Pensions qualifications

The Award in Pensions Essentials (APE) is a level 2 qualification aimed at those new to pensions. Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to GCSE. The APE is a generic pensions qualification, it is not LGPS or public sector specific. There is no LGPS specific material. The APE is delivered by Barnett Waddingham, and accredited by the Pensions Management Institute (PMI). The APE covers UK legislation and is therefore also relevant for Scottish LGPS.

Aimed at England and Wales Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) administrators specifically, this new Level 3 (A Level equivalent) qualification has been developed by the Local Government Association (LGA), and accredited by the Pensions Management Institute (PMI).

It is expected that students will have some experience of working in the LGPS before studying towards the Certificate in Local Government Pension Scheme Administration.