How to become a pensions adviser
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a higher apprenticeship as a financial adviser, specialising in pensions, or as a financial services professional, specialising in workplace pensions.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a pensions administrator or financial customer service adviser. You would do qualifications while you work to move into an adviser role. Qualifications are offered by the Pensions Management Institute and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Direct Application
You can apply to companies directly if you have experience in finance or sales. GCSEs or A levels in English and maths would also be helpful.
Employers will offer you extra training in their pensions products when you start.
Other Routes
If you have a degree you may be able to join a pension company's graduate trainee scheme to become an adviser.
Employers recruit from a wide range of degree subjects but it may help if your study includes numerical or business based modules.
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Registration
- you'll need to register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Pensions Management Institute for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a pensions adviser from Pension Careers.