Learners of today, leaders of tomorrow: the path to becoming a CTA
Published:
Becoming a Chartered Tax Adviser is one of the best ways to build your tax career on a foundation of technical knowledge, analytical ability and resilience to whatever curveballs life may throw at you. And The Tax Institute is the only organisation in Australia that awards a CTA designation.
Designed and taught by leading tax professionals, our CTA Program is highly practical and applicable to your tax practice. A tiered learning structure and international recognition means whether you are launching a career or cementing one, this program makes for a strong, cross-border tax career.
To help you plan for your future and map out your road to success, we’ve broken down the essential elements of the CTA Program. It is made up of four subjects. Based on your experience, you may be exempt from studying up to three subjects in the program:
CTA1 Foundations
- 6 Credit points
- 120 CPD hours
- 12 weeks of study (or 6 weeks intensive study)
- 10 hours study per week
- Online delivery
- $1,885 fee
CTA1 Foundations is the bedrock of your tax career. Once completed, you will be confident in advising on and preparing individual income tax returns for a variety of clients whilst considering a range of common issues.
Modules include:
- Introduction to the Australian tax system
- Tax Agent Services Act (TASA) 2009 and The Code of Professional Conduct
- Calculating tax payable and assessable income
- Deductions
- Structures
- Goods and services tax
- Capital gains tax
- Fringe benefits tax
Entry requirements:
To enrol in this fundamental subject, you’ll need to be able to meet English language requirements if your 6 years of high school learning was not conducted in English.
CTA2A Advanced
- 6 Credit points
- 120 CPD hours
- 12 weeks of study
- 10 hours study per week
- Online delivery
- $1,885 fee
The next step in your tax career journey, the CTA2A Advanced subject equips you with further tax knowledge, the ability to interpret and apply the tax law in the areas covered and an understanding of how to apply outcomes and solutions for typical client scenarios. It also covers the professional responsibilities you hold as a tax professional.
Modules include:
- TASA 2009 and the Code of Professional Conduct
- Tax administration
- Capital gains tax (CGT) fundamentals
- Small business CGT concessions
- Partnerships
- Trusts
- Superannuation
Entry requirements:
As with the CTA1 Foundations subject, you’ll need to meet English language requirements if you have previously studied in a language other than English. To enrol in CTA2A Advanced, you’ll also need to:
- have completed CTA1 Foundations or an equivalent qualification (contact us for details)
- have at least 12 months’ relevant Australian tax or tax law experience
CTA2B Advanced
- 6 Credit points
- 120 CPD hours
- 12 weeks of study
- 10 hours study per week
- Online delivery
- $1,885 fee
CTA2B Advanced gives you further tax knowledge and the ability to interpret and apply the tax law in the areas covered and an understanding of how to apply outcomes and solutions for typical client scenarios. It also covers the professional responsibilities you hold as a tax professional.
Modules include:
- Corporate tax
- Goods and services tax
- Fringe benefits tax
- International tax fundamentals
- Tax planning and Anti-avoidance
Entry requirements:
Just like CTA2A, to enrol in CTA2B Advanced, you’ll need to:
- meet English language requirements if your 6 years of high school learning were not conducted in English
- have at least 12 months’ relevant Australian tax or tax law experience
You’ll also need to have completed have completed both CTA1 Foundations and CTA2A Advanced (or equivalent qualifications – please contact us to find out more).
CTA3 Advisory
- 6 Credit points
- 120 CPD hours
- 24 weeks of study (or 12 weeks intensive)
- 10-14 hours study per week
- Online delivery
- $2,355 fee
CTA3 Advisory is the final subject in gaining professional recognition with a CTA designation.
This subject is built around case studies designed to engage with real-world tax problems and intersecting tax law issues, across four tax specialisations:
- Small Business CGT
- GST
- International tax
- Corporate tax
- Trusts and Small Business CGT Concessions
On successfully completing the CTA3 Advisory subject, you’ll be able to tackle complex tax issues, apply and interpret taxation legislation, cases, guidelines and procedures, and analyse and evaluate solutions to present to clients in a clear, concise manner.
Entry requirements:
To enrol in CTA3 Advisory, you’ll need to be eligible to be a Fellow Member of The Tax Institute and have at least 36 months’ relevant Australian tax or tax law experience.
You’ll also need to have completed CTA1 Foundations, CTA2A Advanced and CTA2B Advanced subjects (or equivalent qualifications) and meet English language requirements if you have previously studied in a language other than English.
Online learning for the Chartered Tax Adviser Program
All candidates that enrol in the program benefit from:
- 10 online lectures, each lasting 90 minutes, facilitated by renowned tax experts.
- Each session is recorded, allowing you to revisit it when most convenient for you.
- Most sessions will take place after work hours, allowing you to balance both work and study commitments.
- Regular contact with the rest of the cohort, allowing you to learn and ask questions in a community of other candidates on a weekly basis.
- Q&A time with the tax experts leading each session.
- An online final assessment, allowing you to take the exam at a place that suits you best.
Have questions about your tax education? At The Tax Institute Higher Education, we are dedicated to ensuring you can grow your career and your professional knowledge. Find out more about our programs and single subjects here.