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Education

How to succeed in CTA3 Advisory: Tips from top-performing candidates

Published: 5 May 2025

   

Julie Abdalla speaks at the Senate Hearing

CTA3 Advisory is the final and most advanced subject in The Tax Institute’s Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) Program. Designed for experienced tax professionals, it is a challenging but rewarding subject that requires candidates to apply their tax knowledge in real-world advisory scenarios.

Unlike traditional coursework-based subjects, CTA3 Advisory is structured around case studies, requiring candidates to analyse complex tax issues and provide well-reasoned, practical tax advice—a skill that is critical for senior tax professionals.

Here’s what top-performing candidates recommend to help you succeed in this rigorous subject.

 

Understand the structure and prerequisites

CTA3 Advisory is case study-based, meaning success depends on your ability to analyse real-world tax scenarios, apply legislation, and provide professional-quality advice.

1. Prerequisites for CTA3 Advisory:

Study period options:

  • Over 24 weeks in Study Period 1 each year
  • Intensive mode, over 12 weeks in Study Periods 2 and 3.
 
2. Develop a structured study plan

Due to its demanding workload, CTA3 Advisory requires strong time management. Candidates should plan for:

  • 10–14 hours of study per week
  • Additional time to prepare Letters of Advice and work through case studies
  • Scheduling dedicated study sessions, especially for those taking the intensive 12-week mode

Past candidate Belinda Spence shares her strategy:

“It takes planning and flexibility. I set aside dedicated time each week for study, but I also had to be adaptable when urgent client work or family matters arose.”

Another candidate, Brayden Irving, emphasises consistency in study habits:

“I set aside a fixed time each week to focus solely on study. While everyone will have a method to balance work, study and other commitments, my suggestion would be to start your work early and study consistently throughout the program.”

 

3. Engage with case studies early

CTA3 Advisory is fully case study-based, mirroring real-world tax advisory work. Success depends on practising with case studies as early as possible, ensuring that you are comfortable with:

  • Identifying key tax issues in a given scenario
  • Applying legislation and case law to support your recommendations
  • Writing clear, concise, and professional tax advice

Past candidate Mitchell Bird highlighted the importance of improving written communication:

 “I found drafting written advice during the semester a very helpful opportunity to practice explaining how a particular area of the tax law works, applying it to a case study and considering potential alternative options/solutions.”

 

4. Hone your ability to write professional tax advice

One of the most critical components of CTA3 Advisory is the Letter of Advice. These letters must be structured, well-reasoned, and demonstrate a clear understanding of complex tax issues.

To excel, focus on:

  • Writing in a professional yet accessible manner
  • Ensuring clarity and precision—avoid unnecessary complexity
  • Using legislation and case law to support your recommendations
 
5. Apply what you learn to real-world scenarios

CTA3 Advisory is practical and workplace-relevant. The more you relate your studies to real-world tax advisory situations, the easier it becomes to retain and apply key concepts.

Brayden Irving explains how CTA3 Advisory improved his confidence in client advisory work:

“CTA3 Advisory developed my Australian tax knowledge, increased my confidence advising clients and emphasised the importance of understanding the specific facts, circumstances and goals of your clients in order to achieve positive outcomes.”

If possible, try incorporating case study learnings into your current work, seeking feedback from mentors or senior colleagues.

 

6. Seek support and collaboration

Although CTA3 Advisory is an independent-learning subject, collaboration can enhance your understanding and performance.

  • Engage in discussion forums to share insights with other candidates
  • Seek guidance from experienced tax professionals who have completed the subject
  • Attend live Q&A sessions to clarify any challenging concepts

 

7. Prioritise time management and self-care

Balancing full-time work with CTA3 Advisory can be demanding, particularly for candidates in Intensive mode (12 weeks).

To manage workload effectively:

  • Stick to a study timetable 
  • Break tasks into manageable sections 
  • Take regular breaks to avoid burnout

Many top-performing candidates recommend keeping up with coursework weekly to avoid last-minute stress.

 

8. Embrace the challenge and the reward

CTA3 Advisory is demanding, but the reward is worth it. The skills you develop—critical thinking, structured tax advice, and written communication—will position you as a trusted and highly skilled tax adviser.

Past candidate Jeremy Scott encourages candidates to embrace the process:

“Jump in and embrace the journey. You won’t master everything, but you’ll come out with a clearer direction for your career.”

By structuring your study, engaging deeply with case studies, refining your advisory skills, and seeking support when needed, you’ll set yourself up for success in this final step towards achieving the prestigious CTA designation.

 

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about CTA3 Advisory