Award in Pensions Essentials

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.

APE Course content

There are five compulsory units:

• Unit 1: Introduction to UK Pensions
• Unit 2: Disclosure Regulations & Whistleblowing for occupational pension schemes
• Unit 3: Occupational Pension Scheme Design, Investment and Administration
• Unit 4: Member Benefit Events and Rules for Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Schemes
• Unit 5: Member Benefit Events and Rules for Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.

You can view more detail on the contents of each unit on The Pensions Management Institute Qualification Specification.

APE Study and assessment

Each exam cycle lasts five weeks. At the start of the five-week period the student begins to study the learning material. The exam session takes place at the end of the five-week period. A resit session will be scheduled for a few days after the initial exam for any students who require a resit. All five units should be passed within 12 months. It is estimated that the APE will require approximately 100 hours of study time (20 per unit).

Exams are conducted online, with cameras and microphones on. An invigilator is provided by Barnett Waddingham. There are two exam papers per unit (part one and part two), with 15 multiple choice questions per paper. 12 must be answered correctly to pass. Each exam is 45 minutes long, however, both parts of a unit are examined together so exam sessions last 90 minutes. The exam is open book, but students can only refer to the learning materials provided. Students are not allowed to use internet searches during the exam.

APE Cost

£1,050 plus VAT paid directly to Barnett Waddingham

The cost covers:

• Student registration with PMI
• Certification of completion
• All learning materials
• Six examination sessions
• Six resit sessions, if required.

Additional resit costs will be incurred if students do not pass both parts of all five units within the six examination and resit sessions.

Barnett Waddingham review their costs annually. The costs above are correct as at May 2026.

How to register interest for Level 2 Award in Pensions Essentials

To express your interest please complete the APE register of interest form.

For queries please email training.lgps@local.gov.uk.

Each cohort will consist of between 14 – 18 students. Cohorts will begin regularly when we have at least 14 students registered. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

All student details will be passed to Barnett Waddingham who will provide student agreements, examination dates and arrange billing