Structured Practical Training (SPT)

Applying for Full Pharmacist Registration

Structured Practical Training (SPT) is the practice-based training requirement for registration as a full pharmacist in BC.  Under the supervision of a qualified preceptor at a pharmacy, the SPT program allows pharmacist applicants to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities they learned in their training program or in practice, and demonstrate their competence and readiness to practice in BC. 

If you are a pharmacist applicant in any of the following categories, you must complete the SPT requirement through enrolment in the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) at the University of British Columbia (UBC):

1. International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG);
    
2. From the U.S. but have not worked a minimum of 1000 hours in the last 3 years as a pharmacist in Canada/U.S;
    
3. Reinstating through the “Non-Practising register and/or Former Pharmacist category for 6 years or more” category;
    
4. Graduated from a Canadian (CCAPP accredited) or U.S. (ACPE accredited) pharmacy program more than 3 years ago and never registered as a pharmacist; or
    
5. Registering through the “Pharmacist from Canada (non-CFTA)” category and have not worked a minimum of 1000 hours in the last 3 years as a pharmacist in Canada/U.S.

For more information regarding the SPT requirements for Pharmacists, please refer to the Registration Committee Policy-6: Structured Practical Training Requirements for Pharmacists.

Process Overview

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to register for the SPT, you must have:

1. submitted your pre-registration application to the College,
    
2. valid authorization to work in Canada*, and
   • Acceptable documents: Canadian citizenship card/certificate, “Confirmation of Permanent Residence” document/permanent resident card or work permit.
      
3. met the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements*.

*If you do not have valid authorization to work in Canada or have not completed the ELP requirement at the time that you apply for pre-registration, the College will still provide you with an eServices ID to allow you to enroll in the CP3 program. However, the ELP and authorization to work requirements must be provided to the College before you begin the Structured Practical Training (SPT) component of the CP3 program.

Application Process

You must submit your pre-registration application to the College before step 1 below.

1. Apply for the full program enrolment in CP3 through the Continuing Pharmacy Professional Development Office of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC.
    
2. Complete the CP3 (both classroom and SPT components).  Note that the only available option to complete your SPT is to enroll in the CP3 program.  Visit their website for more information.
    
3. There is no SPT application form from the College.  UBC will inform the College of the result of your SPT. You do not need to submit confirmation of completion to the College.

Applying for Pharmacy Technician Registration

Structured Practical Training (SPT) is the practice-based training requirement for registration as a pharmacy technician in BC.  Under the supervision of a qualified preceptor at a pharmacy, the SPT program allows pharmacy technician applicants to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities they learned in their training program or in practice, and demonstrate their competence and readiness to practice in BC. 

For information regarding the SPT program, refer to the Pharmacy Technician Structured Practical Training (SPT) Guide.

For more information regarding the SPT requirements for Pharmacy Technicians, refer to the Registration Committee Policy-8: Structured Practical Training Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians.

Process Overview

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to register for the SPT, you must be/have:

1. currently enrolled or have graduated from a CCAPP accredited pharmacy technician program,
    
2. submitted your pre-registration application to the College,
    
3. valid authorization to work in Canada,
   • Acceptable documents: Canadian citizenship card/certificate, “Confirmation of Permanent Residence” document/permanent resident card or work permit.
      
4. Review and understand the following online resources for WorkSafe BC requirements:
   • Young & New Worker – Rights and responsibilities for new and young workers
   • Bullying & Harassment – Fact sheets and frequently asked questions
     
     1. Worker
     2. How to Recognize Workplace Bullying and Harassment
     3. Frequently Asked Questions
   • Bullying and Harassment – Videos:
     
     1. Worker-to-Worker Bullying and Harassment
     2. Employer Addresses a Bullying and Harassment Complaint
     3. When the Employer is the Bully
     4. What Does Bullying and Harassment Mean for You and Your Workplace?
         
5. identified a preceptor who will supervise your SPT activities and act as a learning facilitator and coach. Refer to the SPT Guide for the required qualifications of a preceptor, and
    
6. determined your SPT start date with your preceptor, which must be on a Monday.

Application Process

1. Submit the completed SPT Application Form, with all of the required documents, no later than 10 business days prior to the SPT start date.  They can be emailed or faxed to the Registration Department at: [email protected] or 604-733-2493,
    
   • Note: Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Applicants must begin the SPT program within 6 months of applying, otherwise they will be required to re-apply and pay the fee again.

   Refer to the SPT Guide for more information.

   Allow up to 5 business days for your SPT application to be processed. Once your completed application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the full SPT information and training package.

2. Complete the activities outlined in the training package and submit the required documents to the College by the due dates specified in the confirmation email.

   Allow up to 5 business days for your documents to be reviewed.

   You will receive a final confirmation email when your SPT requirement is complete.