PMI Pathways offer five specialised streams
The PMI’s Pathways allow you to decide the direction of your career
Retirement Provision
Retirement Provision Deepen your expertise in retirement planning and pension management, and excel in self-administered schemes, third-party administration, life assurance, or consulting and advisory services.
The Retirement Provision steam is for an individual to undertake, after sufficient experience, a position as a pensions specialist within a self-administered scheme; a third-party administrator; a life assurance company; or within the consulting and advisory services.
The comprehensive curriculum covers core units and specialised subjects such as defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of retirement provision.
This pathway is designed for pension scheme managers, retirement consultants, policy advisers, financial planners specialising in pensions, and HR professionals managing pension schemes.
Technical Pensions Administration
Technical Pensions Administration Prepare to excel as a pensions consultant with technical expertise in calculations and client engagement.
This pathway equips you with the skills needed for roles in self-administered schemes, third-party administration, life assurance companies, and consulting and advisory services, covering both DB and DC schemes.
What you will study
You will gain insight into a broad understanding of pensions, such as gaining knowledge on DB and DC schemes, as well as how to professionally liaise with members first-hand on their occupational pension schemes.
Who is this pathway for?
This pathway is designed to deepen the expertise of pension scheme administrators, technical pension consultants, compliance officers, pensions operations managers and scheme actuaries.
Pensions Trusteeship
Pensions Trusteeship Become a trusted professional trustee with our dedicated programme.
You will acquire advanced knowledge and professional skills in managing and operating pension schemes within regulatory frameworks, directly impacting the financial security and wellbeing of pension scheme members through your decisions.
What you will study
You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements, as well as key governance and professional standards. This pathway enhances your ability to analyse complex scenarios, prioritise tasks, and lead with confidence, positioning you for advanced roles and increased responsibilities.
Who is this pathway for?
The pathway is designed for current and aspiring pension trustees, governance committee members, scheme secretaries, trustees of defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, and professional trustees. It’s also beneficial for those who have completed the pensions regulator’s trustee toolkit, or are interested in stepping into trusteeship roles.
Pension Benefits
Pension Benefits Gain the expertise needed to excel as an employee benefits specialist.
Gain the expertise needed to excel as an employee benefits specialist, navigating the complexities of pensions alongside broader savings and benefits contexts, while understanding trends in global employee benefit provision, and building strong client relationships. This tailored pathway supports your career growth by providing essential knowledge, skills and opportunities.
What you will study
This pathway will significantly enhance your ability to manage pension benefits, from the intricacies of scheme design to the operational challenges of benefit delivery. You'll gain a thorough understanding of both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements, as well as the professionalism and governance standards required to excel in this field.
Who is this pathway for?
The pension benefits pathway is ideal for professionals involved in the administration and management of pension schemes, such as benefits managers, HR professionals and pension consultants. It is also suitable for those working in international employee benefits, who need to understand the broader context and implications of pension provision globally.
Practical Pensions Administration
Practical Pensions Administration Gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to excel as a pensions administrator.
This pathway equips you with the skills needed for roles in self-administered schemes, third-party administration, life assurance companies, and consulting and advisory services, covering both DB and DC schemes.
What you will study
You will gain insight into a broad understanding of pensions, such as gaining knowledge on DB and DC schemes, as well as how to professionally liaise with members first-hand on their occupational pension schemes.
Who is this pathway for?
This pathway is designed to deepen the expertise of pension scheme administrators, technical pension consultants, compliance officers, pensions operations managers and scheme actuaries.
Become a member of the PMI to start your career pathway
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Got a question? Frequently asked questions
What does the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) do?
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.
What educational qualifications does the PMI offer?
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.
Can I attend events if I am not a member?
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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Who can benefit from becoming a member of the PMI?
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.
When are the next exam dates?
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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How does the PMI work with organisations?
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
What are the benefits of earning a certification with the PMI?
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.