Kaplan Professional has expanded its qualification offering with the launch of a Graduate Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation Funds, the first of its kind in the country.
The postgraduate qualification will be delivered in partnership with the SMSF Association, with inaugural enrolments now open for study period three, which commences on 9 May.
Individuals are required to complete three core subjects and one elective subject.
The new qualification allows individuals to explore behavioural finance to gain insights into investment decision-making to develop specialist knowledge and best practices when guiding trustees through the three stages of the SMSF life cycle.
It also enables advisers to develop critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills in this complex and dynamic sector.
Individuals will have the opportunity to select an elective relevant to their area of expertise, and on completing the first subject may be eligible for the SMSF practitioner designation.
Further designations may be available, including SMSF specialist auditor and SMSF specialist advisor, depending on elective choice.
Kaplan Professional chief executive Brian Knight said the qualification would offer individuals a competitive edge in Australia’s fastest-growing super sector.
“As SMSFs continue to grow not only in number but in value, more trustees are seeking advisers who will help manage their fund,” Knight said.
“We are proud to engage the SMSF Association to deliver an industry-endorsed qualification with practical and relevant learning outcomes.
“The qualification will be well suited to those with professional accreditations looking to develop further capacity to work with clients who have SMSFs, and those wanting to add a specialisation to their financial qualifications.”
SMSF Association head of education Liz Ward said: “We are delighted to have built and offer in partnership with Kaplan Professional the first postgraduate qualifications specialising in SMSF advice.
“The practical application and knowledge for a range of professionals providing advice to SMSF trustees and their unique needs have been front of mind in creating this program.
“The qualification has the highly regarded SMSF Association designations embedded into the program, enabling students to attain not only an academic qualification but also the association’s highly sought after industry designations.
“We are thrilled to be able to support our members and the wider SMSF sector in their quest for higher education standards.”
Earlier this month, Kaplan Professional launched its Intensive Limited Licence Program for Qualifying Accountants.
The customised offering delivers the training and units of competency required to provide advice on SMSFs and superannuation under Regulatory Guide 146.
