This is a brief introduction to how to use this portal (click on the link):
We want you to do well in your exams as payment for all of the hard work and effort you have put into getting there. It is for that purpose we have decided to provide the information necessary to access and take our exams in the one place.
We have done that for a number of reasons:
Transparency: Informing learners about what resources they can use during the exam promotes transparency in the examination process. It ensures that learners know what is expected of them and what resources they are allowed to utilise, which can help reduce confusion and anxiety.
Equity: Providing access information ensures that all learners have equal access to resources during the exam. This can be particularly important in situations where learners may have different levels of access to technology or materials outside of the exam environment.
Preparation: Knowing what resources will be available allows learners to better prepare for the exam. They can familiarise themselves with the permitted materials and plan how they will use them to support their performance during the exam.
Focus: By clarifying what resources are allowed, learners can focus their preparation efforts on understanding how to effectively use those resources to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. This can help them avoid wasting time or energy on materials that will not be accessible during the exam.
Integrity: Clearly communicating access information helps uphold the integrity of the exam process. Learners are less likely to engage in academic dishonesty or unauthorised behaviour if they understand the boundaries of what is permitted during the exam.
Whilst the reponsibility of the exam is with the PMI, we use a third party to host the exam in TestReach. Please make sure both you and your IT departments are familiar with this document:
A Guide to the TestReach Desktop App for IT Departments
Please read through the following information provided carefully and act on it when asked to, in order to make exam session run as smoothly as possible.
Our aim is to ensure you as a learner are fully equipped ahead of your exam(s), however we are always conscious and aware that we do not want to overwhelm you and for that purpose we thought it might be helpful to provide you with a checklist of the information you need to pay particular attention to.
Checklist to go through prior to your exam(s):
Important information regarding remote invigilation:
(the above is not an exhaustive list)
The reason you will be asked the above, is to ensure we are following our regulator's requirements (Ofqual) when hosting an online exam.
Important information regarding technical issues:
Important Points to Note:
Your exam will be taking place online (remotely), meaning you do not have to travel to an exam centre; however, you must ensure you have read and understood all of the following criteria to be able to successfully take your exam:
For our Spring Exam series we recorded a session with the team where they went through the procedures for revision, examination, set up and everything to do with your exam.
This webinar takes you on a journey to understand PMI qualifications as the team delve into the intricacies of the Spring sittings, revision groups, and the mechanics behind exam administration.
Whether you're a student preparing for exams or an educator shaping the learning experience, this session is tailored to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies.
Clink on the link below, and access the video.
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
Important Points to note
25% extra time
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATON ABOUT YOUR CPC EXAM(S)
Please note, we have been advised by the Testreach team that, due to employment law in Ireland, all employees are required to take a break after working for 4 hours.
If you are entitled to 25% additional time to sit your CPC exam, your remote proctor will need to swap with another proctor during your exam, so that they can take their entitled break.
The Testreach team have informed us that this should take place seamlessly and they will alert you before this takes place. When the changeover happens, you will be placed in a queue and your exam will be locked and the time on your exam will be paused, this meaning you should not be negatively affected by the swap over.
Please be rest assured, Testreach are very familiar with this approach, and they have ensured us this is usual protocol.
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
You should have received an email titled ‘New Account’, from our exam provider, TestReach regarding your upcoming exam. The email would have been sent to you from the following email address : customersupport@testreach.com .
Please check your junk/spam and let us know asap if you have not received it.
As a final step and to secure your exam, you need to schedule your exam on the TestReach portal. You must schedule your exam time on the portal at least 72 hours before you are due to sit the exam.
Your exam time may differ slightly to the exam time shown on the timetable/bookings page and this is due to a method called ‘staggered timing’ which ensures a smooth onboarding journey for you as a learner. You should take your exam on the date and time that you have scheduled it to take place on the TestReach portal and not at any other time.
If you are unsure as to how you schedule your exam on the portal, please click on the video link below and have a read of the PDF attached at your convenience.
Furthermore, please read the Candidate FAQ link below, which might help answer any queries you have.
If you have any further questions in the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The PMI is responsible for the smooth running of your exam, but there are examination procedures that need to be followed and adhered to. If there are any issues during your exam we would always suggest you contact TestReach/Your Invigilator directly as detailed in the document provided by the following link:
Revision Courses
The PMI offers revision courses in all of the Advanced Diploma modules plus the Retirement Provision Certificate.
The revision courses are suitable for those who are actively studying for one of our qualifications.
We offer revision courses to help learners prepare for their exams.
Revision courses are in place to help learners refresh parts of their study, ask tutors any burning questions and to go over sections of the learning material. The revision courses are not in place for learners to cram in last minute study and should not be used as the only study preparation for the PMI exams, the expectation is that learners have already progressed well with their learning ahead of any revision session.
We also offer a package deal (exam entry + revision session), which is at a reduced rate and can be found on the relevant qualification page. The sessions on this webpage are for the revision sessions only (bookings for exams are made separately).
As per our booking pages, all of our revision courses are hosted online. When you book you will receive your calendar invite, with TEAMS meeting details included shortly afterwards.
Please note, the revision session will be recorded.
It is important that you keep your video camera on throughout the duration of this session so that the revision tutor can interact with you and make this a more personable session for all. If you do not follow these instructions it is likely that the tutor will not proceed until all attendees have turned their camera on.
Learners must review and be familiar with the course material ahead of attending these sessions.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.
Mock Exams
To familairise learners with the TestReach system and give them a flavour of what the exam will feel and look like, for the APT, RPC, CPC and ADRP modules then learners are automaticaly enrolled into mock exams.
The enrollment is undertaken by TestReach and learners receive an email notification from them advising them of the same.
Learners don't need to apply for this and they have three attempts until the date of the exams.
It is in the best interests of the learner to attempt these 'mock exams' as it will not only familiarise them with the system, but reduce anxiety andstress when using the platform by understanding the functionality better and enable better maniuplaition of the prcesses and actions.
Please note: The 'mock exams' are not invigilated.
PMI Online Exam Support: General FAQs
Where do you hold your exams?
All PMI exams are currently being held online. Learners will be required to download the TestReach application on the system/device which they will use to sit the exam. You can take your exam in an office/work environment, or in the comfort of your own home.
How do I take an online exam?
You will be required to book yourself on to the exam you wish to sit via the PMI website. After bookings close you will then be contacted by TestReach in due course, who will provide you with log-in details for your account for the TestReach application closer to the date of your exam, which will enable you to take your online proctored exam.
Are there any pre-requisites to sit for a PMI exam/qualification.
There are no minimum requirements to sit any PMI qualifications. Learners are advised to opt for a course/PMI Pathway as per their career aspirations. We would advise looking in depth at qualification specification/syllabuses and ensuring the information on the webpages is read in good detail.
How do I decide which qualification/module would work best for me?
Leaners are advised to refer to PMI Competency Framework where we have aligned our qualification as per the career roles of the candidates. For further guidance and questions please contact PMI Qualifications.
What type of questions can be asked in an online exam?
The assessment model would differ for each qualification. For example, the Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC) qualification is based on multiple choice questions, whereas the Certificate in Pension Calculations (CPC) is designed in a calculation based format. The Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision (ADRP) would be assessed based on short and long answer questions. For further details, learners are advised to visit the webpage of the qualification they are enrolling for, to get specific guidance.
What should I do if I miss my exam?
You can submit extenuating circumstances if your reasons for missing the exam were exceptional and beyond your control, which will then be reviewed before a decision is made. However, as per our policy on cancellations and deferrals, if you are a ‘no show’ for your exam and we do not receive a sufficient reason as to why you were not present, you would be required to book on again for the next sitting at the full cost of the exam if you wished to still sit it.
Can I retake an exam at a reduced price if I fail?
Yes, the Advance Diploma in Retirement Provision (ADRP), Certificate in Pension Calculations (CPC) and Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC) exams can be taken at a reduced re-sit price. Your entitlement to only pay the re-sit cost is valid for exactly one year from the exam sitting you failed. For example, if you were to fail your exam in the Autumn 2023 sitting, your re-sit would have to be taken by Autumn 2024 at the very latest. If you missed this sitting, your eligibility to only pay the re-sit fee would have expired and you would have to pay the full price during the Spring 2025 exam sitting.
Please note, there is no re-sit price for the Award in Pension Trusteeship (APT) and Certificate in Pension Trusteeship (CPT) Unit 2 exams. If you fail either of these or wish to re-sit, the cost will remain the same as the original price you initially paid.
Is there a sample paper that I can view prior to the examination?
Yes, there are links attached to our qualification webpages which refer to past papers and examiners’ reports.
However, past papers are available for the Advance Diploma in Retirement Provision (ADRP) and Certificate in Pension Calculations (CPC) qualifications only. The same is not applicable for the Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC), Award in Pension Trusteeship (APT) and Certificate in Pension Trusteeship (CPT) Unit 2 exams. Those exams work with a ‘live’ question bank, which means that questions can be recycled and end up in future exam papers. Sample questions & answers are available for those exams instead, on the respective webpages.
Do I need to download any software onto my computer to take the examination?
Yes, you will be required to download the TestReach application to your device (laptop/desktop computer). If you are going to be taking your exam using a work device, we strongly urge you to get in touch with your IT team ASAP, who may need to enable certain permissions for the application to be downloaded and accessed. It is crucial that this is actioned in good time and as early as possible, as all learners are required to schedule themselves onto their exam 72 hours before they are due to sit the exam, to pass all the system checks, to avoid any issues on the day of the exam. A link to download the TestReach application is available on our qualification webpages.
Am I eligible for extra time during the exam?
Yes, if you have any medical conditions that inhibit your ability to complete an exam within the standard timeframe, e.g., dyslexia, or dyscalculia or a language reuquirement where English is not your first language, then we can offer you an additional 25% extra time on top of the standard exam time.
In the case of a medical condition then we would need supporting evidence, such as a medical note from your doctor, to be provided to us, which would then be reviewed by a member of the team and a decision then made.
If you require extra time, the PMI Qualifications team will get in touch in the run-up to your exam and request it from you in due course.
What happens if my internet connection fails during an online exam?
If your internet connection fails during an exam, we would request that you get in touch with the TestReach support team, who will attempt to troubleshoot and support you to get yourself reconnected with your exam and invigilator. If the problem continues to persist, you will be directed to the PMI Qualifications team where we will advise on the next steps to take.
When results of my online exam will be issued?
Please ensure you check the respective webpage of the exam that you sat for this information. Exam release dates will be posted on there, so you are aware as to when you can expect to receive your results.
Will I need ID for my exam?
Yes, you will need ID for your exam which will have to be shown to your online invigilator before you start. You will be made aware in the run-up to the exam of what ID is ‘valid’ and acceptable to use.
Do I have to stay for the whole duration of the exam even if I have finished?
No, you do not have to stay for the duration of your exam. If you are happy with the answers, you have provided and have clicked on the ‘submit’ button, you will be allowed to finish early.
Are there any minimum system requirements to take the examination?
There are minimum system requirements to sit your exam online. You can check to see if you fulfil these technical requirements by taking a look through the TestReach Remote Invigilation Protocol PDF linked here.
How is an online proctored exam different to an exam taken in a test centre?
The only difference is that the exam is taken online, so you can sit the exam in the comfort of your own home if you wish to do so. Fundamentally, however, there is no difference. By using TestReach we are ensuring that we are fully compliant with Ofqual regulations. Each learner is invigilated online by their exam proctor, who can see/hear the learner, as well as having a visual of their screen too, to see what the learner is viewing. Certain pre-exam checks are also taken beforehand to ensure that the learner’s environment is acceptable for sitting an exam.
All these factors ensure that the exams maintain their integrity and are in no way compromised by being held online.
The TestReach Desktop App is very robust, safe to run and has been rolled out across the UK, in local government, emergency services, universities, pension administrators, financial corporations, etc. without any negative reports.
Once the exam is completed, the TestReach App can be closed by clicking the button and has no notification service or any other configuration that runs whilst the application is not in use.
Furthermore, TestReach is compliant with ISO standards and exams run are approved by many accrediting bodies.
What happens during the environment checks for remote invigilated exams?
Please refer to the information in the TestReach Remote Invigilation Protocol PDF, which describes the validation protocol and the steps that trained invigilators will take to verify the identity of the candidate and to ensure that the candidate’s test environment is secure – this is for your information, and to know what to expect during the online exam.
Can I take a break during my exam?
Although comfort breaks are of course allowed, you should inform your invigilator beforehand (like you would in an exam centre). Your exam will NOT be paused/stopped while you have breaks, so please be mindful of how much time you have remaining for your exam.
Can I eat or drink during my exam?
All PMI exams should be taken in exam conditions. Although snacks are allowed, eating a full meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner etc.) is not permitted.
In short written answer exams what functionality is there in the exam environment while writing the answer?
The following formatting options are available:
Why do I need to confirm that I agree to the PMI Terms and Conditions before I can enter the examination?
Even though taking an examination at home may be perceived as being a more relaxed environment, you are under strict examination conditions.
For example, if you were to take your examination in a physical test centre, you are required to conduct yourself in accordance with the PMI candidate guidance in operation at the time and abide by the Examination Rules and Regulations.
Any breaches of these could result in your examination being flagged to the PMI Qualifications team to review as part of the PMI Malpractice Policy.
Policies
Below are the Polices of the PMI that relate directly to your examination sitting.
Please read these if you need to make any adjustments to your booking.
PMI Withdrawal and Deferral Policy
Deferred Exams Learner Guidance
Special Consideration and Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Special Consideration and Reasonable Adjustment Form
Subject Access Request Form (SAR)
Malpractice and Maladministration Policy
What are Study Skills
Study skills are the skills you need to enable you to study and learn efficiently – they are an important set of transferable life skills.
Our pages (see the link below) provide generic study skills advice – appropriate to learners across all disciplines and in different life circumstances: employed students, those returning to education later in life, those engaged in professional development and anybody who wants to learn how to learn effectively.
We are constantly being asked to provide guidance to our students in how to take an effective approach to their studies and learning, and have now produced this series of seperate pages that enable you to 'dip in and dip out' of the areas you need help with. Please do not look at this website and think you have to read/review it from start to finish (unless you really want to?) - it is simply an aid to help you in areas where you need guidance i.e. answering multiple choice questions or how to write longer answers or an essay. It also provides you with information on what type of learner you are and as a result what is the best approach for you to study.
Finally there is a section on looking after you, and your mental health as an important overview on adjusting to the balance of work and study, or studying 'whilst everything else is still happening'.
Key points about study skills:
Study skills relate closely to the type of skills that employers look for.
Click here:
We are always striving to do our best and provide the best service to you, our learners, as we can.
If you seen any errors on this site, or any errors in theinformation provided then please details these and send them to:
PMIqualifications@pensions-pmi.org.uk
We will endeavour to rectify them as quickly as possible, and will send you an email when they have been.
Dr Keith Hoodless
Director of Lifelong Learning and Qualifications
PMI