QFA Pensions study plan

Map the structure of Irish occupational pension scheme types (defined benefit, defined contribution, hybrid) and state the funding standard obligations that apply to each

Explain the role and duties of trustees under the Pensions Act and identify the scheme governance documents a trustee must maintain

Distinguish the funding standard, funding standard reserve, and minimum funding standard concepts and describe the consequences of a funding shortfall

Summarise the investment restrictions and the prudence requirements that govern scheme investment policy

Trace the lifecycle of an occupational scheme from establishment through wind-up, naming the regulatory steps at each stage

Describe the disclosure and member communication obligations that attach to scheme governance

Explain how scheme surpluses and deficits are treated and who bears the risk in each scheme type

Identify the governance failures that most commonly attract regulatory sanction

Compare PRSAs, personal pensions, and occupational schemes on contribution access, portability, and provider obligations

Explain the retirement benefit options available to a scheme member, including annuity purchase, approved retirement fund transfer, and the conditions attaching to each

Describe income drawdown mechanics, including the imputed distribution requirement and the options at age 75

Distinguish the options available to a PRSA contributor from those available to an occupational scheme member at retirement

Reconcile the taxation treatment of contributions, fund growth, and retirement benefits across scheme types

Calculate the revenue limits that cap tax-relieved contributions and identify the age-related percentage bands

Explain the tax treatment of the retirement lump sum and when a higher-rate charge applies

Distinguish the standard fund threshold from the lifetime allowance and describe the charge on excess funds

Map the primary and secondary legislation that governs Irish pensions and identify the regulator's supervisory powers

Explain the State pension contributory eligibility conditions, including the contribution record and averaging rules

Distinguish the State pension contributory from the non-contributory pension and the qualified adult provisions

Describe the interaction between State pension entitlements and occupational or personal pension benefits

Explain the transfer process between scheme types and the conditions under which a transfer value must be provided

Describe the approval requirements that apply to pension products and the role of the regulator in the approval process

Identify the advice and disclosure obligations that arise during a pension transfer

Explain the circumstances in which a transfer may be restricted or refused

Reconcile the taxation of State pension benefits with the taxation of private pension income in retirement

Compare the contribution and tax treatment of PRSAs against personal pensions in a worked example

Explain the interaction between social welfare entitlements and private pension drawdown

Identify the reporting obligations that fall on providers and members under pension tax rules

Synthesise the eight domains into a single integrated revision map

Diagnose the three weakest domains using timed practice and allocate remaining hours to them

Rehearse the calculation-heavy topics under time pressure

Confirm retention of the regulatory framework without reference to notes