Graduate Certificate in SMSF

Course overview

This course is no longer accepting new student applications. Single subject enrolments will be open until Study Period 6 2022. Contact us for further details.

Attain a postgraduate qualification in SMSF and a professional designation.

Kaplan Professional, in association with the SMSF Association, is offering the Graduate Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation Funds.

This qualification provides you with specialist technical knowledge and critical skills necessary to efficiently and compliantly manage SMSFs for a range of clients.

By exploring behavioural finance to gain insights into investment decision-making, you’ll develop specialist knowledge and demonstrate best practice when guiding SMSF trustees through the various stages of the lifecycle of an SMSF. With the ability to select an elective relevant to your area of expertise, this unique qualification develops critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills in the complex and dynamic SMSF sector.

Some applicants may need to meet ASIC requirements for RG 146 in Superannuation and Self Managed Superannuation Funds. Please check the entry requirements for more information.

Professional designations

Individuals who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Self Managed Superannuation Funds (and include one of the following electives), may be eligible for either:

SMS004 Auditing Standards for SMSF Review – SMSF Specialist Auditor^TM (SSAud^®) designation
SMS005 SIS Regulation and Taxation – SMSF Specialist Advisor^TM (SSA) designation

Who is this course for?

Finance and law professionals seeking advanced technical and specialist knowledge in SMSF
Professionals with CA, CPA, CFP^®, GAA or other accreditations now looking to develop further capacity to work with clients who have SMSFs
Those wanting to add a specialisation to their finance qualifications

Course structure

Students are required to complete three (3) core subjects and one (1) elective subject.

Subjects

SMS001 – SMSF Best Practice

SMS002 – Understanding SMSF Trustees

SMS003 – SMSF Strategic Advice

SMS004 – Auditing Standards for SMSFs

SMS005 – SMSF Specialist AdvisorTM (SSA) designation – SIS Regulation and Taxation (Reference)

SMS006 SMSF Trust Deeds

Only 1 elective subject is required.

Click here for full subject availability.

Professional Designations

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Self Managed Superannuation Funds (and include one of the following electives), may be eligible for either:

SMS004 Auditing Standards for SMSF Review – SMSF Specialist AuditorTM (SSAud®) designation
SMS005 SIS Regulation and Taxation – SMSF Specialist AdvisorTM (SSA) designation

Learning outcomes

Course learning outcomes

On completion of this qualification, individuals will be able to:

Develop professional SMSF strategies that align to the typical behavioural finance themes of SMSF trustees
Interpret the psychological and economic factors that contribute to SMSF trustee actions
Analyse and interpret how specific SMSF trustee behaviour affects the SMSF fund investment strategy
Construct specialised technical advice and solutions for SMSF trustees and related parties
Adapt communication skills to convey complex technical advice to different audiences
Apply the regulatory and legislative requirements to SMSF trustee objectives and advice
Reflect on professional practice and identify ongoing professional development needs

Graduate attributes

Kaplan Professional defines the philosophy underpinning our qualifications through the graduate attributes. These are the qualities we’d like individuals to develop as they progress through their academic studies; they reflect what individuals will know (knowledge) or be able to do (capabilities), when they finish their qualifications.

The attributes are built into Kaplan Professional course learning outcomes, content and assessments.

Deep discipline knowledge
Ethical conduct and values
Communication
Digital literacy
Critical thinking and problem solving
Independence and initiative

Please click here to learn more about our graduate attributes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Advanced standing may be awarded in recognition of prior learning (RPL) or industry experience, which is directly related to this course.

We recognise various types of prior learning towards our postgraduate courses:

Advanced standing based on an industry designation
Advanced standing based on prior postgraduate study
Advanced standing based on industry experience

Further information can be found on our Advanced Standing ‘Precedent List’.

Click here for further information about how to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

On completion of this qualification, individuals will be able to:

Develop professional SMSF strategies that align to the typical behavioural finance themes of SMSF trustees
Interpret the psychological and economic factors that contribute to SMSF trustee actions
Analyse and interpret how specific SMSF trustee behaviour affects the SMSF fund investment strategy
Construct specialised technical advice and solutions for SMSF trustees and related parties
Adapt communication skills to convey complex technical advice to different audiences
Apply the regulatory and legislative requirements to SMSF trustee objectives and advice
Reflect on professional practice and identify ongoing professional development needs

Kaplan Professional defines the philosophy underpinning our qualifications through the graduate attributes. These are the qualities we’d like individuals to develop as they progress through their academic studies; they reflect what individuals will know (knowledge) or be able to do (capabilities), when they finish their qualifications.

The attributes are built into Kaplan Professional course learning outcomes, content and assessments.

Deep discipline knowledge
Ethical conduct and values
Communication
Digital literacy
Critical thinking and problem solving
Independence and initiative

Please click here to learn more about our graduate attributes.

Advanced standing may be awarded in recognition of prior learning (RPL) or industry experience, which is directly related to this course.

We recognise various types of prior learning towards our postgraduate courses:

Advanced standing based on an industry designation
Advanced standing based on prior postgraduate study
Advanced standing based on industry experience

Enrolments close/census 12 November 2025

Study period ends 16 January 2026

Assessment dates See assessment information

SEE DETAILS

For a full list of annual study period dates, click here >

Entry requirements

Below are the minimum education requirements for entry into our postgraduate courses.

Alternative entry pathways may be available to you if you do not meet the minimum education requirements. In addition, other entry requirements, such as English language proficiency, may apply to you depending on your academic background.

The qualifications listed as minimum education requirements must be from a recognised Institute of Higher Education. Overseas qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using the Country Education Profiles (CEPs) qualification recognition tool provided by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Entry Criteria A

A related* postgraduate degree, or
A related* undergraduate degree, or
A related Advanced Diploma plus two (2) years related industry experience

*A relevant degree includes Accounting, Actuarial studies, Law, Commerce, Economics, Finance or Financial Management.

Entry Criteria B

An unrelated postgraduate degree plus two (2) years related industry experience, or
An unrelated undergraduate degree plus two (2) years related industry experience, or
An unrelated Advanced Diploma plus five (5) years related industry experience

Criteria B applicants must also demonstrate that they have the necessary foundation knowledge for taxation, superannuation and SMSF. Evidence may include:

RG146 in superannuation and SMSF. Noting RG146 may have been achieved via a program at either AQF Level 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
A relevant industry designation or qualification that addressed knowledge of taxation, superannuation and SMSF.

Entry Criteria C

Academic and/or professional qualifications demonstrating potential to undertake study at this level.

Demonstrated ability to undertake study at this level may include:

A professional designation and consistent record of continuing professional development
Incomplete tertiary qualifications

Criteria C applicants must also demonstrate that they have the necessary foundation knowledge for taxation, superannuation and SMSF. Evidence may include:

RG146 in superannuation and SMSF. Noting RG146 may have been achieved via a program at either AQF Level 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
A relevant industry designation or qualification that addressed knowledge of taxation, superannuation and SMSF.

For more information about RG 146 compliance, please refer to our courses:

Non-degree entry

You may be eligible for entry to this course based on your industry expertise and/or if you hold an academic and/or professional qualification that is deemed appropriate. Please refer to our alternative entry pathways for further information

Unsure if you meet the entry requirements? Contact us on 1300 135 798 (option 2) or studentadvice@kaplan.edu.au.

A related* postgraduate degree, or
A related* undergraduate degree, or
A related Advanced Diploma plus two (2) years related industry experience

*A relevant degree includes Accounting, Actuarial studies, Law, Commerce, Economics, Finance or Financial Management.

An unrelated postgraduate degree plus two (2) years related industry experience, or
An unrelated undergraduate degree plus two (2) years related industry experience, or
An unrelated Advanced Diploma plus five (5) years related industry experience

Criteria B applicants must also demonstrate that they have the necessary foundation knowledge for taxation, superannuation and SMSF. Evidence may include:

RG146 in superannuation and SMSF. Noting RG146 may have been achieved via a program at either AQF Level 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
A relevant industry designation or qualification that addressed knowledge of taxation, superannuation and SMSF.

Academic and/or professional qualifications demonstrating potential to undertake study at this level.

Demonstrated ability to undertake study at this level may include:

A professional designation and consistent record of continuing professional development
Incomplete tertiary qualifications

Criteria C applicants must also demonstrate that they have the necessary foundation knowledge for taxation, superannuation and SMSF. Evidence may include:

RG146 in superannuation and SMSF. Noting RG146 may have been achieved via a program at either AQF Level 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.
A relevant industry designation or qualification that addressed knowledge of taxation, superannuation and SMSF.

For more information about RG 146 compliance, please refer to our courses:

You may be eligible for entry to this course based on your industry expertise and/or if you hold an academic and/or professional qualification that is deemed appropriate. Please refer to our alternative entry pathways for further information

Unsure if you meet the entry requirements? Contact us on 1300 135 798 (option 2) or studentadvice@kaplan.edu.au.

How to apply

1 Check entry requirements

Each Kaplan Professional postgraduate qualification has minimum entry requirements that you must meet to qualify for admission.

In order to complete your studies with Kaplan Professional, you’re assumed to have the following skills and access relating to technology. Please click here to view our minimum technology requirements.

2 Submit your application

You can apply to study with Kaplan Professional by completing our online application form. Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of the application form below.

Download a new student application form >

You can apply now and supply documentation later to support your application for admission (within three weeks of your initial application to the qualification). Please click here for details on what documentation you may need to provide to support your application.

3 Apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL)

You may be able to obtain advanced standing for a Kaplan Professional subject based on your previous study, professional membership status and/or work experience.

4 Enrol into subjects

All subjects are offered online for each study period, giving you the flexibility of choosing when and where you wish study. You pay tuition fees for the subject(s) you’re enrolled in within an individual study period. Check the fee schedule for more information about fees.

FEE-HELP is available to eligible students. Click here to find out if you’re eligible for FEE-HELP.

You should also check the individual subject outlines to understand the recommended study time commitments for the subject, along with any recommended assumed knowledge. Click here to view a list of financial planning subjects.

Make sure you also check the assessment timetable to ensure you are available to sit the assessment pieces.

5 Need help?

Talk to a Student Adviser on 1300 135 798.

6 Student Polices and forms

Click here to access student polices and forms.

Why choose us

Kaplan Professional is a leading provider of education in Australia, providing learning solutions to over 45,000 professionals annually – this includes 1,500 corporate clients, incorporating all the major banks and leading financial services providers in the country.

1 Proactive and personalised support

You can count on diligent and prompt support from a dedicated Student Advice team who are always a phone call or email away. The team is experienced, knowledgeable and specifically in place to support financial advisers who are studying at the postgraduate level. You’ll work together with the team to create a tailored pathway that will help you map out your studies and plan ahead to ensure you’re able to achieve your goals within your desired timeframe.

2 Practical and relevant learning rather than just academic theory

Kaplan Professional has always prided itself on its ability to engage industry experts and leading financial advisers to curate and deliver our subject content. This ensures you’ll be provided with practical, relevant and performance-focused outcomes, directly applicable to your professional practice. These industry practitioners deliver online lectures, respond to questions in the discussion forum, and provide assessment feedback.

3 Study any subject all year round over six study periods

Kaplan Professional’s six study period model provides you the freedom to study all year round, but most importantly, every postgraduate financial planning subject is available in each study period. This ensures you’re able to plan ahead and choose study periods that accommodate your professional and personal commitments. With a new study period commencing approximately every two months, overlapping slightly from the previous, you can accelerate your study or ‘take a break’ depending on your circumstances.

4 Complete flexibility – accessible 24/7

You have access to KapLearn – your innovative online learning hub – anytime and anywhere. This convenience and flexibility empowers you to plan your study time around the rest of your day, instead of the other way around. This is particularly beneficial for busy financial advisers who already have significant professional and personal commitments. Discussion forums, interactive notes, research journals, online journals, real-world case studies and diverse multimedia content are all easily accessible in one intuitive and user-friendly hub.

5 Learn together and support each other

You’ll have direct access to the industry practitioners and subject matter experts in an online discussion forum, where you can seek clarification on subject content and discuss any study issues you may have. By participating in online discussion forums in a supportive peer-to-peer environment, you have the unique ability to discover the viewpoints of like-minded individuals from different areas of the industry. This creates a richer, more immersive learning experience, while providing you further opportunities to extend your professional network.

You’ll also have the option of being assigned a study group. This enables you to form new perspectives; understand and absorb information more efficiently; improve and develop new study skills; and benefit from a cooperative, rather than competitive, learning environment.