The underpinning knowledge:

What is the qualification structure for the EDEXCEL Level 3 Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills (NVQ) (QCF)?

Learners must complete all 14 units in Group A (Mandatory Units) plus 3 units from Group B (Optional Units).

• Develop the role of the pharmacy technician to be able to deal with routine queries.
• Enable the technician to be involved in professional discussions with the pharmacist regarding more complex issues.

At the end of each module there is an assignment that is either returned to Buttercups Training for assessment and feedback, or can be completed online if multiple choice.

Evidence of performance comes from short accounts (written by the candidate and witnessed by the pharmacist or pharmacy technician) of activities occurring in the pharmacy. Additional performance not naturally occurring can be assessed by simulations or additional questions.

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 with the 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.