R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning: practice questions and mock exams

The R04 exam

Format

50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes

Syllabus

2026/27, tax year 2026/2027

Exams sat

1 September 2026 - 31 August 2027

What R04 covers

The syllabus has 8 learning outcomes. The number beside each is how many of the 50 exam questions it usually carries; our mocks use the same weighting.

1. 1Understand the political, economic and social environment factors which provide the context for pensions planning.5 exam questions
2. 2Understand how the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) tax regime applies to pensions planning.10 exam questions
3. 3Understand the relevant aspects of pensions law and regulation to pensions planning.4 exam questions
4. 4Understand the structure, characteristics and application of Defined Benefit (DB) schemes to an individual's pension planning.7 exam questions
5. 5Analyse the range of Defined Contribution (DC) scheme options as they apply to an individual's pension planning.6 exam questions
6. 6Analyse the options and factors to consider for drawing pension benefits.9 exam questions
7. 7Explain the structure, relevance and application of State Schemes to an individual's pension planning.4 exam questions
8. 8Evaluate the aims and objectives of retirement planning, including the relevant investment issues.5 exam questions

Try free R04 sample questions

A few questions on each of the 39 R04 topics, with the answers explained. No account needed.

• Government role, reforms and challenges
• Demographic trends and longevity
• Corporate factors and attitudes to saving
• Main pension scheme types
• Contributions and tax relief
• Annual allowance, taper and carry forward

See all 39 R04 topics

How to revise R04 here

• Practise by learning outcome, chapter or weak area. Every answer explains why each option is right or wrong.
• Sit timed mocks of 50 questions in 60 minutes, weighted like the real paper.
• Spaced review brings back the questions you got wrong before you forget them.
• Set your exam date and get a daily plan, plus a readiness score that tells you when you're ready to sit it.
• Works offline on your phone once it's added to your home screen.