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Qualification Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision (ADRP)

The ADRP qualification will be phased out in its current format by April 2028. Learners starting or continuing from 2023 will have five years to complete it. We recommend exploring the Retirement Provision Pathway, which closely mirrors the ADRP units. It offers the same qualification level and member benefits, and successful completion leads to APMI membership.

Level 6 - Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision (ADRP)

The aim of the Advanced Diploma is to provide the required professional knowledge, skills and understanding for an individual to undertake, after sufficient experience, a position as a pensions specialist within a self-administered scheme, a third party administrator, a life assurance company or the consulting and advisory services.

Overview

Who is this course for?

The ADRP qualification is for an individual to undertake, after sufficient experience, a position as a pensions specialist within a self-administered scheme; a third-party administrator; a life assurance company; or within the consulting and advisory services. 

Highly suitable for professionals working in:

  • Self-administered schemes
  • Third-party administration
  • Life assurance
  • Consultancy or advisory services

Assessment method

From autumn 2025 exam series, all exam units that come under the ADRP qualification will be assessed via 80 multiple choice questions only. Please refer to the ADRP specification and test specification for further information regarding how the exams will be assessed. 

Please note, Professionalism and Governance exam will continue to be assessed via short and long answer questions only. 

Study time

You are advised to begin studying at least six months before the exam date. This qualification comprises eight units. All eight units must be passed in order to complete the qualification.

Cost

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 exams currently open for booking, no separate membership application is required. This will provide the membership until 31 Aug 2027.  

Description Cost
Each exam unit £560
8 exam units + annual membership £4665
Diploma certificate (not Advanced) Free of charge
Final certificate Free of charge
Annual student membership fee £195
Physical copy of Unit and Final certificate (optional) £85

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.

PMI Pathways

Retirement Provision

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 units

Bookings for exam units

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. Please find below the 2026 Exams Timetable.

Core unit 1A - Understanding Retirement Provision

Book here for 12 October exam 

Registration closes on 12 August 2026 

CU2 - Regulation of Retirement Provision

Book here for 14 October exam 

Registration closes on 12 August 2026 

CU3 - Running a Workplace Pension Scheme

Book here for 15 October exam

Registration closes on 12 August 2026

CU4-Financing & Investing for Retirement Provision

Book here for 15 October exam 

Registration closes on 12 August 2026

Defined Contribution Arrangements

Book here for 10 November exam

Registration closes on 14 September 2026

Reward and Retirement Provision

Book here for 12 November exam

Registration closes on 14 September 2026

Professionalism & Governance

Book here for 19 October exam

Registration closes on 12 August 2026

Please refer to the 2026 Exam timetable for the next online exam dates. 

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.

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Got a question?  Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don’t complete the ADRP qualification by April 2028?

Do I need to pay separately for PMI student membership when registering for exams?

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

Do I need to be a PMI member to study?

 

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?

Is the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision still an available qualification? 

I am part-way through the Advanced Diploma Qualification, should I switch to one 
of the new pathways? 

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

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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