Become a leader in your field 

The PMI's Pathways allow you to decide the direction of your career and identify the qualifications that will best help you reach your goals. Plus, when you join a Pathway, you become a member of the PMI community, proving your expertise in workplace retirement and accessing exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

Each of our 5 pathways is meticulously crafted to enhance your expertise, demonstrate your knowledge, and build your professional reputation.  

Our pathways offer five specialised streams: Retirement provision, Pensions administration technical, Pensions administration practical, Pensions trusteeship, and Pensions benefits.  

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.  

What you will study 

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.  

Who is this pathway for?  

This pathway is designed for Pension scheme managers, Retirement consultants, Policy advisors, Financial planners specialising in pensions, and HR professionals managing pension schemes. 

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Technical Pensions Administration

Prepare to excel as a Pensions consultant with technical expertise in calculations, regulatory compliance, 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, Scheme Actuaries.  

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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 well-being 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. 

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Pensions Benefits

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 provisions globally. 

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Practical Pensions (Administration)

Gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to excel as a Pensions administrator. This course focuses on preparing you to deliver high-quality service, representing customers and stakeholders effectively. It includes work-based activities like processing member events, handling retirements, transfers, and more. 

What you will study 

You will gain a thorough understanding of both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes and learn how to apply professionalism and governance principles in your daily work. This qualification enhances your ability to handle complex calculations, provide accurate member guidance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, positioning you for advanced roles in pension scheme management and client service excellence. 

Who is this pathway for?  

The pathway is ideal for Pension scheme administrators, Operations managers, Client service representatives, Pensions officers, Benefits administrators.  

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Navigating PMI Pathways

Navigating PMI Pathways

A guide to pensions career growth

PMI has developed Pathways to help professionals build and advance their careers within the pensions industry. These pathways offer a clear roadmap for progression, from entry-level roles to senior positions, ensuring that individuals gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to excel in this sector. Understanding what these pathways are, why they exist, and how to navigate them is crucial for anyone looking to develop a career in pensions management.

Read the guide

FAQs

Can I still complete the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision without following the new pathways?

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 and Diploma in Retirement Provision. However, this option will only be available until April 2028.

I’ve passed some units/qualifications before 2016. Will they count towards the new pathways?

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.

How do PMI Pathways affect membership?

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.

I’ve completed qualifications or units that didn’t make me eligible for Certificate or Diploma membership under the old structure. Am I eligible for Professional Membership now?

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.

What if my Certificate or Diploma membership lapsed?

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.

Do I need to retake qualifications to progress towards Associateship?

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.

 

If you require a little more information or are unsure which pathway may relate to you, the Qualifications team are on hand to answer any of your queries.

Get in touch with the qualifications team