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We support individuals and organisations through qualifications, training, and thought leadership in pensions and retirement benefits. We educate pension professionals, we empower tomorrow’s pension leaders, we enable better saver outcomes.

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) is the UK’s leading professional body for people who manage, support and advise on workplace pensions. We set the standards for excellence in pension management, provide professional qualifications, and deliver education, insight and networking to help our members excel in their careers.

You can browse our training courses on the PMI website, where each programme page includes entry requirements, key dates and fees. Enrolment is completed online, and our education team is available to guide you through registration, or help you choose the right qualification for your career goals.

Yes, many of our conferences, webinars, and training sessions are open to non-members. However, PMI members enjoy discounted rates and exclusive access to certain events, research and networking opportunities.

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PMI membership is open to anyone working in or supporting the pensions and retirement savings industry — from administrators and trustees to consultants, HR professionals, and finance specialists. Members gain access to expert insight, continuing professional development, and a recognised mark of professionalism.

Exam dates vary by qualification and are published on the PMI website. You can find the most up-to-date exam calendar and registration deadlines on each qualification’s information page.

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The PMI partners with employers, trustees and industry bodies to support professional standards across the pensions sector. We provide corporate memberships, tailored training, and thought leadership to help organisations build skilled, compliant and effective pensions teams.

Are you are an organisation looking to partner with PMI? find out more

A PMI qualification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to high professional standards. It enhances your credibility, supports career progression, and ensures you stay current with the latest pensions legislation, regulation and best practice.

The ADRP qualification will no longer be available in its current format after April 2028. If you have completed any exam unit that is pre-2016, you will have until April 2028 to complete the full qualification. We recommend considering the Retirement Provision Pathway, which offers a similar structure and leads to APMI membership.

No, you don’t need to apply for membership separately. If you're a new or returning student, the £185 membership fee will be automatically added to your cart during exam registration. Existing student members won’t be charged at enrolment, but will be invited to renew in 2026.

If you’re beginning your journey in pensions, we recommend starting with the Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC). This PMI qualification is designed for those new to the industry, and provides a strong foundation in workplace retirement provision.
PMI Pathways are also ideal for anyone looking for a clear starting point based on your current role, experience and future ambitions. Each Pathway helps you identify the qualifications that will support your career progression and give you access to PMI membership, unlocking exclusive PMI benefits, resources and networking opportunities.

Yes, to study and complete any PMI qualification you’ll need to hold at least student membership. This ensures you have access to essential resources, support and PMI Benefits throughout your learning journey.

All PMI exams are currently being held online. Learners will be required to download the 
TestReach application on the system/device which they will use to sit the exam. You can take your 
exam in an office/work environment, or in the comfort of your own home.

No prior experience is required. The Award in Pensions Essentials is designed specifically for those who are new to pensions, HR or payroll. It’s a great starting point if you're early in your career and want to build a strong foundation.

This qualification is delivered through in-house training and assessment. It must be taken at a PMI Approved Examination Partner, so it’s not currently available for independent or online study.

Once you’ve successfully completed all five units and passed the in-house assessments, you’ll be awarded the full qualification. It’s a recognised way to show your understanding of pensions essentials, and can support your next steps in the industry.

Yes. You must be a Student Member of PMI to sit the APT exam. If you're not already a member, the student membership fee will be automatically added to your cart during exam registration. Active PMI Trustee Group members are eligible for complimentary student membership; contact the membership team to activate this before enrolling.

The APT is assessed through a 90-minute multiple choice exam with 60 questions. You'll receive a 'Pass' or 'Fail' result by email, along with your raw score and percentage. The pass mark is 75%. As the paper is pre-approved by PMI’s expert committee, results are final and not subject to appeal.

We recommend using The Pensions Regulator’s Trustee Toolkit and the Pension Trustee’s Handbook by Robin Ellison. PMI members also receive a 15% discount on Spotlight on Pensions via the Perspective platform. A full reading list is available under Useful Resources.

No. The £185 qualification fee includes PMI student membership for the full duration of your studies. There's no need to apply separately, and you'll also receive your final certificate at no additional cost once you complete the qualification.

The CPC exam is based on three fictional pension schemes: a Money Purchase scheme (OPQ), a CARE scheme (RST), and a Final Salary scheme (XYZ). Across seven examination units, learners complete pension benefit calculations and analyse draft letters to demonstrate their calculation and communication skills. 

Yes. You must be a Student Member of PMI to sit the CPC exam. If you're a new or returning student, the £185 membership fee will be added to your cart during registration. Existing student members won’t be charged at enrolment, but will be invited to renew in May 2026 for the 2026/27 membership cycle.

This qualification equips you to support members through key decision points such as joining, leaving, transferring, retirement, commutation, death and divorce. You'll learn how to guide members confidently and clearly, without giving regulated financial advice.

The oral assessment is held via Microsoft Teams and simulates a member call scenario. It lasts 30 minutes and is recorded for review by the CPSMG Committee. You’ll need to book your slot at least 4 weeks in advance after completing Modules 5 to 11. Results are typically shared within 2 weeks, and a resit fee applies if you do not pass.

Yes. The Certificate in Pensions Essentials is designed for those at the beginning of their pensions career. It provides a solid foundation in key areas of pensions administration, and is ideal for building confidence and competence early on.

The qualification is delivered and assessed in-house by PMI Approved Examination Partners. Each unit is taught through a structured training session, followed by a set of questions based on the learning outcomes. This approach ensures the content is relevant to your day-to-day role.

No prior experience is required. This diploma is designed for professionals who may be working at the margins of pensions and want to build a broader understanding of how pensions fit into the global savings and benefits landscape. It’s a great starting point if you're looking to expand your career into international markets, or work with organisations operating overseas.

No. The two units are standalone and can be taken independently. If you already hold the Award in Pension Trusteeship (APT) or an equivalent qualification, you’ll be exempt from Unit 1 through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You’ll still receive a Unit Credit Certificate for each unit completed.

Yes. PMI Student Members enjoy discounts through HMCA and TOTUM PRO, plus reduced rates for PMI events and training.

Yes. Affiliate members can progress to Student, Professional, Associate or Fellow membership as their career develops.

Yes. If you meet the qualification criteria, you can upgrade from Student or Affiliate membership. Contact the membership team for guidance.

This diploma is designed for experienced pension professionals. If you're new to the industry, we recommend starting with a foundation-level PMI qualification before progressing to this level.

After April 2028, the ADRP qualification will no longer be available in its current format. You’ll need to transition to the Retirement Provision Pathway to continue your studies and work towards APMI membership.

From Autumn 2025, all units are assessed via 80 multiple choice questions. You’ll be tested on your understanding of retirement provision, savings structures and employee benefits. Full details are available in the DEBRS specification under Useful Resources.

No, non-members can also access PMI Training. However, members enjoy benefits such as discounted pricing and CPD tracking tools.

The PMI is the UK's leading professional body dedicated to supporting and developing experts who manage UK pension schemes. Our members represent and lead in every aspect of pension management, ensuring the best possible outcomes for scheme members.

We provide education, professional development and industry insights to help pensions professionals excel. Our work promotes high standards and best practices across the pensions sector through accredited professional and lay trusteeship, webinars, events, training, qualifications and more.  

Anyone with an interest in pensions can join the PMI, whether you're starting out, working in pensions administration, HR or finance, or already in the industry. We offer membership levels for all career stages.

No. The PMI is a professional institute, not a regulator. We support the industry through education and standards, while regulatory oversight is handled by bodies like The Pensions Regulator (TPR). The PMI, however, is an Awarding Body, regulated by Ofqual.

We promote high standards for the industry through advocacy and expert commentary, provide quality education, and support all professionals. We educate pension professionals, we empower tomorrow’s pension leaders, we enable better saver outcomes

Yes. We regularly engage with government bodies and regulators to contribute to policy and industry development.

We publish thought leadership, policy papers and consultation responses to help shape a sustainable pensions future. We are not a lobbying body: our aim is to be a trusted, expert voice in pensions—supporting government, regulators and the wider industry to develop and implement effective and sustainable policy, informed by the real-world expertise of PMI members. For more, please go here: www.pensions-pmi.org.uk/resources/consultation-responses

Yes, our Ofqual-regulated qualifications are widely respected and recognised by employers across the UK pensions and financial services sectors. With 50 years in the industry, we have gained recognition and built strong partnerships across the UK pensions and financial services sectors.

No, we offer entry-level regulated qualifications for beginners, and advanced options for experienced professionals.  

PMI qualifications are uniquely offered by us in the UK, and are designed specifically for pensions professionals. While rooted in UK pensions expertise, they also cater to those working internationally on UK pension schemes, combining technical knowledge with practical application. 

Visit our website to register, or contact us at pmiqualification@pensions-pmi.org.uk, and our trusted team will get back to you.  

Yes. Our flexible learning options are designed to fit around your work and life commitments.

You can retake it. Each qualification is examined three times annually, enabling learners to retake assessments with enhanced flexibility and minimal delay. We offer feedback and support to help you succeed next time.

Your certificate will be available on your PMI portal within one week of receiving your exam results. Please login using MyPMI. 

Yes, we charge different prices for a PDF or hard copy. Please contact the Qualifications team directly to discuss your options here: PMIQualifications@pensions-pmi.org.uk 

Individuals and organisations can apply on our website or contact us here membership@pensions-pmi.org.uk and our trusted team will get back to you. Individual membership levels vary based on your experience and qualifications, but we have a level for everyone. In many cases, your employer may also be able to support your membership or enrol you directly. Check with your HR or Learning and Development team to see if this option is available to you. Organisations can also benefit from our corporate membership. 

Yes! We actively support students and early-career professionals with tailored resources and development pathways.

You can log in via the PMI website (the top right button) using your registered email and password. If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the password reset link or contact our team at membership@pensions-pmi.org.uk 

Log in to your member portal and navigate to your profile settings to update your information. 

Upgrading your PMI membership gives you access to enhanced professional resources, recognition through designatory letters, and opportunities to contribute to the pensions industry. It also opens doors to exclusive events, mentoring roles and networking with senior professionals. 

Yes. If you’ve gained new qualifications or experience, you may be eligible to upgrade. Contact the Membership team for guidance. 

Membership upgrade fees vary depending on the level. Associate membership is £420 annually, Fellowship is £499, and Membership by Experience is £644. A one-time election fee of £150 may apply for new or reinstating members. 

You may lose access to member benefits, including CPD tracking and discounts. You can reinstate your membership by contacting us at membership@pensions-pmi.org.uk

We offer qualifications, CPD support, networking, and access to job opportunities, mentoring and mentee development and more. Everything you need to grow in the pensions industry.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD), refers to the ongoing learning and development activities that our professional members engage in to enhance their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. We offer a variety of different services which count as CPD such as in- person events, reading materials including a bi-monthly magazine and more. 

Yes. We help members track and manage their CPD to stay current and compliant. Depending on your membership type, you will be expected  

Yes, we host events throughout the year. You can view all our upcoming events and register via our website or contact a member from our team here events@pensions-pmi.org.uk  

For PMI members, events are free. For non-members there will be a cost associated with attendance. 

Absolutely. Our programmes cover governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. For more information contact our team.

Yes, we offer several development programmes including our Trustee Acceleration Programme (TAP) aimed primarily at giving non-pension people a route into pensions trusteeship, as well as our Mentoring and Development Programme which offers mentors and mentees the opportunity to develop their skills, expand their network, and take the next step in their career. 

Yes, the PMI publishes Pensions Aspects Magazine, a members-only bi-monthly magazine featuring expert insights, policy updates and industry developments. Each edition is designed to keep you informed and engaged with the latest in pensions and financial services. 

Access to Pensions Aspects Magazine is exclusive to PMI members. If you're not currently a member but would like to receive the magazine, joining as an Affiliate member is a great way to gain access and enjoy other member benefits. 

Printed copies are available through our print-on-demand service for Fellow (FPMI) and retired members. To opt in, simply log into your MyPMI portal during the last seven days of the issue month and select the print option. For assistance, please contact us here Marketing@pensions-pmi.org.uk 

Yes, to study and complete any PMI qualification, you’ll need to hold at least student membership. This ensures you have access to essential resources, support, and PMI Benefits throughout your learning journey. 

Fees are shown on each qualification; member pricing applies where stated, go here for more: Qualifications - The Pensions Management Institute

Yes! PMI offers Bespoke Training, tailoring sessions to your specific needs, goals, and preferred delivery format provides bespoke in-house training and bulk bookings.

The annual subscription fee for individual trustees is £185. AMNT members can access a discounted rate of £105 by contacting membership@pensions-pmi.org.uk before joining.

No. Non-members can attend training and events, but PMI members enjoy benefits such as discounted pricing, CPD tracking, and exclusive resources designed to support trusteeship.

Individuals are not being forced to undertake one of the five new pathways and you are welcome to take a stand-alone qualification by itself if you wish. It is completely up to an individual what route they want to take, and no one will be forced down a particular avenue.

Yes, the ADRP will be available for five more years from the date we launch the new member streams.

The decision is yours to make. If you feel one of the new pathways is a beneficial route to undertake and suits your educational/career needs, then you are welcome to do so. If you want to continue with the current Advanced Diploma, you will have five years to complete any remaining units (five years from the date of launch).

Please note, anything post 2016 can be claimed for with regards to one of the new pathways, but anything pre 2016 would need to be passed again in order to count towards one of the new steams. This is to ensure the qualifications can be matched against the qualifications we currently offer. There will be a fee to claim for the final certificate.

Yes, you can! If you prefer not to follow the new pathway model, you can still sit and complete the singular qualification for the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision. However, this option will only be available until April 2028.

No, unfortunately, any units or qualifications passed before 2016 will need to be retaken if you want to qualify for one of the new pathways. However, we will accept passes from units or qualifications achieved post-2016.

PMI Pathways has introduced five career-specific routes to Fellowship. If you were an existing Certificate or Diploma member, in 2023 you were automatically migrated to the new Professional Membership. This means your membership status now aligns with the new structure, providing more opportunities to progress in your career.

Yes, under the new pathways, if you’ve completed a PMI qualification or combination of units that didn’t previously make you eligible for Certificate or Diploma membership, you may now qualify for Professional Membership. Contact us to check your eligibility.

If you were a lapsed Certificate or Diploma member, you have also been migrated to the new Professional Membership. You can reinstate your PMI membership to take advantage of enhanced member benefits. Reach out to us to discuss reinstatement.

If you wish to progress towards Associateship, you must retake any qualifications or units completed before 2016. Only qualifications and unit exams taken in 2016 or later will count towards Associateship.

You will be required to book yourself on to the exam you wish to sit via the PMI website. After bookings close you will then be contacted by TestReach in due course, who will provide you with log-in details for your account for the TestReach application closer to the date of your exam, which will enable you to take your online proctored exam.

There are no minimum requirements to sit any PMI qualifications. Learners are advised to opt for a course/PMI Pathway as per their career aspirations. We would advise looking in depth at qualification specification/syllabuses and ensuring the information on the webpages is read in good detail.

Leaners are advised to refer to the PMI's Competency Framework where we have aligned our qualification as per the career roles of the candidates. For further guidance and questions please contact the PMI qualifications team.

The assessment model would differ for each qualification. For example, the Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC) qualification is based on multiple choice questions, whereas the Certificate in Pension Calculations (CPC) is designed in a calculation-based format. The Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision (ADRP) would be assessed based on multiple choice questions/short and long answer questions. For further details, learners are advised to visit the webpage of the qualification they are enrolling for, to get specific guidance.

You can submit extenuating circumstances if your reasons for missing the exam were exceptional and beyond your control, which will then be reviewed before a decision is made. However, as per our exam policy, if you are a ‘no show’ for your exam and we do not receive a sufficient reason as to why you were not present, you would be required to book on again for the next sitting at the full cost of the exam if you wished to still sit it.

No, we do not offer exams at re-sit price.

Yes, past papers can be viewed here.

Yes, you will be required to download the TestReach application to your device (laptop/desktop computer). If you are going to be taking your exam using a work device, we strongly urge you to get in touch with your IT team ASAP, who may need to enable certain permissions for the application to be downloaded and accessed. It is crucial that this is actioned in good time and as early as possible, as all learners are required to schedule themselves onto their exam 72 hours before they are due to sit the exam, to pass all the system checks, to avoid any issues on the day of the exam. A link to download the TestReach application is available on our qualification webpages.

Yes, if you have any medical conditions that inhibit your ability to complete an exam within the standard timeframe, e.g., dyslexia, or any other medical disorders, then we can offer you an additional 25% extra time on top of the standard exam time. We would need supporting evidence, such as a medical note from your doctor, to be provided to us, which would then be reviewed by a member of the team and a decision then made. If you require extra time, the PMI Qualifications team will get in touch in the run-up to your exam and request it from you in due course.

If your internet connection fails during an exam, we would request that you get in touch with the TestReach support team, who will attempt to troubleshoot and support you to get yourself reconnected with your exam and invigilator. If the problem continues to persist, you will be directed to the PMI Qualifications team where we will advise on the next steps to take.

Please ensure you check the respective webpage of the exam that you sat for this information. Exam release dates will be posted on there, so you are aware as to when you can expect to receive your results.

Yes, you will need ID for your exam which will have to be shown to your online invigilator before you start. You will be made aware in the run-up to the exam of what ID is ‘valid’ and acceptable to use.

No, you do not have to stay for the duration of your exam. If you are happy with the answers, you have provided and have clicked on the ‘submit’ button, you will be allowed to finish early.

There are minimum system requirements to sit your exam online. You can check to see if you fulfil these technical requirements by taking a look through the TestReach Remote Invigilation Protocol.

The only difference is that the exam is taken online, so you can sit the exam in the comfort of your own home if you wish to do so. Fundamentally, however, there is no difference. By using TestReach we are ensuring that we are fully compliant with Ofqual regulations. Each learner is invigilated online by their exam proctor, who can see/hear the learner, as well as having a visual of their screen too, to see what the learner is viewing. Certain pre-exam checks are also taken beforehand, to ensure that the learner’s environment is acceptable for sitting an exam. All these factors ensure that the exams maintain their integrity and are in no way compromised by being held online. The TestReach Desktop App is very robust, safe to run and has been rolled out across the UK, in local government, emergency services, universities, pension administrators, financial corporations, etc. without any negative reports. Once the exam is completed, the TestReach App can be closed by clicking the button and has no notification service or any other configuration that runs whilst the application is not in use. Furthermore, TestReach is compliant with ISO standards and exams run are approved by many accrediting bodies.

Please refer to the information in the TestReach Remote Invigilation Protocol, which describes the validation protocol and the steps that trained invigilators will take to verify the identity of the candidate and to ensure that the candidate’s test environment is secure – this is for your information, and to know what to expect during the online exam.

Although comfort breaks are of course allowed, you should inform your invigilator beforehand (like you would in an exam centre). Your exam will NOT be paused/stopped while you have breaks, so please be mindful of how much time you have remaining for your exam.

All PMI exams should be taken in exam conditions. Although snacks are allowed, eating a full meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner etc.) is not permitted.

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Even though taking an examination at home may be perceived as being a more relaxed environment, you are under strict examination conditions. For example, if you were to take your examination in a physical test centre, you are required to conduct yourself in accordance with the PMI candidate guidance in operation at the time and abide by the Examination Rules and Regulations. Any breaches of these could result in your examination being flagged to the PMI Qualifications team to review as part of the PMI Malpractice Policy.

You can pay your fees online through your MyPMI portal, or via bank transfer (BACS). For more information please contact us here.

No, the PMI no longer accepts cheque payments for membership subscriptions, renewals, or qualifications.

You can make payment directly to the PMI bank account. When doing so, you must include your surname, PMI member number, or invoice number as the reference so your payment can be matched correctly.

Yes. When registering for exams, you can set your company as the preferred billing address, allowing invoices to be issued to your employer through your MyPMI portal.

Invoices and transactions can be accessed through your MyPMI account. You can also view and download invoice PDFs from the system once your booking or payment has been processed.

Log in to your MyPMI portal, go to the My Finance section, and select the relevant open invoice to complete payment.

Membership subscriptions are due annually, with set renewal dates depending on your membership type (for example, 1 September for Students and Fellows, or 1 January for Trustee individuals and boards and Affiliate members).

No. Membership fees are not prorated and are payable in full regardless of when you join.

Late payment charges may apply, and if payment is not received by the final deadline, your membership may be lapsed or terminated.

Membership fees are generally non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds are only considered in exceptional circumstances.

Yes. New or reinstating members may need to pay a membership fee dependant on the membership grade.

You can contact the PMI Membership or Accounts team, who can assist with invoices, payments, and account queries.

If you wish to cancel your PMI membership, please contact our Membership team who will be able to assist you with the process.

The PMI runs a wide range of events including conferences, regional meetings, training workshops, webinars, roundtable, awards and networking events designed for pensions professionals.

Our events are designed for anyone working in or connected to the pensions industry, including trustees, scheme managers, administrators, consultants, actuaries, lawyers, and policy professionals.

You can expect expert-led sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities, CPD points and practical insights on the latest developments shaping the pensions landscape.

The PMI offers a mix of in-person and online events, depending on the format and topic.

You can book directly through the PMI website via each event page in the events calendar.

Most events are free for PMI members, while others (such as conferences and training) have fees depending on your membership status.

No, non-members can attend many events at a fee, although member benefits may include discounted or complimentary access.

Yes, you may nominate another PMI member to attend in your place, subject to approval by the PMI events team.

• Free member tickets: charges may apply for late cancellation or no-shows (e.g. within 14 days). 
• Paid tickets:
  • Full refund if cancelled more than 60 days in advance
  • 50% refund up to 60 days before
  • No refund if cancelled within 30 days

Please refer to our events policy.

Refunds are available if cancellation is made at least 30 days before the training start date.

No-show fees may apply for certain events, particularly where places are complimentary for members.

Many PMI events provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, which contribute towards your annual CPD requirements.

Topics vary by event but commonly include:

• Regulatory and legislative updates
• Investment and funding strategies
• Governance and trusteeship
• Innovation and technology in pensions
• Member engagement and communications

To stay up to date please click here.

Yes, networking is a key part of the PMI events, allowing you to connect with peers, industry leaders, and experts.

You’ll typically just need your booking confirmation. Specific events may provide additional joining instructions in advance.

Yes, agendas are usually published on the event page so you can plan your day and select relevant sessions.

Yes, the PMI reserves the right to make changes to speakers or programme content if required.