Certificate in Pensions Calculations

The qualification is made up of seven separate units which must all be completed to achieve the qualification.

Units are assessed via examination designed to demonstrate candidates’ competence in the manual calculation of benefits of occupational pension schemes and is assessed by open book case study examinations offered three times a year.

CPC Examinations

Each of the CPC examination units (of which there are 7 in total) consists of 2 case studies (Section A – Calculations) and a single draft letter for analysis, which is always associated with one of the case studies (Section B – Draft Letter). 

The examination units are designed to test the competence of learners in the calculation and communication of pension benefits.  

They are based on 3 fictitious pension schemes:

Please navigate to the CPC learning website for further CPC learning materials -

https://www.cpc-learning-materials.com

Units are assessed via examination designed to demonstrate learners’ competence in the manual calculation of benefits of occupational pension schemes and is assessed by open book case study examinations offered each year in March and September. 

Early preparation and a planned study schedule for the examinations is essential:

1. The case studies are based on three fictitious pension schemes - two final salary schemes, one of which is contracted out and a money purchase scheme with the option to contract out.

   Learners have to be able to carry out manual calculations for all three schemes.  Learners also have to write to at least one member or client explaining the benefits payable and asking for any further information required before the scheme can pay the benefits.

2. Practise calculations from past papers and check the answers against those given in the appendix to the Examiners’ Report.
3. Read copies of past Examiners’ Reports – these will identify many common problems and guidance about how to avoid them.

Please refer to the CPC learning webpage here https://www.cpc-learning-materials.com/

The online learning programmes are accessible from any computer that gives access to the internet, please visit the Useful resources above to access these resources - https://www.cpc-learning-materials.com/

The examinations are designed to test the competence of candidates in the calculation and communication of pension benefits for a range of scheme types. 

Copies of Scheme Booklets and Tables of Factors should be taken into the examinations. It is vital that candidates ensure they have the current versions, which are downloadable from the CPC learning website -

https://www.cpc-learning-materials.com/

Please refer to the past papers on the CPC learning webpage here https://www.cpc-learning-materials.com/

The PMI have recently launched the 'study skills' website, which will help learners understand how best to prepare for their exams, as well as gives tips and information regarding the specific style of exams you may be taking.

The study skills website can be found here -

https://www.pmi-study-skills.co.uk/

Please download the 'CPC Exam Timetable' under 'Useful Resources'

The date will be confirmed once the exams have commenced, however the results are issued within 1 month of the date of the exams, once they have been signed off by the CPC Committee.

Upon completion of the CPC qualification, individuals can apply for Professional level of membership from the PMI and have the designatory initials ProfPMI after their name.

Special consideration can be given to an individual who has temporarily experienced illness or injury or some other circumstance outside his or her control (such as problems at the exam centre such as noise or disturbance) that may have impacted on performance or attainment. 

The PMI is committed to providing fair and consistent examination, verification, approval and assessment processes. Visit the Wider information set page to find out more.