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Qualification Level 4 - Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC)

Course details  Advance your expertise in retirement provision

Build the knowledge to lead in pensions across schemes and services

Retirement Provision Certificate

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.

Overview

Who is this course for?

The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of a wide range of people, not just pension professionals, including: those who are starting out on a career in pensions or a related area; those whose work involves one particular aspect of retirement provision, such as investment, legal or accounting; those whose job requires an overview of the principles underpinning retirement provision.

Learning support

Please refer to the Learning material here : Retirement Provision Certificate Learning Materials

Assessment method

This qualification is assessed by a two hour 80 question multiple choice examination. 

Study time

The qualification comprises a single compulsory unit.

Cost

Please note: To sit this qualification, you must be at least a Student member of the PMI. 

To sit this qualification, you must be a PMI Student member. If applicable, a £287 student membership fee will be automatically added at checkout when you register for the exam, no separate membership application is required.

Description Cost
Qualification Package (Non-Student Member) £807
Qualification Package (Student Member) £520
Final certificate Free of charge
Physical certificate: £85
Final Fee £807
Annual student membership fee £287

Useful Resources

Important Information

Study recourses 

 

The PMI provides a dedicated study skills website designed to support learners at every stage of their qualification journey. The site offers practical guidance on how to prepare effectively for exams, along with tips and insights into the specific exam formats you may be taking. You can access the study skills website here.

Assessment support

 

We are committed to fair and consistent assessment processes. Special consideration may be granted where a learner has been temporarily affected by circumstances beyond their control which may have impacted exam performance such as:

  • Illness
  • Injury
  • Issues at the exam centre (for example, noise or disruption) 

Further information on special consideration and the PMI’s approach to examinations, verification and assessment is available on the here.

Designatory initials

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

 

Study

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.

 

Examinations

The PMI hold online exams only, meaning a learner does not travel to an exam centre to sit the exam.

The syllabus is examined by a two hour examination. The examination is in the form of 80 multiple choice questions designed to test retirement provision knowledge across the syllabus. The examination paper is comprised of two types:

The first 70 questions will either put a question or make a statement which requires completion, this is followed by four possible responses, one of which is the correct response.

The final 10 are known as multiple true false questions. They comprise two statements and four possible options. Lettered "a" both true; "b" only (i) true; "c" only (ii) true; or "d" both false. Only one is correct. Each statement is either true or false.

Each question on the examination paper scores one mark. All questions should be attempted; there is no difference in marking between a wrong answer and one left unanswered.

Learners will receive either a 'Pass' or 'Fail' email from the PMI when receiving their grade, which will include their raw score and percentage achieved.

The nominal pass mark is 75%

Special consideration can be given to an individual who has temporarily experienced illness or injury or some other circumstance outside his or her control  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.

Results are generally released within 1 week of the exam taking place.

 

Certificates

Candidates who pass the examination receive a certificate which will be included in their results letter/confirmation.

PMI Pathways

Technical Pensions Administration

PMI Pathways give you the flexibility to choose the direction of your career and identify the PMI qualifications that will help you reach your goals. When you join a Pathway, you also gain PMI membership, proving your expertise in workplace retirement and unlocking exclusive PMI benefits, resources, and networking opportunities.
Whether you’re starting your career or already have experience, every Pathway is designed to support you at any stage with the end goal of becoming a Fellow. If you’ve already started an exam, you can easily be added to the relevant Pathway, ensuring your progress counts towards your chosen career direction.

Book your exam

Bookings for exams

Ready to take the next step in your qualification journey? PMI exam units are available throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to plan your studies and sit exams when the timing is right for you. Choose the units you’re ready for and progress at a pace that suits your professional commitments.

The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of a wide range of people, not just pension professionals, including: those who are starting out on a career in pensions or a related area; those whose work involves one particular aspect of retirement provision, such as investment, legal or accounting; those whose job requires an overview of the principles underpinning retirement provision.


17 November 2026:
Apply by 14 September 2026
Book here

To sit this qualification, you must be a PMI student member

Any required student membership fee will be automatically added at checkout when you register for the exam, no separate membership application is needed.

Already a PMI student member?

If you’re already a PMI member, you can register for your exam directly through your MyPMI portal.

Additional course information

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Got a question?  Frequently asked questions

Which qualification is right for trustees?    

Where do you hold your exams?

What qualifications does the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) offer?

Are PMI qualifications recognised in the industry?

Do I need experience to study with the PMI?

How do PMI qualifications compare to others?

How do I register for a qualification or exam?

What study resources are available? 

Can I study online or part-time?

What if I fail an exam?

Where is my qualification certificate? 

Can I order a replacement certificate? 

Where should I start if I’m new to pensions?  

Do I need to be a PMI member to study?  

What are the entry requirements?

How many CPD hours will I earn with PMI qualifications?

What are the fees and is there member pricing?

How do I take an online exam? 

Are there any pre-requisites to sit for a PMI exam/qualification?

How do I decide which qualification or module would work best for me?

What type of questions can be asked in an online exam? 

What should I do if I miss my exam? 

Can I retake an exam at a reduced price if I fail? 

Is there a sample paper that I can view prior to the examination? 

Do I need to download any software onto my computer to take the examination? 

Am I eligible for extra time during the exam? 

What happens if my internet connection fails during an online exam? 

When results of my online exam will be issued? 

Will I need ID for my exam? 

Do I have to stay for the whole duration of the exam even if I have finished?

Are there any minimum system requirements to take the examination? 

How is an online proctored exam different to an exam taken in a test centre? 

What happens during the environment checks for remote invigilated exams? 

Can I take a break during my exam? 

Can I eat or drink during my exam? 

In short written answer exams what functionality is there in the exam environment while writing the  answer? 

Why do I need to confirm that I agree to the PMI Terms and Conditions before I can enter the 
examination? 

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