Self-Managed Super Fund Specialisation

Achieve recognition as a trusted leader in the growing SMSF industry

In Brief

  • An SMSF specialisation promotes you as a trusted leader in a growing industry
  • Recognition expands your network and enhances your personal brand in this space
  • You can choose from a range of flexible pathways to complete the program

Take the next step

Lead the way in providing trusted services to the superannuation industry by becoming a self-managed super fund (SMSF) specialist.

SMSFs account for about one-third of total superannuation assets in Australia, and the sector is growing and evolving. Becoming a CA SMSF Specialist can open doors for you in this dynamic industry because it recognises your advanced expertise in administering auditing and advising on SMSFs.  

Realise the benefits

  •  Stay ahead of the curve. You will have access to complimentary professional development exclusive to CA SMSF Specialists, plus receive a discount on the SMSF Conference.
  • Expand your network. Networking events with your peers can provide insights into your field and forge valuable business relationships.
  • Find new opportunities. You can capitalise on the chance for referrals from other practitioners, strategic partners, associated professionals and clients.
  • Build your brand. Adding CA SMSF Specialist under your name on correspondence and marketing collateral sets you apart from the rest. You also have the exclusive right to include the specialist banner in your communications. 
  • Strengthen your reputation. Your recognition as a CA SMSF Specialist acknowledges your skills, knowledge and experience to clients.
  • Advance your career. Once you’ve been accredited as a CA SMSF Specialist, you will meet a significant number of the RG146 requirements for the provision of personal advice in superannuation and SMSF. 
  • Expand your reach. Be included in “Find a CA” searchable directory of CA SMSF Specialists promotes you to the broader business community.
The specialisation is held in high esteem professionally, and will provide access to more events, discussion and consultation groups 
Kate Sheringham CA SMSF Specialist

Choose your pathway

You need to be a current member and meet educational and experience criteria, including the requirements of regulations CR6 and CR6A. There are two pathways you can choose from:

  1. Post-graduate studies
  2. Self-study course or workshop program 

Next steps

  • Pathway 1 – Post-graduate studies

    Follow these steps

    1.Review the requirements. You need at least two years of practical SMSF experience within the last five years, where at least 40% of your employment was related to SMSF. 

    You also need to have successfully completed three mandatory subjects as part of an award program through UNSW:

    • Taxation of Superannuation
    • Self Managed Superannuation Funds Law; and
    • Taxation Strategies in Financial Planning.

    These subjects must have been completed within the five years prior to your application.

    2. Outline your experience. Complete and return the SMSF Specialisation Pre-enrolment form.

    3. Enrol at UNSW. Enrol in the appropriate course including the three mandatory subjects listed in step 1.

    4. Apply for recognition. Complete and return the SMSF Specialisation Application for Recognition form, attaching references and education documents.

    References 

    You’ll need to provide with your application two professional references from individuals who can positively attest to your skills and knowledge in SMSF. One reference must be from a Chartered Accountant with at least three years’ membership who has known you for 12 months or more.

    Education documents

    Finalise your application by attaching the following:

    • a certified copy of your qualification
    • an academic transcript related to the qualification which details the subjects your undertook and their successful completion. 
    • The subjects must include the mandatory subjects listed in step 1.

    5. Application review. Following a review of your application you will be informed by email if you have been approved or declined. 

    If approved, you will receive a welcome pack containing your approval letter and your certificate. You will be emailed a tax invoice which includes the application fee and the pro-rated subscription fee. 

    If you are declined because based on your application you do not satisfy the identified criteria, you will not be charged any fees.

    Enrol at UNSW

    Get started on your SMSF specialisation

    Enrol now

  • Pathway 2 – Self-study course or workshop program

    Follow these steps

    1. Review the requirements. You need to have at least four years of practical SMSF experience within the previous 10 years, where at least 40% of your employment was related to SMSF.\

    You must also have successfully completed the UNSW education program within the five years prior to your application. This can be undertake as an online course or three-day face-to-face workshop. This is followed by an assessment for which you can undertake either an exam or portfolio interview.

    2. Outline your experience. Complete and return the CA SMSF Specialist Pre-enrolment form on this page.

    3. Enrol at UNSW. Enrol in the self-study course or workshop pathway using the link provided by us.

    4. Apply for recognition. Complete and return the SMSF Specialist Application for Recognition form, attaching references and education document.

    References 

    You’ll need to provide with your application two professional references from individuals who can positively attest to your skills and knowledge in SMSF. One reference must be from a Chartered Accountant with at least three years’ membership who has known you for 12 months or more.

    Education document

    Provide a copy of your certificate as evidence of your successful completion of the online course or workshop, and assessment. 

    5. Application review. Following a review of your application you will be informed by letter if you have been approved or declined. 

    If approved, you will receive a welcome pack containing your approval letter and your certificate. You will be emailed a tax invoice which includes the application fee and the prorated subscription fee. 

    If you are declined because you do not satisfy the identified criteria, you will not be charged any fees.

    Ongoing obligations

    As a CA SMSF Specialist, at least 40% of your CPD requirement must be undertaken in superannuation, including at least 20 hours in SMSF. You will also be asked to take part in peer reviews.

    Apply today

    Submit your application to become a CA SMSF Specialist

    Contact us

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Find out about leading the way as an SMSF Specialist

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