An ALSP is a training organisation that has joined our ALSP scheme and has been formally recognised by us as delivering appropriate additional learning and training support.

To gain our recognition, an ALSP’s course is assessed rigorously and must continue to meet certain quality standards relating to:

• accuracy of course information
• comparability to The London Institute of Banking & Finance’s programme of study
• accuracy of course content
• quality of delivery, both online and in a classroom
• trainer/author credentials
• course management policies and procedures
• satisfactory annual reporting of their training activities and course management

While all ALSPs’ courses undergo regular monitoring, they might not be suitable for all students and we offer no guarantee of success in the exam to users of them. If you are considering using third party services, it’s very important that you assess their offering against your needs and choose your provider with great care – please see the FAQ on what you should look for when choosing a learning support provider. A list of our current Pensions Transfers ALSPs is here.

Using a third party learning provider is entirely your choice: it is NOT a requirement of your Pensions Transfers studies. However, once you have commenced your studies, if you feel you would like or need supplementary support in addition to the resources available from The London Institute of Banking and Finance , paying for an additional course might benefit you. For example, an extra online course from a training provider might be structured in a way that suits your learning style.

Many training organisations also offer face-to-face workshops. The benefits of these include you being able to meet and learn with fellow students and a qualified trainer, discuss issues relating to your individual needs, undertake varied activities, practice exam questions and better understand your progress and learning gaps - all away from the distractions of a work/home environment.

There are dozens of learning support providers offering training courses. Please be aware that while websites appear to be professional-looking, not all are bona fide organisations: for example, a ruling by the Advertising Standards Agency in 2018.

So, if you are considering using a learning support provider that is not an ALSP, we strongly recommend you read its website thoroughly and look at whether:

· it can be contacted by phone or e-mail (beware of those only offering a call-back service)

· an address is given – check on the Companies House website that the company and its address are genuine. Do an online search on the address: does the company operate from professional-looking premises?

• training course fees are clearly stated

· it states you will also need to register with The London Institute of Banking & Finance and pay the appropriate fee
syllabus information and course content appears accurate, complete and up to date
there are any testimonials (but bear in mind they might not be genuine)
there are clearly stated terms and conditions. Make sure you read them carefully.
the organisation claims to be recognised or accredited by The London Institute of Banking & Finance and/or uses its logo. Please note that only ALSPs are authorised to state they are accredited by us and display the official ALSP logo. The names and contact details of our ALSPs who offer support for Pensions Transfers are published on our website here.

You are strongly advised not to simply register and/or pay for a course online. Your first step should be to phone the organisation to discuss the course and your needs. If they cannot describe the course in detail, or if there is no answer and they do not reply to voicemails or e-mails, you should be very cautious.

We are aware of a number of revision courses and learning materials being offered for sale online. If these are not being offered by one of our Accredited Learning Support Providers, you should be very wary of buying these items, even if they appear to be good value. The provider and the materials have not been reviewed by us and therefore their quality and relevance to your studies is unknown. Note that these materials might be incomplete, inaccurate or out of date and could be misleading to you.

If you have any concerns, please e-mail customerservices@libf.ac.uk