The PMI has introduced five qualification Pathways designed to help pensions professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers. These Pathways offer a clear, structured career development plan, guiding individuals from entry-level roles to leadership positions within the pensions industry. 

What are PMI Pathways? 

 PMI Pathways are five structured qualification routes that support professionals at various career stages. Each Pathway provides a series of certifications that build on one another, ensuring continuous learning and the development of essential skills in pensions management and administration.  

To take qualifications with the PMI, you will need to become a member. You start with a Student membership, and as you progress through the qualifications in your chosen Pathway, you will also be able to upgrade your PMI membership. The PMI has more than 7,000 members, and our membership are widely recognised in the industry, and help you gaining recognition and credibility within the industry. 

How to Navigate PMI Pathways 

The 5 pathways are:  

1. Retirement Provision: this pathway deepens your expertise in retirement planning and pension management, with a comprehensive curriculum on Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes, tailored for pension scheme managers, retirement consultants, financial planners, and HR professionals.
2. Technical Pensions Administration: this pathway prepares you to excel as a Pensions consultant, equipping you with expertise in calculations, regulatory compliance, and client engagement across DB and DC schemes, tailored for pension administrators, consultants, compliance officers, and scheme actuaries.
3. Pensions Trusteeship: This pathway equips you to become a trusted Professional trustee, providing advanced knowledge of DB and DC schemes, governance, and professional standards, tailored for current and aspiring trustees, governance committee members, and scheme secretaries seeking to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills.
4. Pensions and other Employee Benefits: This pathway equips you to excel as an Employee Benefits specialist, providing in-depth knowledge of pensions within broader savings and benefits contexts, tailored for benefits managers, HR professionals, and pension consultants, as well as those involved in global employee benefits.
5. Practical Pensions Administration: This pathway equips you with practical skills and knowledge to excel as a Pensions administrator, focusing on delivering high-quality service, managing DB and DC schemes, and ensuring compliance, tailored for pension administrators, operations managers, and client service representatives.

Once you choose the Pathway that aligns with your career goal and you book your first exam, you become a Student member.  

What happens next 

Once you have passed your first exam, you will be able to choose from the other units or qualifications within your Pathway focusing on more advanced technical skills. You will also be able to apply for Professional membership. (ProfPMI). 

Once you complete the qualifications and units within your Pathway , you will take the Professionalism and Governance Module, which synergises all previous learning. This is when you will be able to apply to become an Associate member of the PMI  (APMI), and after five years of CPD activities you can them apply to become Fellows of the PMI (FPMI). 

Completing your PMI qualifications marks the successful completion of a Pathway that highlights your pension expertise. You'll earn a certificate that not only validates your skills but also opens doors to promotions, senior roles, and greater industry recognition. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to contribute to key organisational decisions and take on leadership roles within governing committees, where your insights can drive meaningful change and leave a lasting impact on the industry. 

Do you have any questions? Contact us at pmiqualifications@pensions-pmi.org.uk