Summary
The Certificate in DC Pension Scheme Trusteeship is a Level 7 qualification designed for individuals acting or aspiring to act as trustees of defined contribution pension schemes. The course provides essential knowledge and skills for managing schemes in line with legal frameworks, including scheme rules, trust law, and the Pensions Act. It covers trustee responsibilities, governance, and regulatory compliance. The Pensions Authority recognises this qualification as meeting the knowledge requirements for trustees.
Those that hold the QFA designation are exempt from completing the DC Pension Scheme Trustee Principles module.
Benefit to you
This programme is designed to provide you with the ability to:
- Retirement Planning Insight: Understand the importance of replacing earned income in retirement and the structures available for accumulating retirement benefits.
- Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Gain a solid grasp of trust law principles and the legal obligations of trustees, including compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Effective Scheme Management: Learn to assess and manage the administration, governance, and investment strategies of defined contribution pension schemes.
- Enhanced Trustee Competence: Develop a comprehensive understanding of good governance practices and the roles of advisers in ensuring effective pension scheme management.
This programme is for:
Individuals currently or aspiring to become trustees of defined contribution pension schemes. It is also suitable for HR professionals, financial advisers, and business leaders involved in pension scheme management. If you're responsible for overseeing the governance, compliance, and administration of such schemes, this qualification will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage pension provision and ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Delivery and Assessment
All modules are delivered online through distance and self-directed learning, allowing you to study at your own pace from home or work. You will receive a textbook and access to a range of learning resources to support their studies.
Each module is worth 5 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), the DC Pension Scheme Trustee Principles module is a 1.5 hour multiple-choice exam consisting of 75 questions and the DC Pension Scheme Trustee Practices module is a 2-hour multiple-choice exams consisting of 100 questions.
This flexible learning approach makes it easier for professionals to balance education with their work and personal commitments
Fee
€500 per module
Award and Designation
Upon successful completion, participants are awarded the Level 7 Certificate in DC Pension Scheme Trusteeship qualification from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and earn the Pension Trustee Practitioner (PTP) professional designation from LIA.
CPD
8 Hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is awarded on successful completion of each module.
Progression
Graduates of this program can progress to the Certificate in Professional Financial Advice, enabling them to earn the QFA professional designation. Click here to learn more about this course.
Find out more
For more information about this course please contact our education team education@lia.ie or 01 456 3890.
Alternatively, you can register your interest here to receive more information.
How to Register
To register click the link below to complete an application form. Please ensure you meet the entry requirements before enrolling. Your application form will be reviewed to ensure you are eligible to complete this course. Payment will not be required until after you have been accepted to the course.
This module provides a basis for the exploration of retirement planning, covering the key components needed to build and manage retirement benefits effectively. Topics include understanding retirement income needs, strategies for accumulating retirement benefits, and insights into investment options and charges. Participants will also learn about retirement benefit options, the implications of pension adjustment orders, and the structure of Defined Contribution (DC) occupational pension schemes. Additional areas of focus include transfers, essential financial maths, and the regulatory framework governing pensions and retirement planning. This module equips learners with the tools to address diverse retirement needs while ensuring compliance and financial efficiency.
This module focuses on the key aspects of pension scheme management, providing participants with the knowledge to navigate regulatory, governance, and operational requirements effectively. Topics include authorisation and registration processes, principles of governance, and managing contributions and investments. Participants will also explore best practices for member communication, handling preserved benefits, and the processes involved in the payment of benefits. This module equips learners with the expertise to manage pension schemes efficiently while maintaining compliance and delivering value to members.
Key Dates
We’re committed to providing you with the resources and tools you need to succeed. Your core learning materials include lecture slides, short pieces, suggested readings, and the required reading from the course manual, all designed to support your learning journey.
Upon registration, you will receive a textbook for the module(s) you are studying. This textbook serves as your primary learning resource, providing essential knowledge and guidance throughout the course. The exam will be based on the content covered in the textbook, so it is important to engage with it thoroughly.
In addition to the textbook, supplementary resources will be provided to further support and enhance your understanding.
You will be invited to attend a one-hour online induction, presented by the education team at LIA. This interactive webinar is designed to help you get the most out of your studies by providing essential study tips, effective exam techniques, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online exam process.
During thewebinar, the education team will also be available to answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared as you begin your learning journey.
This study companion is a practical guide designed to support you in preparing for your exam. It provides valuable written tips on effective study techniques, helping you maximise your learning and retention.
Inside, you’ll find essential information on chapter weightings, allowing you to focus on key areas that carry the most significance in the exam. Whether you're looking for guidance on structuring your study sessions, managing your time effectively, or understanding which topics to prioritize, this resource is here to assist you every step of the way.
Our short, focused educational videos are designed to support you in preparing for your exams. These videos cover essential study tips, effective exam strategies, and guidance on how to get started with your study plan.
You'll also gain insights into tackling calculation-based questions, helping you approach them with confidence. Whether you need advice on time management, structuring your revision, or understanding key concepts, these videos provide the practical guidance you need for exam success.
Our expert lecturers deliver short, chapter-by-chapter audio lectures that guide you through the key content of your textbook. These concise lectures provide valuable insights and explanations, making it easier to grasp important concepts.
Perfect for listening on the go, these lectures allow you to reinforce your learning anytime, anywhere!
You are invited to attend a live, two-hour exam preparation masterclass for the module(s) you are studying.
This live, two-hour masterclass is specifically designed to help you prepare effectively for your upcoming exam. Led by our subject matter experts, these masterclasses covers key topics, exam strategies, and common challenges students face. You’ll receive in-depth guidance on how to approach various types of questions, including practical tips on time management and revision techniques.
This interactive masterclass gives you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify doubts, and engage with the content in real time, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared as you approach your exam.
You will be provided with a chapter weighting table that outlines the minimum and maximum number of questions that may appear on your exam paper for each chapter of the textbook that you are studying.
This valuable resource helps you prioritise your study efforts by giving you a clear understanding of the relative importance of each chapter.
You will have access to hundreds of sample multiple-choice questions (MCQs) through the ‘Take a Test’ feature. This online tool lets you complete practice exams that closely mirror the format and content of your upcoming exam, providing you with valuable hands-on experience.
This resource is used to test your knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen your exam preparation, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared on exam day.
You will be provided with a factsheet, which contains essential tax information directly related to your textbook.
This valuable resource is designed to complement your studies, offering key insights and quick-reference facts to support your learning and exam preparation.
Minimum Entry Requirements
| Institution | Leaving Cert or Equivalent | Leaving Cert English | Leaving Cert Maths | RPL | Alternative Qualifications | English Language |
| LIA | 5 x O6/H7 or higher | Minimum of Grade O6/H7 | Minimum of Grade O6/H7 | Yes – see below | Yes – see below | IELTS 5.5 |
OR
An equivalent qualification at the same level (e.g. A levels; Highers/Advanced Highers (Scotland), International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate etc).
Any QQI level 5/6 FE qualification is acceptable.
All applicants are required to have competency in English endorsed by the Irish Leaving Certificate or other equivalent award.
All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where a candidate’s mother tongue is not English, he or she is required to provide a proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test (e.g. IELTS 5.5) or other similar English Language qualifications.
Mature applicants who do not have a Leaving Certificate will be assessed for entry based on work experience along with a demonstrated commitment towards the academic requirements for the programme. This may be assessed using a written application from the candidate and/or by interview. Such learners will have relevant employment and will have access to the IT facilities necessary to participate in the programme. RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) applicants will be required to complete a personal statement which addresses how the applicant has met the minimum standard by reference to QQI’s Business Standards at Level 6.
All other applicants, who do not meet these criteria, will be dealt with on their individual merits and on a case-by-case basis. Decisions made under this mechanism will not set a precedent for adjudicating similar applications.