The iFS – now know as the London Insitute of Banking and Finance – say this about the AWPETR (Award in Pension Transfers):

”Recent legislative reform has resulted in an increasing need for access to high quality and appropriate pensions advice, both generally and specifically relating to transfers.Your studies will focus on developing a comprehensive knowledge of the transfer options available and their implications, an enhanced understanding of client needs and detailed analysis and data evaluation skills…..”

And you better believe it does.

Yes, we’ve just helped 85% of our August cohort to a pass in their coursework for the AwPETR.

BUT, I’ll tell you this: it was no easy option.

That’s a decent result by any standards in a level 6 pension transfer exam. They are delighted, as you’d expect. I am delighted for them.

They had to work hard to secure a pass. They had to learn how to critically evaluate, and they DID have to learn an ”….enhanced understanding of client needs and detailed analysis and data evaluation skills…..”. That was tough learning for those without the benefit of recent academic studies.

It’s a rigorous examination of your critical thinking skills , especially for those without the recent academic study, but it can be done with hard work and guidance.

This is an alternative to the CII (and maybe the CISI), but it’s no easy option. Don’t rush in without thinking it through.

Onwards now to the exam on 8 December and good luck to everyone – may your exam gods be with you.

john