Expand+Who is this programme for?

The Professional Certificate in Pensions, a single-module level 7 qualification, addresses the need within stockbroking and asset management firms for individuals with the expertise to advise on pensions and retirement p...

Hide-Who is this programme for?

The Professional Certificate in Pensions, a single-module level 7 qualification, addresses the need within stockbroking and asset management firms for individuals with the expertise to advise on pensions and retirement provisions.

How you will benefit

On successful completion of this programme, and on attaining the recognised professional designation APA, you will be able to:

•Describe the financial need for retirement provision, and the different ways in which such provision can be made

•Explain the eligibility, main features, benefits and taxation treatment of individual, employer and state sponsored retirement benefit arrangements

•Identify the main regulatory restrictions applicable to individual and employer sponsored retirement benefit arrangements.

•Discuss and demonstrate the impact of taxation, legislation and the regulatory framework on the provision of individual and employer sponsored retirement benefit arrangements and the options available to individuals in relation to such arrangements

Minimum Competency Code

Registered stockbrokers or holders of the Professional Certificate in Stockbroking who successfully complete the Professional Certificate in Pensions and apply for the attaching APA designation satisfy the Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code for those who wish to sell, advise on or undertake specified functions, for the category of retail financial product ‘Pensions’.

Holders of the certificate are invited to apply for the APA (Pensions) designation. Continued use of the designation is subject to meeting annual CPD requirements.