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Revalidation and CPD: How UK Pharmacists Can Stay Ahead of GPhC Requirements

  • Writer: Locumr
    Locumr
  • Sep 28
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 6

Pharmacy is a fast-evolving profession, and pharmacists in the UK are expected to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) requires all registered pharmacists to participate in revalidation, a process designed to ensure professional standards are maintained and patients receive safe, effective care.

At the heart of revalidation is continuing professional development (CPD)—a structured approach to lifelong learning. For pharmacists, understanding these requirements and planning ahead can make the process smooth and even rewarding.

What Is Revalidation?

Revalidation is the GPhC’s framework to demonstrate that pharmacists are keeping up to date with professional standards. It replaced the old CPD-only model in 2018 and now includes a broader set of requirements:

  1. CPD records (four per year)

    • At least two must be planned learning activities.

    • The others can be unplanned, reflecting learning from day-to-day practice.

  2. Peer discussion (once every year)

    • A reflective conversation with another pharmacy professional or peer about your practice.

  3. Reflective account (once every year)

    • A written reflection showing how you meet one or more of the GPhC Standards for Pharmacy Professionals.

All records are submitted annually when renewing registration.


Why Is CPD Important?

CPD ensures that pharmacists remain competent, confident, and capable in their roles. With advances in medicines, technology, and healthcare delivery, CPD helps pharmacists:

  • Adapt to new clinical guidelines.

  • Deliver better patient care.

  • Explore career progression opportunities (e.g., prescribing qualifications).

  • Build evidence for career moves, such as hospital or GP pharmacy.

Beyond compliance, CPD is a chance to invest in yourself and future-proof your career.


How to Stay Ahead of GPhC Requirements

1. Keep Learning Continuous, Not Seasonal

Don’t wait until revalidation deadlines approach. Record CPD activities as you go—whether that’s attending a webinar, completing an e-learning module, or reflecting on a challenging patient case.


2. Use a Variety of Learning Methods

Examples include:

  • Formal learning: postgraduate courses, conferences, prescribing training.

  • Informal learning: journal reading, podcasts, peer-to-peer discussions.

  • Workplace learning: case reviews, quality improvement projects.

This variety makes your CPD richer and more relevant to real practice.


3. Link Learning to Patient Care

The GPhC looks for CPD that demonstrates direct impact. For example:

  • A CPD record about antimicrobial stewardship could link to reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in your pharmacy.

  • Reflecting on a peer discussion about safeguarding might lead to updated safeguarding referrals in practice.


4. Plan Your Peer Discussion Early

Avoid the last-minute scramble to find someone. Choose a peer who understands your practice area—this could be a colleague, GP pharmacist, or even someone in a different sector who can give a fresh perspective.


5. Align Reflective Accounts With GPhC Standards

The GPhC standards cover areas such as communication, leadership, and patient-centred care. Pick a real example where your practice demonstrated these values and explain it clearly.


6. Use Digital Tools and Templates

Platforms like Pharmaceutical Journal CPD, CPPE (Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education), and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) CPD tools provide templates, online courses, and structured ways to track learning.


7. Set Career-Linked Goals

Think about your five-year plan. If you want to become an independent prescriber or move into hospital pharmacy, use your CPD to build the necessary foundation.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving submissions to the last minute → increases stress and risk of incomplete records.

  • Writing generic reflections → the GPhC wants specific, real examples.

  • Focusing only on mandatory training → broaden CPD to reflect your unique career path.


Revalidation and CPD are not just regulatory tick-boxes—they are opportunities to grow, reflect, and shape your career. By staying proactive, engaging in varied learning, and linking development to patient outcomes, UK pharmacists can not only stay ahead of GPhC requirements but also position themselves as leaders in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Pharmacy is changing—CPD is your tool to change with it.

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