There have been online discussions about Qualified Persons (QPs) via the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Groups and we wish to address some of the points:-

Current Position (Updated October 2011)

• The assessment scheme for QP eligibility is jointly administered by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (the newly formed professional leadership body), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Society of Biology (SB).
• The General Pharmaceutical Council has no involvement (formal or informal) with the assessment process
• In common with the Royal Society of Chemistry and Society of Biology, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society maintains a list of its members who have met the QP eligibility criteria; the listing includes the names of current members who have obtained their eligibility status via the transitional arrangements or permanent provisions
• Individuals wishing to apply for assessment of QP eligibility should apply to their respective professional body
• Updated Advice - At present only Members, Fellows and Associate members are able to apply for QP eligibility via the RPS. A new membership category, Pharmaceutical Scientist member, opened October 2011. The RPS are currently not accepting QP eligibility applications from members in the Pharmaceutical Scientist membership category (this restriction is being reviewed). 
• The Study guide describes the required practical experience for QP eligibility applications. In the UK, a minimum of one year of required practical experience for pharmacists has been approved. Any individual who is not registered as a pharmacist (or has not been previously registered as a pharmacist) in the UK, who wishes to apply via the RPS for assessment of QP eligibility, should contact the RPS QP officer for advice before applying.
• The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is encouraging Qualified Persons to retain their registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council but it is not a mandatory requirement for QPs.
• The QP Code of Practice requires individuals to keep their knowledge and experience up to date and maintain records of continuing professional development to confirm suitability to act as a QP.
• Suitability to act as a QP is determined by the MHRA/VMD. If a pharmacist who is currently on the eligibility list decides not to register with the GPhC or be a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society he/she could potentially be named as a QP on a licence.

Find out more on applying to be certified for Qualified Person eligibility. This section also links to our online group – any member with an interest in Qualified Persons can apply to join the group.

Find out more about our types of membership and how to join the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

If you require login details for the rpharms.com website please contact the RPS Support team. You can also contact the RPS Support team including QP Officer, Rachel Norton for further advice. Nigel Hodges, Chair of the RPS QP Panel of Assessors can also be contacted via the RPS Support team.

Nigel Hodges, Chair of the RPS QP Panel of Assessors
Catherine Duggan, Director of Professional Development and Support
Rachel Norton, QP officer

A QP Briefing Paper describes the role of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in relation to Qualified Persons.