The SMSF Essentials Course User Guide
Finding your Login details and how to access the Course.
Now that you have purchased the SMSF essentials course, an email containing your login details will be issued to you. An extra note, the email may also contain confirmation of your additional purchase, (if you have done so) regarding the Course Update (Add-on) module.
A short time later, you will receive an email request to share with us your preference to study. How you study is important to us. People learn in different ways and then there are the everyday distractions and things that require your immediate attention. These all combine to distract you from studying. So, you have the option for the system to issue you a few email reminders now and again, just to keep you on track.
1. Click on the link that will work best for you. Either 'I'll pace myself' or 'send me reminder emails'.
2. Now that you have received your Login details email, select from the main menu ‘Login’ and then ‘Platform Login'.
3. Enter your login details and click on the 'Log in' button.
4. You are now logged into the Smarter SMSF Platform. Select ‘Learn’ from the left menu and then ‘Courses’.
The Smarter SMSF Learning Suite - Dashboard
You have now entered the Smarter SMSF Learning Suite and arrived at the Dashboard. The SMSF Essentials course is displayed within the Learning Suite. Your name appears on the right side of the screen and below is a status of your progress throughout the course (or other courses).
The SMSF Essentials course is built by Smarter SMSF, it is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge regarding the operation and management of self-managed super funds.
This course also provides you with a core understanding of the superannuation laws, along with the regulatory requirements that apply to SMSFs, building a foundation for you to successfully undertake your work as an SMSF practitioner.
NOTE: You have a total of 16 weeks (4 months) to complete the learning and assessment requirements. Time commences from the date that the course is activated (you log in).
The course will take up to 18 hours to complete, inclusive of the assessment that must be completed at the end of each module. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. Recognition of CPD hours is available for the major accounting bodies (CPA, CAANZ & IPA), the SMSF Association and Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB). Successful completion of the course will also provide CPD hours for ASIC, after the course is completed.
Complimentary SMSF Association Associate Membership
Students who have completed the SMSF Essentials course are eligible to claim their complimentary period of SMSF Association membership, which is available until 31 March of the following calendar year.
5. You can now commence the course by selecting the ‘Access course’ button.
You have now entered the Smarter Learning Platform and the Courses area. You have purchased the full 7 modules of the SMSF Essentials course, and a notice of enrolment will display for the Full Course.
6. Within the SMSF courses box, click on the 'Access Course' button.
The Welcome Screen
Arriving at the Welcome screen, there is a short video presented by Aaron Dunn. You can view the latest changes and updates to each module within the course. If you have any questions during your time working through the course materials, it is comfort to know that support can be accessed via email.
This screen also lists the assessment quizzes for each of the 7 modules. These are mandatory to be completed for each module. You must successfully complete and achieve a pass before moving on to the next module. A note that you have 2 attempts per assessment.
7. You can view the latest changes to the course content, via a 'changelog’, and select the ‘click here’ link.
8. An additional browser window will open. You are now on the Knowledge Base resources page in the Smarter SMSF Platform. Read and review the latest Changelog via selecting ‘Categories > Courses’ area.
If you have any questions, simply email the smarter support team, by clicking on the email link: team@smartersmsf.com
How to Commence the Course and access Course Materials
9. To enter the first Module titled, 'About Super & SMSFs’ click on the ‘Expand All’ button.
10. Click the lesson content for, 'Module 1 - About Super & SMSFs'.
Module 1. now opens and there are several areas for navigation.
The ' module menu' is on the left of the screen.
There is an ‘in progress’ status on the right of screen confirming your course has commenced. You also have a 'percentage completed' progress bar at the top left corner of your screen, as you work through and complete each module.
There is a 'control panel' to play through the slides.
The 'slides outline' is on the right of your screen.
11. Click the second slide to display 'how to use this module'.
Several course resources support each of the modules. Some may even be useful in utilising within your role. These resources include:
- a module workbook to print and make notes
- a list of Abbreviations and Glossary terms
- various links to key Industry and Government websites
12. Click on the 'Resources' button at the top of the slide.
13. The support resources expand for each module. Select the 'M1- workbook link' to open the module workbook.
14. You can download, Save a copy or print the PDF module workbook.
15. It is also worthwhile to print off the ‘Abbreviations’ documents.
You may find the need to review a section, search for a topic, phrase or theme, even return to a particular area before commencing the module quiz. You have access to a search facility.
16 Click on the 'search' icon.
Slides contain a range of engaging media. Some contain text only; others will automatically play a video or even an audio file. There are interactive slides, and these contain a mini case study or a quiz. 
17. As you enter a word or phrase, the 'search results' list the areas in the module to read.
If you leave a module for any reason, upon your return and log in, navigating back to the module you are working through you are greeted with a message asking if you would like to resume where you left off.
18. Click 'Yes' to continue.
When you have reached the end of the Module, it’s a good idea to review the Module Workbook and any other supporting resources and links that were provided.
When you are ready, you can complete the Module CPD Assessment.
19. Select the link for the ‘Module – CPD Assessment’.
You have a set number of questions that must be answered in a limited timeframe. You must achieve a 80% pass mark for the module.
20. Click the 'Start Quiz' button.
Each question is presented, the overall Time Limit Clock displays the time you have remaining to complete the 5 questions.
21. Once you have answered each question, click the ‘Finish Quiz’ button.
You will receive confirmation that the Quiz has been completed and the results are being recorded. Please be patient as this may take a few minutes.
22. The Results will be displayed providing you with your outcome. You can review the questions via the 'View Questions' button. If you did not attain a passing score, you can 'Restart Quiz' again. When you have passed the Module, click the ‘Click Here to Continue’ button.
The next Module will automatically open on slide 1.
Before commencing the next Module, a reminder that it would be beneficial to access and download a copy of the Module Workbook, Print a copy of the Abbreviations and Glossary documents, and check out the various links to key industry and Government body websites.
23. To access the Resources area again, click the 'Resources' button.
If you click on the navigation menu for Module 1, it will now have a ‘Completed’ status displayed on the right side of the screen. You will also notice a completion 'Tick' on the left navigation menu.
Navigating onto the next Module, if the Quiz from the previous Module has not been completed and a successful outcome is not achieved, the status will display ‘In progress’. There will be no 'Tick' appearing next to the Module number.
At the top of the screen, you can also see your overall progress throughout the essentials course as a percentage completed.
No Certificate of Completion for Module 1. is issued at this stage.
The Essentials Course Update (Add-on) Module
The Update (Add-on) Module is an optional Module that can be added to the Essentials Course. The Update Module will extend the course completion window beyond the set 4 months, having no end date. It also will provide continuous access to the Course materials, especially whenever there are changes and updates to the Course materials. You have the extended ability to review any changes and use the ongoing access as an ongoing reference library.
Note: there is a current offer of 10% discount available for purchasing the Update, when combined with the Essentials Course.
Select this link to learn more: Update (Add-on)
SMSF Association - Complimentary SMSF Association Affiliate Membership
Students who have completed the SMSF Essentials Course are eligible to claim their complimentary period of SMSF Association membership, which is available until 31 March of the following calendar year.
Support for the Course
You can get in contact with us:
- By Telephone on 1300 95 94 76
- By email us at: team@smartersmsf.com