been appropriately trained, assessed as competent, and authorised by their employer.

It is the responsibility of both the employer and the pharmacy technician to ensure vaccination is undertaken safely and within the appropriate legal and professional framework, with the appropriate governance, training, competency assessment and authorisation being in place. This includes being able to recognise and respond to anaphylaxis and to comply with local policies and procedures as appropriate.

For further information, please see Pharmacy technicians working under Patient Group Directions – NHS SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice

Can APTUK recommend a Trade Union?

APTUK is not affiliated with a Trade Union and as an independent professional leadership body, we are not able to make recommendations. Your employer should be able to provide advice, or take a look at ACAS or Citizens Advice.   

Can APTUK recommend an indemnity insurance provider?

APTUK is not affiliated with insurance companies and as an independent professional leadership body, we are not able to make recommendations. For more information on indemnity requirements, please go to the GPhC website.  We are also aware of the following companies for you to complete independent research:

– Miab insurance

– National Pharmacy Association (NPA)

– Pharmacy Insurance Agency (PIA)

I have forgotten the password for my account/cannot log into my account.     

If you have forgotten your password - click the ‘Reset it’ link and you will receive an email at the address used to set the account up. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive an email within 5 minutes. If you are having problems logging into the account, email the membership coordinator: membership@aptuk.org.

I need to change the details APTUK have for me.

Updates can be made via your profile settings on the website. Simply log into the website and go to the Members area in the top righthand corner of the site. Choose ‘Profile’ from options and you will be able to update your personal profile including your address, email, place of work, work sector, specialist areas and password.

What is my membership number?

Your 6-digit membership number can be found in your profile settings on the website. (see above for details of how to access profile settings). your memberhip number can also be found in most email communications from APTUK. 

I require a receipt for my payment

Receipts can be viewed in the members area on the website.  If you pay by an historic method (direct debit, standing order or cheque) you will need to request one by emailing the membership coordinator: membership@aptuk.org.

I have lost/damaged my badge how do I get a replacement?

You will need to request one by emailing the membership coordinator: membership@aptuk.org.

What is the expiry date of my current membership or date of renewal?

This can be found in your profile settings on the website. (see above for details of how to access profile settings). It will also be on your latest renewal or membrship letter.

Can I get a renewal reminder?

Renewal reminders are generally sent out 2-4 weeks in advance of your renewal date.

Do APTUK issue a membership card or membership certificate?

Your membership details are all held online, along with a digital certificate. (Certificates are not available to PTPT members) For environmental reasons, we no longer print membership cards or membership certificates.

Can you tell me how many years I have been a member of APTUK?

We only have access to data from 2014 and cannot confirm membership before that year.  For members joining after 2014, your registration date can be found in your personal profile which can be accessed online.

I am a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician and want to change my study end date

To request changes to your study end date email membership@aptuk.org detailing the reason for the change and the new study end date requested

Is ACPT a separate APTUK membership category?

No. APTUK does not have a separate membership category for ACPT qualified pharmacy technicians

ACPTs are included within the existing Pharmacy Technician (PT) and Early Career (EC) membership categories. Your ACPT qualification does not change your membership type and does not incur any additional membership fees

Can I contact other APTUK members through the website

No, you cannot currently contact other APTUK members directly through the website. If you wish to reach a specific member or a particular group of members, email membership@aptuk.org. We may be able to facilitate contact only with the member’s permission, in line with GDPR and our data protection obligations

Can I buy the Pharmacy Technician Journal?

The Pharmacy Technician Journal is a benefit of membership and is not for sale. All APTUK members are sent a digital copy approximately 4 times per year. Full members can also request a printed version to be sent in the post. Past copies are available to all members on our website. Pharmacy Technician Journal

Can I buy a badge?

The APTUK membership badge is for members only, and is provided with your membership welcome pack. Contact membership@aptuk.org if you need to purchase a replacement.

Can I buy a polo-shirt?

The APTUK polo-shirt is available to buy for members only. To order, members need to visit the APTUK online Shop.

Are there any other APTUK branded materials available?

All available branded materials can be purchased via the APTUK online Shop.

Can I get printed promotional material for events to promote pharmacy technicians and APTUK?

At APTUK we are conscious of the environment, and as a result we have taken the decision to limit the number of printed materials that we produce. However, if you have an event, please contact operations@aptuk.org with the details and we will help if we can.

Can I have a hard copy of the PTJ if I am a PTPT member?   

Membership is free for PTPTs and does not include a hard copy of the PTJ. However, student members can access digital copies of the PTJ here through the resources section of the website. 

How do I order a printed copy of the PTJ?

All members will receive a link to their digital copy via email. Pharmacy Technician members, Early Career members, Fellow and Honorary members can also request a printed copy to be sent to them in the post. To request a printed copy please log into the website and open your member profile. In the first section you will see a tick box labelled “Request a printed copy of the PTJ”. Once selected you will automatically receive printed editions going forward. If you later decide to stop receiving a printed copy , simply untick the box. We encourage everyone to consider environmental impact when deciding whether a printed copy is needed.

I haven’t received my PTJ how do I get one?

If you feel you should have received a digital copy and you haven’t, your details may not be up to date. Check your email address in your member profile settings via the APTUK website. For any further queries, email membership@aptuk.org.

I would like to write an article for the PTJ, how do I do that? 

If you would like to submit an article for consideration in the PTJ, please visit our 'Submitting an article for publication in the PTJ' page or contact the editor by emailing editor@aptuk.org. 

How can I register as a pharmacy technician in the UK?

Registration is through the regulator. Please see the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website. If you have a non-UK pharmacy technician qualification, the GPhC will provide guidance, but you may need to contact them directly. Follow the link above for more details. 

What are the requirements for registration?

The regulator sets the requirements. Please see the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website.

What are the requirements for revalidation?

Revalidation standards are set by the regulator. Please visit the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website.

Can APTUK help me with revalidation?

We have revalidation support on the website. Only members can access this support information.  

How can I re-register?

Registration is managed by the regulator. Please see further details on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website How to register.

In England, CPPE also offer courses to support reregistration:

• https://www.cppe.ac.uk/career/return-to-register
• https://www.cppe.ac.uk/

Can I join APTUK whilst I re-register?

You can join APTUK if you are studying as a pre-registration trainee pharmacy technician (PTPT) in the UK. Alternatively, you would need to be registered as a pharmacy technician in England, Scotland or Wales, or be a qualified pharmacy technician in Northern Ireland to join APTUK.

Where is the best place for training to be a pharmacy technician?

There are several different ways to become a pharmacy technician and the preferred route is an individual choice. The GPhC website has details of different courses and approved training providers for your evaluation.

I’m an overseas pharmacist – how can I train/work/register as a Pharmacy Technician in the UK?

This is a question for the regulator. Please see the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website..

If you have a non-UK pharmacy technician qualification, the GPhC provide advice here.

I have a pharmacy qualification from outside the UK. Would this be helpful if I plan to start as a pharmacy technician and study? Would this help credit some courses in pharmacy?

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the best source of advice regarding qualifications obtained outside the UK and whether any previous education or training can be recognised towards registration as a pharmacy technician in Great Britain. In many cases, individuals wishing to register as a pharmacy technician in Great Britain are required to complete a GPhC-approved pharmacy technician education and training programme. The GPhC will be able to provide guidance on the specific requirements based on individual circumstances.

In England, pharmacy technician training is typically undertaken as part of employment as a Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician, with the employer supporting enrolment onto an approved training programme. Although APTUK is unable to provide advice on the recognition of overseas qualifications or registration eligibility, further information and personalised guidance can be obtained directly from the GPhC via their website: www.pharmacyregulation.org. The GPhC's registration team will be able to advise on the education and training requirements applicable to individual circumstances. They  have a phone number available on their website.

https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/students-and-trainees/pharmacy-technician-education-and-training

https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/about-us/contact-us

Do you have any training programmes for international students?

We are not a training provider, so this is a question for the regulator. Please see the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website.

Do you provide sponsorship for pharmacy technician training or post-registration training?

APTUK is not a training provider and as a not-for-profit, Limited by Guarantee company, we are unable to sponsor training.

I wish to cancel my membership what do I do?

Firstly, check your eligibility for cancellation in accordance with the APTUK Membership Terms and Conditions. Annual payment members may cancel their membership at any time. Monthly installment members may only cancel in the last month of their subscription payment.

To cancel, go into your profile settings on the website and click on the ‘cancel membership’ button at the bottom of your profile. If you have paid online, no further payments will be taken. However, if you pay by direct debit mandate or standing order you will also need to cancel your payment at the bank and email the membership coordinator: membership@aptuk.org. To assist us with membership improvements we would be grateful to know the reason behind the cancellation.

I am retiring from the GPhC register what should I do?

Please cancel your membership via the website. If you have paid by direct debit or standing order, please contact your bank to cancel the payment and email the membership coordinator: membership@aptuk.org. In your email, state the reason for cancelling your membership is due to retirement.

I have just joined APTUK and now I have changed my mind & no longer wish to join, how do I cancel?

If you cancel your membership within 14 days of joining APTUK, and you have not accessed any of the APTUK resources, you can request a refund by emailing the membership coordinator: membership@aptuk.org. For full refund terms please see:  APTUK Membership Terms and Conditions.

My membership has renewed, and I forgot to cancel my membership. Can I have a refund?

Please see the APTUK subscription refund policy which can be found here:  APTUK Membership Terms and Conditions.