If you have not passed on this occasion, we know this will be disappointing. However, many trainees who do not pass still go on to become pharmacists. As we have helped others in the past, we will try to support you with your resit. We have created a FREE ‘Potential Pharmacist’ membership category so that we can continue to provide support, encouragement and practical guidance as you work towards registration.
To learn more about how the PDA’s ‘Potential Pharmacist’ membership category can help you become a pharmacist, click here.
🎓 FREE PDA Membership for Newly Qualified Pharmacists and Prescribers in 2026
In many cases, you will now be a newly qualified pharmacist prescriber, joining the first generation entering the profession with Independent Prescribing responsibilities from registration.
To support this transition, the PDA has developed a FREE 3-Month Newly Qualified Pharmacist Prescriber Membership Scheme. It applies to eligible newly qualified pharmacists, whether prescribing or not, and provides protection and support from:
1 August 2026 – 31 October 2026
At no cost to eligible members.
Normally worth around £200, this insurer-subsidised membership is available exclusively to eligible newly qualified pharmacists.
👉 UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP HERE (for existing PDA members)|👉 JOIN NOW (for new members)
Why This Year Is Different
The 2026 cohort is the first to qualify with prescribing responsibilities from day one.
Independent Prescribing creates new opportunities for patient care, but also greater professional risk and responsibility.
As a pharmacist prescriber, you may make clinical decisions from the start of your career, making professional protection, support and representation more important than ever.
That’s why the PDA created this scheme.
What’s Included?
✅ Independent Prescribing cover
✅ Professional Indemnity & Legal Defence Costs Insurance
✅ Meeting the GPhC/PSNI indemnity requirements
✅ Expert pharmacist and legal support
✅ PDA Union membership
✅ Workplace advice and representation
✅ PDA Education training and events
✅ PDA Plus discounts and member benefits
✅ FREE benefits worth approximately £200
Which Membership Do You Need?
👏 Passed the registration assessment and completed your trainee year?
Move to the FREE 3-Month Newly Qualified Membership Scheme
🎉 Passed after a resit?
Move to the FREE 3-Month Newly Qualified Membership Scheme
🎓 Deferred your assessment?
Join the Potential Pharmacist Membership Scheme
🎓 Need to resit?
Join the Potential Pharmacist Membership Scheme
Who Is Eligible?
✅ Completed your trainee year
✅ Passed the registration assessment
✅ Registered, or registering, with the GPhC or PSNI
✅ Whether prescribing or not.
Previous PDA membership is not required.
What Activities Are Covered?
Typical cover includes:
✅ Community, hospital and primary care pharmacy
✅ GP practice work
✅ Internet pharmacy services
✅ Agency and self-employed locum work
✅ Independent Prescribing activities and more
Much More Than Insurance
PDA membership combines:
PDA Defence Association – Professional advice, support and defence.
PDA Union – Independent workplace representation for pharmacists.
Professional Indemnity & Legal Defence Costs Insurance – Financial protection for claims and legal representation.
Together, these provide comprehensive support as you begin your career and they enable you to sign the GPhC/PSNI declaration about indemnity protection with confidence.
What Happens After 31 October 2026?
Before your free NQ membership ends, you’ll be invited to move onto the preferential First Year Qualified membership scheme.
Start Your Prescribing Career Protected
Your pharmacist qualification is one of your most valuable professional assets.
As part of the first generation of pharmacist prescribers, you are helping shape the profession’s future.
The PDA has created this FREE membership scheme so you can start your career with confidence and the backing of a dedicated organisation that understands pharmacists and the pressures they face in early practice.
👉 UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP HERE (for existing PDA members)|👉 JOIN NOW (for new members)
Activate your FREE Newly Qualified Pharmacist Prescriber Membership from 1 August to 31 October 2026 and start with confidence.
Your career is just beginning, and the PDA has your back every step of the way.
For existing members
For new members