Competency and training requirements

Before commencement of the Pharmacy First service, pharmacy contractors must have ensured that pharmacists and staff providing the service are competent to do so. They must be familiar with the clinical pathways, clinical protocol and PGDs. 

There are no mandatory training requirements to complete before delivering the Pharmacy First service. 

However, pharmacy contractors must keep documentary evidence that staff providing the service are competent and remain up to date with regards to the specific skills and knowledge that are appropriate to their role and the aspects of the service they are delivering. 

The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) Pharmacy First Service self-assessment framework lists suggested learning resources, categorised as: 

• Service resources – the service specification and supporting materials 
• Diagnostic resources – clinical skills training associated with specific conditions 
• Treatment resources – materials to support appropriate management of a condition. 

In addition to the statements listed in the framework, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are also expected to meet: 

• Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults competencies and confidentiality and data protection requirements, in line with the CPCF clinical governance requirements 
• Consultation skills for pharmacy practice: practice standards for England. 

Training resources for pharmacists and teams can be found in a special section on the Pharmacy Magazine website. Also a full programme of Pharmacy First-supporting CPD modules.