SMSF Association launches nine online educational modules

The SMSF Association has launched nine compulsory comprehensive online modules as part of its coveted SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA) designation.

Commenting on the program launch, the SMSF Association’s Deputy CEO/Director of Policy & Education, Peter Burgess, said: “Over the years the Association has received feedback that more detailed course work and study guidance is required to support practitioners to pass the exam and obtain the SSA designation. 

“The new online training modules are much more comprehensive than the short study guides that previously accompanied the SSA program.” 

“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. 

“They all contain detailed worked examples, multiple-choice quizzes and are designed to support participants to acquire complex knowledge and skills.” Burgess said. 

“We have retained the same exam structure and bank of multi-choice questions for the relaunched SSA program but with the program now underpinned by nine compulsory comprehensive online modules, practitioners should feel more confident and better equipped to tackle the exam.” 

The Association’s SSA designation provides independent recognition of a practitioner’s SMSF expertise and knowledge. The modules have been written at Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 8 and practitioners who attain the SSA designation also receive one FASEA subject credit for recognition of prior learning. 

The Association has also simplified the SSA education pathways by removing the 12-week requirement to complete the modules that previously existed under the SSA program.

“Recent research has shown that the number of SMSF trustees with unmet advice needs continues to grow. 

“We also know from this research that SMSF trustees value technical expertise and advice from advisers who are experts in their field. 

“Obtaining the SSA designation, which is widely regarded as the industry benchmark and the leading SMSF industry designation, is a great way of demonstrating your SMSF expertise and rounding out your SMSF value proposition.” 

For a short period of time the Association is offering a reduced enrolment fee for the relaunched SSA program. Further details can be found here.