What is the pass mark for the Open Awards Level 2 Pharmacy Services Assistant end-point assessment?

The pass mark varies depending on the component, but typically you need to achieve at least 60-70% in the multiple-choice test and demonstrate competence in the practical observation and professional discussion. Your training provider will give you specific thresholds. Focus on understanding the material thoroughly rather than just aiming for a minimum score.

How long does the end-point assessment take?

The assessment is usually completed over a few weeks. The multiple-choice test takes about 1 hour, the practical observation lasts around 1-2 hours, and the professional discussion is typically 30-45 minutes. Your assessor will schedule these at your workplace or a training centre.

Can I use a calculator during the multiple-choice test?

Yes, you are usually allowed to use a basic non-programmable calculator for calculations related to medicine doses or stock quantities. However, check with your assessment centre beforehand. You should also be comfortable doing mental arithmetic for quick checks.

What happens if I fail one part of the assessment?

You can retake the failed component, but you may need to wait a certain period (e.g., 2-4 weeks) and pay a resit fee. Your training provider will support you with additional revision. It's important to address any weaknesses before retaking.

Do I need to know about controlled drugs for the assessment?

Yes, you should have a basic understanding of controlled drugs (CDs) such as their storage requirements (locked cabinet), record-keeping (CD register), and the legal schedule (Schedule 2, 3, etc.). However, as a Pharmacy Services Assistant, you will not handle CDs directly without supervision, so focus on the principles.

How can I prepare for the professional discussion?

Review your portfolio of evidence and think of examples from your work experience that demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Practice discussing topics like how you handle a difficult customer, how you ensure accuracy in dispensing, and how you maintain confidentiality. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.

How to Revise Open Awards Level 2 End-point assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant — Open Awards End-Point Assessment Health & Social Care

Core learning outcomes for Open Awards Level 2 End-point assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant

Examiner Tips for Open Awards Level 2 End-point assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant

Build a portfolio of evidence that maps clearly to each KSB statement; include witness testimonies, work products and reflective accounts
For the professional discussion, prepare by revisiting your portfolio and anticipating questions around your decision-making and challenges faced
During practical observations, narrate your actions if permitted (e.g., 'I am now checking the patient’s ID against the prescription') to make your thought process explicit
Revise the WWHAM framework thoroughly and apply it to a range of common presentation scenarios, so responses become fluent and structured

Common Mistakes in Open Awards Level 2 End-point assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant

Confusing look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) medicines or selecting the wrong strength due to similar packaging
Omitting essential checks, such as expiry date verification, before dispensing
Providing clinical advice that falls outside the legal scope of a pharmacy assistant, rather than referring to the pharmacist
Poor record-keeping, including missing signatures, incomplete CD register entries, or illegible handwriting
Assuming a patient's level of understanding without checking, leading to inadequate counselling on medicine use
Neglecting to maintain patient confidentiality in open-plan areas or during telephone conversations

Key Marking Points

Award credit for clear demonstration of the 6 R's of medication administration (right patient, medicine, dose, route, time, documentation) during dispensing observations
Evidence of consistently verifying patient identity and allergy status before handing out any medicine
Recognition of own competence limits, with timely and appropriate referral to a responsible pharmacist when presented with complex queries
Use of active listening and open questioning in patient interactions, and appropriate response to signs of distress or safeguarding concerns
Accurate completion of all relevant paperwork and electronic records, with corrections made in line with pharmacy procedures and without obscuring original entries

Open Awards Level 2 End-point assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant

OPEN-AWARDS

vocational

This subtopic covers the foundational knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the Pharmacy Services Assistant End-Point Assessment (EPA), as defined by the ST0299 standard. It consolidates core principles from legal compliance and clinical governance to patient-centred care, ensuring apprentices can demonstrate consistent, safe practice under supervision in either community or hospital pharmacy settings.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Topic Overview

The Open Awards Level 2 End-point Assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant is the final evaluation for apprentices completing the Pharmacy Services Assistant standard. This assessment tests your knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work effectively in a community or hospital pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. You will be assessed on your ability to assist with the supply of medicines, manage stock, maintain accurate records, and provide excellent customer service. Passing this assessment demonstrates that you are competent to work as a Pharmacy Services Assistant, contributing to the safe and efficient running of a pharmacy.

This end-point assessment is crucial because it validates your readiness for the workplace. It covers key areas such as pharmacy law, ethics, health and safety, and the importance of accuracy in dispensing. You will need to understand the classification of medicines (P, GSL, POM), how to handle prescriptions, and how to support patients with their queries. The assessment typically includes a multiple-choice test, a practical observation, and a professional discussion. Mastering these components ensures you can work confidently and safely in a pharmacy setting, which is vital for patient care.

In the wider context of Health & Social Care, this qualification sits within the healthcare support workforce. Pharmacy Services Assistants are essential team members who free up pharmacists to focus on clinical tasks. By understanding the end-point assessment, you are not just preparing for a test—you are building a foundation for a career in pharmacy. The skills you develop, such as attention to detail, communication, and teamwork, are transferable across many roles in health and social care.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Medicines classification: Understand the difference between Prescription-Only Medicines (POM), Pharmacy Medicines (P), and General Sales List (GSL) medicines, and the legal requirements for supplying each.
→Dispensing process: Know the steps for accurately dispensing a prescription, including checking patient details, selecting the correct medicine, labelling, and final accuracy checks.
→Stock management: Learn how to order, receive, store, and rotate stock using the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle to ensure medicines are within expiry dates.
→Pharmacy law and ethics: Be aware of key legislation such as the Medicines Act 1968, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, and the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality under GDPR.
→Customer service: Develop skills to handle patient queries, manage complaints, and signpost to other healthcare professionals when necessary.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for clear demonstration of the 6 R's of medication administration (right patient, medicine, dose, route, time, documentation) during dispensing observations
Evidence of consistently verifying patient identity and allergy status before handing out any medicine
Recognition of own competence limits, with timely and appropriate referral to a responsible pharmacist when presented with complex queries
Use of active listening and open questioning in patient interactions, and appropriate response to signs of distress or safeguarding concerns
Accurate completion of all relevant paperwork and electronic records, with corrections made in line with pharmacy procedures and without obscuring original entries
Effective contribution to team briefings and handovers, demonstrating clear and concise information sharing

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for clear demonstration of the 6 R's of medication administration (right patient, medicine, dose, route, time, documentation) during dispensing observations
Evidence of consistently verifying patient identity and allergy status before handing out any medicine
Recognition of own competence limits, with timely and appropriate referral to a responsible pharmacist when presented with complex queries
Use of active listening and open questioning in patient interactions, and appropriate response to signs of distress or safeguarding concerns
Accurate completion of all relevant paperwork and electronic records, with corrections made in line with pharmacy procedures and without obscuring original entries
Effective contribution to team briefings and handovers, demonstrating clear and concise information sharing

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Build a portfolio of evidence that maps clearly to each KSB statement; include witness testimonies, work products and reflective accounts
💡For the professional discussion, prepare by revisiting your portfolio and anticipating questions around your decision-making and challenges faced
💡During practical observations, narrate your actions if permitted (e.g., 'I am now checking the patient’s ID against the prescription') to make your thought process explicit
💡Revise the WWHAM framework thoroughly and apply it to a range of common presentation scenarios, so responses become fluent and structured
💡During the practical observation, focus on accuracy and following standard operating procedures (SOPs). Assessors look for methodical working, double-checking labels, and maintaining a clean workspace.
💡In the professional discussion, use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This shows you can reflect on real experiences and apply your knowledge.
💡Revise key legal terms and definitions. Questions often ask about the legal categories of medicines and the requirements for labelling. Knowing these precisely can earn you easy marks.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) medicines or selecting the wrong strength due to similar packaging
Omitting essential checks, such as expiry date verification, before dispensing
Providing clinical advice that falls outside the legal scope of a pharmacy assistant, rather than referring to the pharmacist
Poor record-keeping, including missing signatures, incomplete CD register entries, or illegible handwriting
Assuming a patient's level of understanding without checking, leading to inadequate counselling on medicine use
Neglecting to maintain patient confidentiality in open-plan areas or during telephone conversations
Misconception: Pharmacy Services Assistants can give medical advice. Correction: You can only provide information about medicines as directed by the pharmacist. You must never diagnose or recommend treatments.
Misconception: All medicines can be stored at room temperature. Correction: Some medicines require refrigeration (e.g., insulin, certain antibiotics). Always check storage conditions on the label or patient information leaflet.
Misconception: The end-point assessment is just a formality. Correction: It is a rigorous assessment that tests your competence. You must demonstrate real understanding and practical skills to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Pharmacy Services Skills or equivalent knowledge of pharmacy operations.
•Basic understanding of mathematics for calculating doses and stock quantities.
•Familiarity with health and safety regulations in a healthcare setting.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Pharmacy legislation and professional ethics
Patient safety and risk management
Communication and customer service
Medicines supply and stock control
Health promotion and signposting
Reflective practice and CPD

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Open Awards Level 2 End-point assessment for ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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