Structured Practical Training (SPT) for pharmacy technicians

Note: Provisional pharmacy technicians who started SPT prior to November 2, 2022, will have until March 1, 2023, to complete SPT using previously supplied versions of the SPT logbook and assessment and completion forms. After March 1, 2023, forms from the previous version of the SPT program will no longer be accepted, and preceptors and provisional pharmacy technicians must use the new SPT logbook and forms located below.

What is Structured Practical Training (SPT) for pharmacy technicians?

Structured Practical Training for pharmacy technicians is a supervised competency-based training period that includes regular assessment by a pharmacist or regulated technician. This training allows soon-to-be-regulated technicians the opportunity to practise their skills in a supervised practical environment before assuming sole responsibility.

The SPT program is divided into three levels:

Level I – minimum 320 hours

Acquire and/or demonstrate competencies at an acceptable level.
Focus on the provision of drug distribution.

A provisional pharmacy technician who starts the SPT program within two years of completing a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician program may start at Level II of the program.

Level II – minimum 320 hours

Demonstrate competencies proficiently.
Demonstrate professionalism, management knowledge and skills, and quality assurance.

Level III – minimum 160 hours

Work independently, acting as a pharmacy technician.
Demonstrate proficiency of product release, specifically ensuring the accuracy and quality of the final product.

The hours listed are minimums. To complete each level, you must demonstrate the required competencies; additional time may be required to do so.

See the SPT manual for more information.

Completing Structured Practical Training for pharmacy technicians

Step 1: Complete a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician training program

Visit the CCAPP website to learn more about accredited programs.

Step 2: Register with ACP

Step 3: Find a site and a preceptor

Your preceptor must be a pharmacist or pharmacy technician who has been registered with ACP for two years or more.
You must not be in a close personal relationship with your preceptor.
Your site must be a licensed community or hospital pharmacy in good standing with ACP.

If you are an internationally educated pharmacy professional, in addition to the above, your preceptor for each level of SPT must either be

a pharmacy technician, or
a pharmacist who has precepted at least two pharmacy technician students in a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician program within the last three years (experienced preceptor).

Step 4: Notify ACP

Submit a notification form to ACP.
You must receive approval from ACP before you can begin your SPT.

Step 5: Self-assessment

Complete the assessment form.
Share the form with your preceptor; use it as a tool in planning your SPT.

Step 6: Complete SPT program

Use the logbook to record your activities throughout the program.
During Level III, complete the demonstration of proficiency of product release form once you’ve demonstrated proficiency to your preceptor.
Have your preceptor complete an assessment form after you’ve completed each level.
Complete an completion form after you’ve completed each level.
Submit both the assessment form and the completion form to ACP within 30 days of completing each level.

Step 7: Post-SPT

You will remain enrolled in the SPT program until you are ready to apply to the pharmacy technician register.
Once you’ve completed Level III of the SPT program, complete and submit the work experience notification form.

Structured Practical Training forms

Questions?

registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca
780-990-0321 or toll-free at 1-877-227-3838