The foundations course for SMSF practitioners
A practical 6-module introductory program built by SMSF specialists Aaron Dunn and Tim Miller, designed to give accountants and advisers a solid grounding in the SMSF lifecycle — from establishment to wind-up.
Assoc.
- 10 CPD hours across 6 modules
- Free SMSF Association Affiliate Membership on completion (valued at $320 p.a.)
- Module-by-module CPD assessments
- Detailed workbooks and supporting resources
- Certificate of completion issued on finishing
Where does SMSF Foundations fit?
The Smarter SMSF learning pathway is structured across three levels — start here with Foundations, then progress to Essentials and beyond.
An introductory 6-module course covering the full SMSF lifecycle — establishment, contributions, investing, reporting, benefits and wind-up. 10 CPD hours.
A comprehensive 7-module accredited course covering contributions, investments, pensions, taxation, reporting and estate planning. 25 CPD hours.
Advanced specialist education for practitioners seeking deeper technical mastery across complex SMSF strategies and structures.
Built for practitioners new to SMSFs
The SMSF Foundations Course is the ideal starting point for anyone entering the SMSF space — giving you the conceptual and practical grounding to serve clients with confidence.
Graduate Staff
An ideal structured introduction for new team members joining a practice with SMSF clients.
Offshore Teams
Build a practical working knowledge of self-managed super funds with your offshore team.
Expanding Services
Considering offering SMSF services? This course gives you the foundation knowledge to assess whether it's right for your practice.
CPD Top-Up
Need accessible, accredited hours? Ten structured CPD hours recognised by CPA, CAANZ, IPA, the SMSF Association and TPB.
6 modules. 10 CPD hours.
- The regulation of Australia's superannuation system
- The three pillars of superannuation in Australia
- The different types of super funds that exist in Australia
- The key features and regulation of self-managed super funds
- The definition of a self-managed super fund
- How to establish an SMSF and the requirements to do so
- What is a contribution, eligibility requirements and how contributions can be made
- The types of contributions that can be made
- How a member's total superannuation balance impacts contributions
- The operation of the work test and work test exemption
- The timing of contributions to be made into super
- The contribution caps, bring-forward rule and spousal splitting
- Creating an SMSF investment strategy
- The requirements of an SMSF investment strategy
- Introducing the Sole Purpose Test
- How an SMSF can invest and acquire assets
- SuperStream and SMSFs
- SMSF quarterly reporting requirements
- SMSF annual reporting requirements
- Member statements
- The preservation rules, preservation age and conditions of release
- How benefits can be paid, including lump sums and super income streams
- An introduction to the Transfer Balance Cap and transfer balance account
- An introduction to Account Based Pensions
- What triggers the end of the SMSF lifecycle?
- Understanding death benefit requirements
- Winding up an SMSF during the various lifecycle stages
What you'll walk away with
On successful completion of the course, students will have a practical working knowledge of how SMSFs operate from establishment through to wind-up.
Understand the SMSF landscape
Identify the different types of super funds, and understand the regulatory framework and key features that govern SMSFs.
Know how trustees operate a fund
Explain the requirements to operate an SMSF — trustee structure, trust deed requirements, investment strategy and responsibilities.
Navigate contributions and benefits
Explain the types of contributions and the limitations that apply, and outline the pensions and benefits that can be paid from a SMSF.
Free SMSF Association Membership (valued at $320 p.a.)
Receive a complimentary period of SMSF Association Affiliate Membership on completion — plus 10 accredited CPD hours recognised by CPA, CAANZ, IPA, SMSF Association and TPB.
10 hours of structured, accredited CPD
The SMSF Foundations Course delivers 10 accredited CPD hours across 6 modules — each with its own assessment. Hours are recognised by the major professional accounting bodies, the SMSF Association, TPB, ASIC and FASEA. Students have 4 months from activation to complete the course.
Complete the course.
Join the SMSF Association.
As a special benefit, students who complete the SMSF Foundations Course receive a complimentary period of SMSF Association membership as an Affiliate Member — valued at $320 per annum. One of Australia's leading professional associations for the SMSF sector.
- Access to SMSF Association resources, research and publications
- Networking with leading SMSF specialists and practitioners
- Continued learning through association events and technical content
- Complimentary Affiliate Membership period — apply on course completion
Affiliate Member
apply on course completion
Co-authored by two of Australia's leading SMSF specialists
The SMSF Foundations Course is co-authored by Aaron Dunn and Tim Miller — both Fellow SMSF Specialist Advisers (FSSA) and award recipients from the SMSF Association, with decades of combined experience across technical education, compliance and practice.
- Fellow SMSF Specialist Adviser (FSSA) & CPA
- 25+ years in the SMSF sector
- Fellow SMSF Specialist Adviser (FSSA)
- 25+ years in the SMSF sector
FAQs
Here's a list of frequently asked questions about the SMSF Foundations Course. If you have any other questions, call us on 1300 95 94 76 or email the team.
Four months from the activation date, unless you purchase the renewal update service that provides you with an additional period of access to the course.
Each module will take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, which also includes a range of supporting materials including interactive activities, workbooks and additional reference resources. An assessment is included at the end of each module for students to successfully complete as part of the overall course completion.
The course is regularly reviewed and updates made within a reasonable timeframe following any superannuation law changes or other relevant regulatory updates that impact the content within the course.
Immediately after successfully completing all modules and assessments. You will be able to download your CPD certificate directly from the learning platform once all requirements have been met.
No, only one CPD certificate will be issued per course purchase, unless otherwise agreed to by Smarter SMSF. Each individual practitioner completing the course requires their own purchase.
Yes, Smarter SMSF has a custom-built enterprise solution that can be provided for the course, allowing organisations to manage and track course completions across their team. Get in contact with us on 1300 95 94 76 or email us to discuss pricing for this option.
Ready to build your SMSF foundations?
Enrol today and get instant access to all 6 modules and 10 accredited CPD hours. The perfect starting point for any SMSF practitioner.
