Royal College of Pharmacy raises concerns over proposed international pharmacist training reforms
Published: 20 July 2026
The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) has responded to the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) consultation on proposed changes to the education and training of internationally qualified pharmacists seeking registration in Great Britain.
While recognising the opportunity to modernise the current route and support greater flexibility, the College’s National Pharmacy Advisory Councils have highlighted issues that should be addressed as the proposals are developed further.
The consultation proposes reducing the current training pathway from two years to one year, alongside the inclusion of independent prescribing within the programme.
The College believes any changes should ensure internationally qualified pharmacists are given sufficient time, support and practical experience to successfully transition into pharmacy practice in Great Britain, which would be much more challenging within a significantly reduced timeframe.
The College’s response emphasises the importance of maintaining patient safety, professional standards and public confidence, while also ensuring internationally qualified pharmacists are well supported throughout their journey to registration and practice.
Tase Oputu, President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said:
“Internationally qualified pharmacists make a hugely valuable contribution to patient care across Great Britain, and we welcome efforts to review and modernise the current registration pathway.
“Any future model should strike a balance between recognising existing experience and ensuring pharmacists are fully supported as they adapt to a new healthcare system, regulatory framework and professional environment.
“We support exploring greater flexibility and recognition of prior learning where appropriate. As these proposals are developed, it will be important to ensure there are robust arrangements in place to support learning, supervision and assessment, while maintaining the high standards that patients, the public and the profession rightly expect.”
The College’s response also highlights the importance of considering programme capacity, access to placements and supervision, the wellbeing of learners and the practical delivery of independent prescribing training within any revised model.
The College supports further exploration of approaches that recognise prior learning and experience, provided there are transparent and consistent mechanisms for assessing equivalence and competence.
Read the consultation response.
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The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) has congratulated candidates receiving their General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Common Registration Assessment results today. Louise Goldring, director for education at the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: "Congratulations to all candidates who have passed this year’s registration exam. It's a rewarding and exciting time to join the profession, and we are committed to supporting new registrants as they begin their professional careers and progress through their journey in pharmacy. Look out later this week for our practical, structured support to help you develop your capability and professional judgement as you start to apply your knowledge in practice. "To those who did not achieve the result they hoped for today, you are not alone. The College is here to provide support and encouragement, whether through educational resources and revision tools for a future sitting of the assessment, or by helping individuals access wellbeing services and other sources of help.” If you didn’t pass this time, or if you are planning to sit in November or 2027, RCPharm associate trainee membership is still available to you. Just get in touch with our membership team at [email protected] to let us know. Continuing your RCPharm membership means you can retain access to all of our help and support with revising for your next attempt: Join us at our support webinar on Monday 12 October 2026. This webinar will provide additional support to foundation trainee pharmacists who are preparing to sit the 2026 autumn Common Registration Assessment. If you didn’t register your place at our revision course with mock assessment programme ahead of June, then you can still register to take our online mock assessment. Those that have previously registered have until 4 November 2026 to complete the mock assessment. Talk to our One-to-One Support Team for careers advice if you have issues around employment or any other queries. Remember to take a moment to reflect on the assessment but also on your mental and physical wellbeing. We understand it may be a lot to take in. Ensure you use your support network. Talk to those around you, your peers, your designated supervisor or family and share how you’re feeling. Consider if financially you need to continue working, or if you’d simply like to continue to keep your knowledge refreshed and up to date. Once you’ve reflected, think of your next steps and start working on an action plan if you’ll be sitting the assessment again soon. You can also get 1:1 guidance by getting in touch with an RCPharm post-assessment mentor. Register as a mentee on the mentoring service if you’ve not already done so. If this was your third attempt taking the registration assessment and you haven't passed, our Professional Support Team can advise you on your options and next steps — please get in touch. If you are taking the registration assessment in autumn or in 2027, please get in touch with our membership team on 020 7572 2737 or email [email protected] and select Option 2 to discuss extending your trainee membership, if needed. Read more news stories.
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