The SMSF Association (SMSFA) has expanded the content of the education modules that make-up the requisite study to achieve its SMSF specialist adviser (SSA) designation, while also removing the 12-week time limit to complete each module.
SMSFA deputy chief executive and policy and education director Peter Burgess said the redevelopment and relaunch of the nine compulsory online modules that make up the SSA course were based on feedback from members that more detailed coursework and study guidance were needed to help them obtain the designation.
“The new online training modules are much more comprehensive than the short study guides that previously accompanied the SSA program,” Burgess said.
“Each module contains the latest technical information and access to extensive resources from the association’s resource library, all in an interactive and easy-to-follow layout.”
He added the modules contained detailed worked examples and were aimed at helping practitioners acquire complex knowledge and skills, and making them more confident in tackling the exam, which would remain unchanged from its current structure of drawing on a bank of multiple-choice questions.
The new modules have been written at Australian Qualification Framework level 8, which is equivalent to a graduate certificate or diploma, and practitioners who attain the SSA designation can also receive one Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority subject credit for recognition of prior learning.
Practitioners taking the course will also no longer have to complete each module within 12 weeks, but will be given 12 months to complete all nine modules and undertake the exam.
As part of the relaunch, the SMSFA is offering a reduced enrolment fee for the SSA course of $1695 until the end of September, after which the course will cost $1980.
In January, the Association launched an accredited educators program, naming a range of industry education groups as its accredited education providers.
