Combine the Master of Financial Planning with the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation

Achieve Kaplan Professional’s highly-regarded Master of Financial Planning together with the SMSF Association’s SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation at the same time.


In an increasingly competitive environment, financial advisers across the country are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and further specialise in their career.

Kaplan Professional is proud to partner with the SMSF Association, offering advisers the opportunity to enhance their credentials and specialise in one of the fastest growing sectors of the superannuation industry.

To achieve both Kaplan Professional’s FASEA-approved Master of Financial Planning and the SMSF Associations’ SSA™ designation, you’ll need to successfully complete:

You’ll be granted advanced standing into the Master of Financial Planning. This means Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning graduates will be required to complete just four more subjects and Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning graduates required to complete eight more subjects*.

*This is based on Kaplan Professional’s postgraduate financial planing qualifications.  Qualifications completed elsewhere will be assessed for advanced standing on a case-by-case basis. 

Simply complete the one subject – FPE020 SMSF Regulations and Taxation – to be eligible to apply for the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation.

About the SMSF Association

The SMSF Association is the independent, professional body representing Australia’s self-managed super fund sector. We are here to improve the quality of advice and the credibility and health of a vibrant SMSF community. We believe that every Australian has the right to a good quality of life in retirement and the right to control their own financial destiny.

Our vision is to enable Australians to take greater control of their own financial destiny through a sustainable SMSF community.

Our mission is to lead the professionalism, integrity and sustainability of the SMSF sector.

Claim a complimentary 12 month SMSF Association Membership

Individuals enrolled in the FPE020 SMSF Regulations and Taxation elective can enjoy 12 months of complimentary SMSF Associate Membership (valued at $620) as this course is being completed. Claim now.

Note: This complimentary membership offer is only available to individuals who are not current financial members of the SMSF Association. To be eligible students must register for this offer immediately upon enrolment in the SMSF Regulations and Taxation elective, or within 30 days of enrolment.

Benefits of SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation


Becoming an SMSF Specialist provides you with independent recognition of your SMSF expertise and knowledge with the industry-leading SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSATM) designation.

Attaining the highly-coveted SSATM designation demonstrates your knowledge to clients and your peers, while positioning you as an SMSF industry leader and expert.

The benefits to your career include:

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Growing your profile with exclusive branding and ‘Find a Specialist’ online directory listing

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Remaining at the forefront of the SMSF sector to ensure best-practice standards

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Achieving an industry-leading designation (SSATM)

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Enhancing your current SMSF skills and knowledge

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Independent recognition of your SMSF expertise

Interested in combining the Master of Financial planning and SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation?


Our knowledgeable Course Advice team is here to answer your questions and support you with your study plans, including subject selection and enrolment.  Complete the form below to request a call or to ask a question. 

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