Professional Accreditation

About

Becoming an ASFA Associate or Fellow is recognition of your expertise, education, professionalism and contribution to the superannuation industry.

Benefits

Accreditation has a range of benefits for superannuation professionals, including:

being seen as a true expert on superannuation for the duration of your career
post nominals (AASFA or FASFA) for use in ASFA and personal documentation
eligibility for life membership nomination
listing in the directory of current Associates and Fellows on the ASFA website (optional)
listing of your new status in Superfunds magazine
invitations to Associate/Fellow only events and services (e.g. the exclusive ASFA Accreditation Lunch at the ASFA Conference).

Requirements

Becoming an ASFA Associate is a stepping stone towards becoming an ASFA Fellow, however it is possible to apply directly for fellowship if the experience and contribution, and educational requirements outlined below are met.

Associate	Fellow
Experience and contribution
Three years’ employment in the superannuation industry Two references: ASFA Fellow or Associate and one other Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) stating experience in the superannuation industry Agreement that you will maintain a minimum of 30 CPD points in any given membership year, including at least 15 points awarded by the ASFA Annual CPD report Membership of ASFA, either as an employee of a member or as an individual member Acceptance of the ASFA Code of Ethics	Seven years’ dedicated experience in the superannuation industry Two references: ASFA Fellow and one other Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) stating experience in the superannuation industry Statement of contribution to the superannuation industry Agreement that you will maintain a minimum of 30 CPD points in any given membership year, including at least 15 points awarded by the ASFA Annual CPD report Membership of ASFA, either as an employee of a member or as an individual member Acceptance of the ASFA Code of Ethics
Education
Diploma of Superannuation or Diploma of Financial Planning Graduate Certificate listed on ASIC’s Register of compliant courses for RG 146 in superannuation Other relevant higher qualification	Diploma of Superannuation or Diploma of Financial Planning (or equivalent) Advanced Diploma of Superannuation ASFA Diploma of Superannuation Management (ASFA qualification previously available) Bachelor’s degree with a superannuation major listed on ASIC’s Register of compliant courses for RG 146 in superannuation Graduate Diploma or master’s degree listed on ASIC’s Register of compliant courses for RG 146 in superannuation Or you are An actuary who has completed Part III of Institute of Actuary’s Program A recognised accountant who has completed courses listed on ASIC’s Register of compliant courses for RG 146 in superannuation A lawyer who has completed formal training relevant to superannuation

ASFA’s Education and Professional Accreditation Review Committee (EPARC) reserves the right to exercise its discretion in terms of the above criteria.

Maintaining your accreditation

To ensure our accredited members maintain their professional currency and industry standards are upheld, ASFA has a formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement that people must meet in order to maintain their ASFA accreditation.

To maintain your accreditation:

you must complete a minimum of 30 points of CPD each year. At least 15 points (half the minimum) must be completed through ASFA activities.
Associates, Fellows, Trustee Associates or Trustee Fellows must continue to be a financial member of ASFA, either by employment with a member organisation or through individual membership.

An audit process for Associates, Fellows,Trustee Associates and Trustee Fellows is undertaken annually to ensure compliance with the minimum standard. For further details, see our CPD page.