CPD Requirements

SMSF Association CPD Requirements

The SMSF Association is committed to fostering and enhancing integrity and professionalism in the SMSF sector as well as encouraging SMSF professionals to achieve excellence in their education, knowledge and skills. The SMSF Association recognises professional development as an integral part of this process. All Associate and Specialist members are required, as a condition of ongoing SMSF Association membership, to achieve minimum levels of CPD hours in areas relevant to the provision of advice on SMSFs.

Membership category Recommended Annual Hours to Meet CPD Requirements
Specialist Member
30
Associate Member
20

What is a triennium?

A triennium is a specified period of three years that runs concurrently with the financial year. A new member’s first triennium begins on 1 July in the year immediately following the date they become a member of the SMSF Association. The SMSF Association operates its CPD requirements on a rolling triennium basis – see illustration below:

What are my CPD hour requirements in a triennium

Membership category Minimum CPD hours each triennium Minimum CPD hours any one year
Specialist Member
90
25
Associate Member
60
15

How can I accrue my CPD hours?

CPD category Description Maximum hours per triennium
SMSF Association Accredited
Unlimited
Non-accredited
  • Any relevant (SMSF related) non-accredited CPD activity, including participation at conferences, training presentations, seminars, or discussion groups that are not SMSF Association accredited
  • Non-accredited professional reading (sub-limit of 15 hours per triennium)
30 hours (including non-accredited professional reading)

Examples of complimentary CPD included with your Membership

Activity Available hours per annum
Regular Specialist Audit Discussion Group (SSAud only)

Up to 10 hours

4 x Legislative & Regulatory update webinars
Up to 4 hours

Federal Budget update webinars

Up to 1 hour
6 x Technically speaking e-publication
Up to 6 hours
SMSF Association Committee role
Xx hours

What knowledge areas contribute to my CPD requirements?

Education and training in the following knowledge areas can contribute towards your CPD requirements provided it is in the context of SMSFs:

  • Superannuation
  • Managed Investments
  • Financial Planning
  • Life Insurance
  • Generic Knowledge
  • Practice Management
  • Ethics.