Entry requirements

To gain admission into this qualification you need to:

• have completed NZ1888 New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician - Core) (Level 4) or OP1888 New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician)* and; 
• be employed in a pharmacy for at least 20 hours per week.

*Note - OP1888 is no longer available and was replaced by NZ1888. 

Pharmacist verification of work-based tasks

During the online enrolment process you will need to provide the contact details of your intended employer. They will then be sent an online form to complete for further Pharmacist Verifier details.

You can access the Employer Workplace and Verifier agreement forms below. However, you will also be asked to nominate your employer during the online enrolment application process, and they will be emailed their form automatically to complete. Your employer will nominate your verifier and the verifier will be emailed their form automatically to complete.

Pharmacy employer form

Pharmacist verification form

PSNZ membership

We recommend you register with the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) as a trainee technician. This will give you access to their website and resources.

You can download the application form for PSNZ membership when you fill in our online application form.

English language requirements

International students must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5, or equivalent.

Domestic students for whom English or Māori is not their first language must also have an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5, or equivalent.

Learn more about our English language requirements

International students and domestic students living overseas

You can study this programme part-time if you're an international student living in New Zealand. You need to be in paid employment with a valid work permit that is valid for the duration of the study.

You cannot study this programme if you're an international student or New Zealand citizen living overseas. This is because the courses are based on New Zealand legislation, terminology and codes of practice. Also the programme includes some practical workplace tasks and assessments in a New Zealand pharmacy.

Learn more about studying as an international student

Credit Recognition

For information about Cross Credit, Credit Transfer, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and Advanced Standing, please refer to this page: Recognising Previous Study and Experience.

Note: The course PHT009 in Stock and Inventory Management of Non-Aseptic Compounds cannot be cross-credited. Technicians are required to complete this specific course (PHT009) or an equivalent New Zealand qualification to compound medicines in New Zealand.