The Pensions Benefits steam is for those individuals who want a career in Employee Benefits, who enjoy building client relationships and wish to expand their knowledge and develop in this field. The Pathway provides the knowledge, skills and lets you build your experience to become a professional Employee Benefits specialist.

Please refer to the learning webpage here : Pathways Learner Support Materials

For International 1 and 2 unit , Learning material will be shared via email.

All units that come under the Pensions Benefits stream will be assessed via short answer questions only. Please refer to the Pensions Benefits stream specification under 'useful resources' for further information regarding how the exams will be assessed:

• Core unit 2 - REGULATION OF RETIREMENT PROVISION

  The aim of this unit is to provide an overview of the regulation of retirement provision in the UK.

• Core unit 3 - RUNNING A WORKPLACE PENSION SCHEME

  The aim of his unit is to provide an overview of the requirements of running a workplace pension scheme.

• Core unit 4 - FINANCING AND INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT PROVISION

  The aim of this unit is to provide an overview of how employers and employees pay for workplace pensions and distinguishing between defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements.

• Defined Benefit Arrangements The aim of the unit is to provide an in depth understanding of trust-based defined benefit (DB) arrangements, building on and utilising the knowledge gained in the core units and applying it in a variety of scenarios, recognising the requirements of different stakeholders.

OR

• Defined Contribution Arrangements

  The aim of the unit is to provide an in depth understanding of trust and contract-based DC arrangements, building on and utilising the knowledge they have gained in the core units to show that they can apply this in a variety of scenarios and recognising the requirements of different stakeholders.

• Professionalism and Governance Candidates will acquire an in-depth understanding of professionalism and ethics, as well as the importance of continuing professional development. They will explore risk and governance issues in pension schemes, and apply these principles practically. Additionally, they will develop the ability to effectively communicate their knowledge to relevant audiences.

• Diploma in International Employee Benefits - provides a programme of education, study and examinations for all those involved with the complex area of international employee benefits.

  This qualification comprises two compulsory units:

  International 1 (otherwise known as CU1B) CORE UNIT 1B - FOUNDATION IN INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

  The aim of the unit is to provide an introduction to the following issues:

  • The different employee benefits in an international context and the different ways these are designed, delivered, funded, communicated and administered around the world 
  •  The respective roles of stakeholders involved in the provision of international employee benefits 
  •  Pensions and employee benefit provision in France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA and Switzerland and a regional overview of Europe and North America to highlight the different practices of employee benefit provision
  •  The legal and regulatory influences of the European Union on pensions/employee benefit design and financing 

  and

  International 2 (otherwise known as MIEB) The aim is to build on the material covered in International 1: Foundation in International Employee Benefits (Core Unit 1b) to develop an understanding of the following issues:

  • The employee benefit objectives of a multinational company 
  • The funding and risk management aspects of providing employee benefits
  • Management of risk benefits
  • Pensions and employee benefit provision in Brazil, China, India and Russia and a regional overview of Africa, Asia and Latin America to highlight the different practices of pensions and employee benefit provision
  • Benefits for internationally mobile employees
  • The employee benefit implications of mergers and acquisitions
  •  Trends in employee benefit provision

  The above are all part of the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision qualification

  Please note, we can only accept completion of units post 2016 only. Any exams passed pre 2016 would need to be taken again if you want to complete a particular steam. 

You are advised to begin studying in November for the April examinations the following year and in May for the October examinations.

The Pensions Benefits stream comprises of 7 units and 1 qualification. 6 units/qualifications out of all of the 7 units must be passed in order to complete the qualification

We only offer the Reward and Retirement Provision exam in April of every year

Exam Entry ( per unit-Defined Benefit Arrangements, Core Unit 4, Core Unit 3, Core Unit 2, Defined Contribution Arrangements, Prof + Gov) £560

Exam entry Re-Sit Fee (per unit) £299.99

Transcript £25

Final Pathway Certificate  £85

International 1 (otherwise known as CU1B) Exam Entry £560

International 2 Exam Entry £560

International 1 Examination Re-Sit Fee £299.99

International 2 Examination Re-Sit Fee £299.99

Revision Course (webinar) £75

Please note: To sit this qualification you must be at least a Student member of the PMI, currently £178 (Until August 2025) . The student membership year normally runs from the 1 September to 31 August. You do not have to apply for a PMI membership separately as the applicable price would be added to you cart while registering for the exam.

New students can take advantage of up to 3 months complimentary student membership by enrolling today.

For former PMI members enrolling in this qualification an additional re-instatement fee of £35 will also be applied at the check out stage.