Countries > UK for Pharmacists > Foundation Training
UK for Pharmacists — Pre-registration year
Foundation Training — National Recruitment Scheme
Foundation Training is the supervised practice year (or equivalent approved programme) that GPhC requires before registration. Most trainee pharmacists are recruited through the national Oriel foundation training recruitment scheme run with NHS England and partner nations. OSPAP graduates and UK MPharm students compete for approved training posts. Completing training is required before you sit — or in some pathways sit during — the Common Registration Assessment, according to current GPhC rules.
Pathway Snapshot
Apply through Oriel (or an approved employer route), complete a GPhC-approved training programme with a designated supervisor, meet the learning outcomes, then sit the CRA and apply to join the register.
Complete Journey: OSPAP or MPharm → Oriel / employer application → Foundation Training year → CRA → GPhC register → Practising pharmacist.
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Eligibility
You need a GPhC-recognised qualification pathway (UK MPharm or completed OSPAP, or another route GPhC lists) and the right to work in the UK for a paid training post. Some posts are visa-sponsoring; many are not. Read the current national recruitment applicant handbook.
National Recruitment (Oriel)
Oriel is the usual application portal for NHS-linked foundation training posts in England, with coordinated processes in the other UK nations as published each year. You rank preferences, complete situational judgement or interview components if used that cycle, and receive an offer.
Timelines are annual and strict. Missing a longlisting document usually ends the application.
The Training Year
Training follows GPhC’s intern/foundation learning outcomes: patient-centred care, supply, public health, and professional practice under a designated supervisor. You typically rotate through hospital and/or community settings depending on the post.
GPhC sets the current assessment of in-training progress. Confirm whether the CRA is sat during or after the year in the rules that apply to your cohort.
After Training
You must pass the Common Registration Assessment and complete GPhC’s registration application, including fitness-to-practise declarations. Foundation Training is not optional for standard OSPAP and MPharm routes.
Fees
All figures are approximate and based on 2026 public information. Always confirm exact fees on the official portals before payment.
| Item | Approx. Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Oriel application |
Usually no candidate fee | Confirm in the current applicant handbook |
Training salary |
Paid post (NHS / employer scales) | Not a fee — employment contract |
CRA and GPhC registration |
See the CRA page | Paid to GPhC |