Summary
This course is a comprehensive, part-time, online course designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the pensions landscape. Delivered through a self-directed learning approach, the course allows participants to study at their own pace while accessing a range of learning resources to support their progress.
Benefit to you
This course will provide students with specialist knowledge and the ability to:
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Illustrate the need to replace earned income in retirement, the four pillars of pension provision, and the tax incentives available for private retirement provision.
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Appraise the structures and products available for accumulating retirement benefits and illustrate and assess their main investment asset classes and investment structures.
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Identify the regulatory bodies involved in the regulation of DC occupational pension schemes and their roles.
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Assess the different types of pension product charges and demonstrate how to compare charges on products.
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Illustrate and compare the ‘traditional benefit’ option and the ARF option at retirement under a DC occupational pension scheme.
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Evaluate the circumstances in which a transfer value can be paid into or out of a DC occupational pension scheme or a RAC Trust.
This course is for:
It is ideal for those joining the pensions industry in a wide range of roles, including:
- Administration
- Investment
- Employee benefit consultancy
- Taxation
It is also a primer for those who may wish to go on and obtain the APA (Pensions) or Qualified Financial Adviser qualifications to advise clients on pensions.
Delivery and Assessment
This online, part-time course is delivered through self-directed learning. Participants will receive a textbook and access to a range of learning resources to support their studies. These resources are designed to offer a well-rounded understanding of key pension concepts, including pension structures, legislation, and key considerations for pension planning.
Upon completion, participants are required to sit a 75-question multiple-choice exam, which can be taken in January, May, or September.
Fee
€500
Award
Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate from ATU Sligo.
CPD
8 Hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is awarded on successful completion of this course.
Progression
Those that successfully complete this course will receive a module credit against the DC Pension Scheme Trustee Principles module on the Certificate in DC Pension Scheme Trusteeship programme.
Find out more
For more information about this course please contact our education team level9@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.
DC Pension Scheme Trustee Principles – This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the key principles, structures, and regulatory frameworks governing pensions. It covers essential topics such as assessing retirement income needs, accumulating benefits, investment strategies, and understanding the impact of fees and charges. Participants will gain insight into retirement benefit options, the implications of Pension Adjustment Orders, and the operation of Defined Contribution (DC) occupational pension schemes. The module also addresses the process of pension transfers, the application of financial mathematics in pension planning, and the regulatory environment that oversees pension schemes. This well-rounded approach equips learners with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of pension planning and support clients with informed guidance.
Key Dates
To view all the exam dates, including registrations deadlines, please click here.
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.
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.