This course covers use of reference books, interpretation and validation of the prescription, law and ethics, the Drug Tariff, compliance and concordance and dispensing errors.

What is the qualification structure for the EDEXCEL Level 2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ) (QCF)?

Learners must complete all 3 units in Group A (Mandatory Units) plus 4 units from Group B (Optional Units).

This course develops confidence in the dispensary and provides in-depth knowledge and assessment of competence in customer service, teamwork, health and safety, assembly and supply of prescribed medicines and the ordering, receipt and storage of pharmaceutical stock. There are additional alternative optional units available for candidates working in hospitals.

A unit route option is available on request for candidates who work in a limited environment and cannot complete the full qualification, but wish to complete individual units of the course.

All our courses are delivered by distance learning. This course benefits from a dedicated website where candidates with Internet access can download the course material, and complete some assignments online with immediate feedback.

The course consists of 12 knowledge modules (with additional modules for learners working in aseptics) and accounts of activities required to demonstrate competency for the units. Assessment of the accounts is undertaken by the Assessor team at Buttercups. The use of work place Expert Witnesses (Registered Pharmacist or experienced Pharmacy Technician) is required for observation of performance.

Alternative delivery methods and working arrangements are available to organisations that have their own work place assessors and internal verifiers.

As well as online access to results and our FAQ section, candidates can talk to dedicated tutors 24/7!

Access to an Expert Witness is required in order for a learner to undertake the course. Their role is to observe the learner in the workplace undertaking tasks required to demonstrate competency against various Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria within the Pharmacy Services Skills Programmes.

They are not responsible for assessing evidence against the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria. The evidence of competency provided by the Expert Witness observations is holistically assessed by the learner's allocated Assessor at Buttercups Training.

Who can be an Expert Witness?

This is detailed in the Assessment Strategy as follows:

• Registered Pharmacist, or;
• Practising Pharmacy Technician registered or eligible to register with GPhC:
  • Must be occupationally competent in areas that they are observing
  • Must be able to demonstrate CPD
  • Must be inducted by Centre/Training Provider - this will involve accessing reference materials via a dedicated website, and then taking a short on-line test.