Check your course content and study time

You only need to pass the modules that are relevant for your size and type of scheme to get your Certificate of completion and you can study whenever it suits you.

The following schemes are covered by some or all the modules: defined benefit (DB), defined contributions (DC), additional voluntary contributions (AVC) and hybrid (a combination of DB and DC). A large scheme has 100 members or more.

To find out which modules are essential learning for your scheme please see the table below.

Module What the module covers: Study time in hours Schemes the module is relevant to
Introducing pension schemes Occupational pensions and how they are run 1 All schemes
The trustee's role What it is like to become a trustee and attend meetings of the board 2 All schemes
Pensions law Occupational pension legislation and other legislation that affects the running of pension schemes 2 All schemes
The 4 major asset classes The basic characteristics of the four main asset classes: cash, bond, property, equities 1.5 All schemes
Running your scheme Best practices involved in running a pension scheme 1 All schemes
How a DB scheme works Benefits accrual and calculation, the employer covenant and recognising when an employer's ability to meet pension liabilities may be at risk 1.5 DB only, DB with AVC and Hybrid
Funding your DB scheme Various assumptions used to measure the funding position of a scheme and the different measures used to determine the funding level of schemes 1.5 DB only, DB with AVC and Hybrid
DB recovery plans, contributions and funding principles Setting contributions and producing a recovery plan and statement of funding principles 1.5 DB only, DB with AVC and Hybrid
How a DC scheme works Contribution structures, investment options, impact of the tax regime and risks in pension funding 2 DC only, DB with AVC and Hybrid
Fund management Tactical investment and the role of the fund manager 1.5 Hybrid and all large schemes
Strategic investment The risk / return profile of your portfolio, appetite for risk and investing in alternative asset classes in that context 2 Hybrid and all large schemes

Study planners

All the modules can be broken down into bite-sized chunks to fit in around your schedule. To see an example of how this is done please select the relevant sample study planner below.

Please note: a large scheme has 100 members or more and a small scheme has less than 100 members.

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© The Pensions Regulator 2013