PMI Level 4 Certificate in Pension Scheme Member Guidance

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of pensions staff who regularly liaise with members selecting options from a pension scheme.  It 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.

Workplace Pensions Trailblazer Apprenticeship

This qualification can be used as part of the Workplace Pensions Trailblazer Apprenticeship. Amongst the many benefits of the apprenticeship is the opportunity to access Government funding to cover the cost of the qualifications and any associated training.  Further details on the apprenticeship can be found here

Aims

The aims of this qualification include:

• Improving pension scheme member outcomes
• Enhancing professionalism and communication skills of customer facing staff
• Increasing confidence and trust in work place pensions
• Enabling effective delivery of the Guidance Guarantee at the point of retirement for DC scheme members

Qualification Development Partner

This qualification has been developed in partnership with JLT Employee Benefits.  PMI is grateful for the support received throughout the development process and continued support for the delivery of the qualification. 

Structure

The qualification includes four core modules that cover essential knowledge and understanding, seven application modules that cover various member events and one member interaction module that applies all relevant matters from the core and application modules:

Core knowledge modules
(1) Information, Advice and Guidance on Pension Benefits
(2) Options available from Different Pension Schemes
(3) Financial considerations when making Pension Benefit Decisions
(4) Lifestyle factors that impact on Pension Benefit Decisions

Application modules
(5) Joining an Occupational Pension Scheme
(6) Leaving an Occupational Pension Scheme
(7) Transferring Pension Benefits
(8) Divorce and Pension Benefits
(9) Pension Scheme Death Benefits
(10) Pension Scheme Retirement Benefits
(11) Annuities and Pension Benefits

Member interaction module
(12) Communicating with Pension Scheme Members Seeking Guidance

Online learning

There is an online learning programme that covers all modules of the qualification. 

Included in the online programme is a multi-choice test which assesses modules one to four – it is compulsory to pass this test.  Modules five to eleven have case study type assignments for each module – it is compulsory to pass this part of the online programme. 

In order to attempt the oral assessment it is necessary to have completed the core module assignment and the application module case study assignments.

Tests and assessment

To complete the qualification there is an oral assessment using a recorded telephone discussion based scenario. 

When are the tests and assignments held?
There are a series of assessment windows and full details of the Study Timetable can be found in the document links at the bottom of this page.

PMI Membership

It is a compulsory requirement to be a member of the PMI to sit the assessment and the fee structure reflects this. (Note: the PMI membership year for Affiliate members runs from 1 November to 31 October).

NOT A PMI MEMBER?
There is an inclusive fee of £670 to cover the study material (and inclusive tests/assignments), oral assessment entry, qualification certificate if successful, and Affiliate Membership of PMI for the year or part thereof.

EXISTING PMI MEMBER?
For existing members of the PMI the cost is £595 to cover the study material (and inclusive tests/assignments) oral assessment entry and qualification certificate if successful,

Candidates who successfully complete the qualification will be entitled to apply to become Certificate Members of PMI and use the designation CertPMI after their name.

Regulation

The qualification is regulated at Level 4.

Customer service

The PMI is committed to providing a customer-focused and professional service to all its approved assessment centres, students and candidates taking any of our qualifications.  Please click on the attached links for details of all of our commitments to you.

Customer Service Statement

Equal Opportunities Statement

Further information

To discuss the qualification further contact the Qualifications Team at qualifications@pensions-pmi.org.uk or on 020 7392 7400.