This course is part of the following PMI Pathways...

Gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to excel as a Pensions Administrator. This course focuses on preparing you to deliver high-quality service consistently, representing customers and stakeholders effectively. It includes work-based activities like processing member events, handling retirements, transfers, and more, making it ideal for those pursuing a career in Pensions Administration.   

Who is this course for?

Audience

The Pensions Administration (practical) steam is for individuals who want a career in pensions administration, who deals with the processing and checking of all member events, leavers, retirements, transfers, deaths, divorces, quotes and general queries.

Assessment method

Note

The following units will be assessed via short answer questions only:

An in-depth unit on  trust-based defined benefit (DB) arrangements. Students will apply DB arrangements in a variety of scenarios, recognising the requirements of different stakeholders.

The unit aims to deepen understanding of trust and contract-based DC arrangements, applying core unit knowledge across diverse scenarios while acknowledging stakeholder requirements.

Candidates will acquire an in-depth understanding of professionalism and ethics, as well as the importance of continuing professional development. They will explore risk and governance issues in pension schemes, and apply these principles practically. Additionally, they will develop the ability to effectively communicate their knowledge to relevant audiences. 

The above are all part of the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision qualification

Please note, we can only accept completion of units post 2016 only. Any exams passed pre 2016 would need to be taken again if you want to complete a particular steam. 

The following qualification is calculation based:

The Certificate in Pensions Calculations (CPC) is a qualification for pensions administrators designed to demonstrate competence in the manual calculation of benefits of occupational pension schemes.

The following qualification is assessed by multiple choice questions:

The Retirement Provision Certificate is ideal for employees new to pensions, support staff and those professionals working in related fields. It provides a broad introduction to pensions and other related benefits in the UK.

 

The following qualification is assessed via work-based activity and can only be taken if you are part of a PMI Approved examination Partner:

The Award in Pensions Essentials is a qualification designed to support and acknowledge the training and development of new pensions administrators or those who need an introduction to pensions, HR or Payroll.

The following qualification is assessed via a three stage assessment, built up of multiple choice, assignment based questions and an oral assessment:

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of pensions staff who regularly liaise with members selecting options from a pension scheme. This qualification is concerned with improving member outcomes and providing guidance on benefit options. As this guidance is in the area of non-regulated advice the qualification provides an overview of the distinction between regulated and non-regulated advice, the different types of pension scheme and the factors that need to be considered in making decisions in regard to benefits. It covers various options and situations, including: joining, leaving, transferring, retirements, commutation, death, and divorce.

Please refer to the Pensions Administration (PRATICAL) stream specification under 'useful resources' for further information regarding how the exams will be assessed.

Please note, we can only accept completion of units post 2016 only. Any exams passed pre 2016 would need to be taken again if you want to complete a particular steam. 

Study time

Calendar

You are advised to begin studying in November for the April examinations the following year and in May for the October examinations.

The Pensions Administration (practical) stream comprises of 3 units and 4 qualifications.

6 units/qualifications out of the of the 7 units/qualifications must be passed in order to complete the qualification

Cost

Wallet

Exam Entry (per ADRP unit) £560

Exam Entry CPC per unit £220

Exam unit RPC exam £520

Exam unit APE qualification £80

Revision Course (webinar) £75

Exam entry Re-Sit Fee :

ADRP per unit £300

CPC £200

RPC £300

Examination Partner fee £700

Transcript £25

Final Pathway Certificate £85

To sit this qualification you must be an active member of the PMI. Student membership is currently £178 and will be added to your total fee at checkout if you are not already a PMI member. (£75 from 1 April 2024 – 31 August 2024). The student membership cycle runs from the 1 September to 31 August.

For former PMI members enrolling in this qualification an additional re-instatement fee of £35 will also be applied at the check out stage.