Certificate in Pension Scheme Member Guidance

There are no formal entry requirements to take this qualification. However, we recommend that candidates who have some relevant experience and/or qualifications.

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

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

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.

The online learning programme gateway can be accessed at www.pmi-learning.org.uk

Registered users can login and new users can register using access keys provided by PMI.

There are a number of assignments within the online learning programme:

(1) Test Assignment.   This takes for the form of a single multiple choice type test. This is delivered via an online testing portal. It is designed to cover Modules 1-4.  The test can be attempted at various times throughout the year.

(2) Case Study Assignments.  These comprise case study type questions and there is a separate assignment for each of Modules 5-11.  These assignments can be sumbitted via the online learning programme. The case studies can be attempted at various times throughout the year.

These assignments must be completed before the oral assessment can be attempted.

Oral assessment

The oral assessment is conducted over a telephone conversation between candidate and assessor. The conversation is of 15 minutes duration (approx.). The assessor poses as a pension scheme member seeking guidance. The topic of the oral assessment could range across the breadth of the syllabus. The interview is recorded for the purposes of moderation.

In order to attempt the oral assessment it is necessary to have completed the tests and assignments within the online learning programme.

Grades
There are two grades for this assessment (P) pass or (F) fail.

Publication of results
Results are sent to candidates as soon as they are available after the oral assessment. We will not communicate results to a candidate’s employer.

Special circumstances
Candidates who may require special arrangements for reasons of disability or similar should contact the PMI. Sufficient time should be allowed for such requests to be considered and for any arrangements to be made.

Member Guidance Instructions for Oral Assessment Candidates

Member Guidance January 2018 Assessment Report

Member Guidance April 2018 Assessment Report

Member Guidance 2022 Assessment Report

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. 

Employers/training providers wishing to use this qualification as part of the apprenticeship should use the apprenticeship specific registration/entry forms.

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

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