Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) specialisation

Highlight your advanced skills and experience in the field of self-managed super funds to clients through our SMSF specialisation

In brief

  • Establish yourself as a recognised specialist in self-managed super funds through our SMSF specialisation.
  • Choose from two pathways into the SMSF programme. Your industry experience is taken into consideration when assessing your application
  • Gain valuable insights and connect with our network of specialists through a range of new initiatives

About the SMSF specialisation

Lead the way in providing trusted services to the superannuation industry by becoming a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) specialist.

Our SMSF specialisation acknowledges your valuable skills, knowledge and experience in administering auditing and advising on self-managed super funds. As SMSFs grow and evolves, be part of a sector that equates to approximately one third of total superannuation assets in Australia.

Members need to satisfy the requirements of CR6 and CR6A and other criteria to be eligible.

Choose from two entry pathways

The programme offers a choice of pathways to members who have at least two or four years’ relevant experience, and offers a experience must comprise 40% of your work during that time.

Pathways with workshops have options for face-to-face or distance learning. There’s also options for your assessment preference including a three hour exam or a portfolio interview.

Identify your pathway

  • Pathway 1 - Post-graduate studies

    Steps to apply

    1. Review requirements

    At least two years of practical SMSF experience within the last five years, where at least 40% of your employment was related to SMSF.

    Successfully completed three mandatory subjects as part of an award program through UNSW including:

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

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

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

    3. Enrol with UNSW. Enrol in the appropriate course including the three mandatory subjects listed above.

    4. Apply for recognition. Complete and return the SMSF Specialisation  Recognition Form.

    Enrol with UNSW

    Get started on your SMSF specialisation

    Enrol now

    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 and who has known you for 12 months or more.

    Educational documents

    Finalise your application by attaching the following to your application a certified copy of the qualification (if completed) and academic transcript related to the qualification which details the subjects undertaken and their successful completion.

    These subjects must incorporate:

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

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

    • 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).
    • Declined (based on your application not satisfying the identified criteria you will not be charged any fees in this case).
  • Pathway 2 -Workshop assessment and education component

    Steps to apply 

    1. Review requirements 

    At least four years of practical SMSF experience within the previous 10 years where at least 40% of your employment was related to SMSF.

    Successfully completing the workshop and assessment component within the last five years.

    Workshops can be completed as a face-to-face intensive workshop or through a distance learning option.

    2. Outline your experience. Complete and return the Pre-enrolment Form.

    3. Enrol with UNSW. Enrol for the workshop and assessment education component pathway.

    4. Apply for recognition. Complete and return the SMSF Specialist Application Form.

    Enrol with UNSW

    Get started on your SMSF specialisation

    Enrol now

    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 and who has known you for 12 months or more.

    Educational documents

    Provide a copy of the certificate as evidence of their successful completion of the 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.

    • 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).
    • Declined (based on your application not satisfying the identified criteria you will not be charges any fee in this case ).

Benefits of SMSF Specialisation

Gain recognition as a specialist in the growing, evolving field of superannuation and self-managed super funds. Benefits include:

  • You can demonstrate your recognised SMSF skills, knowledge and experience to clients:
  • You will cover a significant proportion of the requirements for RG146 for the provision of personal advice in superannuation and SMSF
  • Your details will be included in the list of CA SMSF Specialists on the organisation’s website to promote your recognition
  • You will be eligible to receive a discount to attend the SMSF conference
  • You can capitalise on potential opportunities for referrals from other practitioners, strategic partners, associated professionals and clients
  • You’ll be invited to exclusive complimentary professional development and networking events with your peers
  • You can use ‘CA SMSF Specialist’ descriptor on your emails, printed materials and marketing collateral including the use of a CA ANZ branded banner which is available to all specialists

Obligations

At least 40% of your CPD requirements must be undertaken in superannuation including at least 20 hours in SMSF, you will also be asked to participate in peer reviews as a reviee and perhaps a reviwer

Apply today

Submit your application today to become an SMSF specialist

Contact us

Application forms

Search related topics