Tip About Self-Study

Avoid Independent Self-Study In The Place Of An Approved Training Program

We've started hearing about California Designated Representative license applicants trying to fulfill the training program requirement on their own. Specifically, applicants are reviewing specified subjects and topics outlined on the California Designated Representative Training Affidavit form, and claiming their self-study constitutes completion of a training program.

Studying the specified subjects and topics by oneself, that is, independent self-studying, would not be considered completing a training program. Even if the independent self-study was considered a training program, such a self-study training program would still need to gain California State Board of Pharmacy ("Board") approval.

In general, the Board is unlikely to accept the submission of a California Designated Representative Training Affidavit signed by the applicant, or by a person or entity offering a training program that has not been approved by the Board. Sending in such a deficient Training Affidavit form is likely to delay license application processing.

California Designated Representative training programs must undergo an assessment and review by the Board before being considered for approval. Approved California Designated training programs meet the Board's rigorous standards, ensuring the training provider covers all required subjects and topics, and that some form of assessment or grading (such as exams) is incorporated into the training program.

In Summary

Don't confuse independent self-study with Board approved training programs that are offered as an online course. In a nutshell, independent self-study isn't the same as self-study-paced online coursework in a Board approved training program, course, or class.