Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) program

Earn FPA and SPAA accredited CPD points. Find out how.

Our Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) program is designed to provide you with a fundamental knowledge of the establishment, operation and management of an SMSF. It specifically covers issues related to taxation and estate planning, the steps involved in setting up a pension from an SMSF and the different strategies available for specific client situations.

This program assumes that you have existing superannuation knowledge.

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Who should enrol

This program is an introduction to the fundamentals of providing advice on SMSF and is relevant to:

  • planners/advisers
  • administrators
  • auditors
  • trustees
  • accountants
  • professionals seeking to specialise in SMSF

Entry requirements

There is no minimum education requirement for entry into this program, however we recommend that you are RG146 compliant in the Superannuation knowledge area.

Program outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

  • Explain the key legislative, regulatory and administrative requirements of SMSF
  • Explain the importance of trust deeds
  • Explain the responsibilities of trustees
  • Explain the estate planning characteristics of SMSFs
  • Explain how pensions can be paid from complying superannuation funds
  • Discuss the taxation issues relevant to SMSF
  • Identify and apply appropriate strategies available to SMSF trustees

Industry recognition^

Financial Planning Association (FPA)

Accreditation for up to 54 points credit of continuing professional development for students who successfully complete this program from 28 May 2010 onwards:

  • Self-study: 22.25 CPD points (Professional Dimensions: Capability & Critical Thinking)
  • Workshop component: 31.75 points (Professional Dimensions: Capability & Critical Thinking)
  • Combined: 54 points (Professional Dimensions: Capability & Critical Thinking)

SMSF Professionals' Association of Australia (SPAA)

Recognition for continuing professional development points towards SPAA membership:

  • Self-study: 56 points

Recognition & exemptions

You may be entitled to gain an exemption into this qualification based on your previous study, work experience or a combination of both. To do this you need to submit evidence that demonstrates you have already met the requirements of the subject through other means, including:

 Refer to the Recognition Policy for further information.

Program structure

The program is made up of eight modules, including:

  1. Introduction to SMSFs
  2. Trustee responsibilities
  3. Investment restrictions
  4. Taxation issues
  5. Estate planning
  6. Paying pension benefits from an SMSF
  7. Member accounts
  8. Strategies and financial planning opportunities

 Download learning outcomes

Delivery

This program is delivered via self-study with optional workshops if you prefer a face-to-face learning environment. You will also have access to My Kaplan, an online learning centre, for the duration of your studies.

This program self-contained with all the materials and resources needed to complete the program easily by self-study. The program can be commenced in the self-study mode at any time.

  Find a workshop in your region now

 Express your interest in attending a workshop

Assessment

To complete the program, you must successfully complete the:

  • Assignment, and
  • Exam

If you are unsuccessful in an assessment (Not yet competent), you will have the opportunity to:

  • Resit the exam (twice)
  • Resubmit the assignment (once), please see the Assessment Policy for further details

Duration & Timeframes

A typical study commitment is 60 hours depending on your capacity for study.

Assignments must be submitted no later than four months from enrolment and first-sit exams must be completed within six months of enrolment.

Fees*

  • Self-study - $580
  • Workshop upgrade - $420
  • Combined - $1000

 Refer to fees document for additional study related fees.

Further information & enrolment

 Call 1300 662 203
 Email mail@kaplan.edu.au 
 Complete an online enquiry form    
 Enrol online
 View policies
 Back to Financial Planning home

^ Not available to students who are awarded this program via the RPL process.
* No GST is applicable.  Fees valid until 31 December 2012.

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