SMSF Association deputy chief executive Peter Burgess said the modules cover a wide range of topics from the SMSF regulatory framework and investment rules through to fund taxation and planning-for-life events.

“The nine e-learning modules, which underpin the Association’s coveted SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA) designation, are a relatively new addition to the SSA program,” said Mr Burgess.

“They are designed to support practitioners through this program, providing them with a comprehensive set of study notes and reference materials that can be retained after completing the program.”

Mr Burgess said the feedback from practitioners who have completed the program since adding the e-learning modules has been outstanding.

“Practitioners have commented on their depth and quality of content,” he said.

“As the industry benchmark and gold standard when it comes to the independent verification of SMSF advice competencies, there is an expectation that the SSA program is underpinned by up-to-date content, which is why the e-books and examination are updated every year with new versions published in early August.”

Mr Burgess said that providing professional and competent SMSF advice requires specialist SMSF knowledge that is often beyond the scope of superannuation courses advisers need to complete to meet the relevant education and licensing standards.

“The Productivity Commission has stated that advisers should undertake specialist training before providing SMSF advice, a sentiment echoed in FASEA’s Financial Planners & Advisers Code of Ethics Guide.”