As a starting point, pharmacy professionals must look at their personal revalidation timeline, which details what they will need to record and submit and by when. An activation code sent to each professional’s registered address is needed for this process, so if this hasn’t been received the GPhC should be contacted.

The first renewal starts on 1 September 2018 with completion by 31 October so it is important that professionals log on immediately as they will need to have completed activities for this timeline by 31 August.

For the first year the GPhC requires four CPD entries (at least two of which must be planned learning activities) submitted online at the same time as registration is renewed. After the first year the following will need to be recorded and submitted:

• Four CPD entries, at least two of which must be planned learning activities 
• One peer discussion
• One reflective account. 

The revalidation templates should be used to ensure all the specified criteria are met. Paper submissions are not usually accepted but if there are circumstances that prevent using the online portal the GPhC must be contacted to discuss these.

CPD

Four CPD entries are required each year as research shows that recording CPD encourages reflective practice. Each pharmacy professional is required to record two types of learning – planned and unplanned. At least two entries each year must be planned. 

• Planned learning: this is an activity that the individual decides to undertake to develop their knowledge and/or skills in advance of carrying out the learning activity. 
• Unplanned learning: this occurs when an event happens that causes an unscheduled learning activity without prior thought or planning (e.g. by reading a journal, an internet article or talking to a colleague or peer).