Contents

• How to complete SRES Smart
• Accessing the REC Registry through the Client Portal
• Who needs to complete SRES Smart
  
• Annual self-assessment
  
• ​Modules, knowledge checks and self-assessment

SRES Smart is an online tool which provides evidence and assurance to the Clean Energy Regulator that registered agents understand their responsibilities, expected capabilities and standards of practice as participants in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). SRES Smart includes three modules, three knowledge checks and one self-assessment tool. There are 10 questions in a knowledge check which typically include multiple choice and/or true or false formats.

How to complete SRES Smart

SRES Smart is accessed via the Client Portal (on the homepage under the ‘Systems’ header) and takes users through a series of online modules. It requires users to complete a series of knowledge checks to demonstrate they understand their obligations under the SRES.

SRES Smart also includes a self-assessment tool for agents to check they have the expected capabilities and standards of practice as a registered agent.

To successfully complete SRES Smart, a pass mark of 80% or more is required for each knowledge check. Users should expect to successfully complete the knowledge check within five attempts.

Users may make unlimited attempts and completion of SRES Smart modules before attempting the knowledge checks. Users may also review existing website content such as registered agent responsibilities, expected capabilities and standards of practice to prepare for completion of the knowledge checks. If users are unable to access a knowledge check because they have exhausted their five attempts, they may contact us for more advice.

Once SRES Smart is successfully completed, this will be automatically recorded in the REC Registry where the application to become a registered agent must be completed.

See the how to register as an agent page for steps for new and existing REC Registry users. Existing registered agents will be automatically prompted to complete SRES Smart when they log into the REC Registry.

SRES Smart takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete, however, each user’s learning experience may differ which means some users may take less or more time.

For assistance, you can access the ‘Support’ page within SRES Smart or contact us.

Accessing the REC Registry through the Client Portal

In September 2020, the REC Registry moved to single sign-on.

Single sign-on allows you to sign into the Clean Energy Regulator's business systems using a single email address instead of the different usernames previously used.

The Clean Energy Regulator business systems to move to single sign-on now include:

• the Client Portal (from which you can also access the REC Registry)
• the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units
• Emissions and Energy Reporting System
• SRES Inspection Portal accounts.

Information on how to access the REC Registry is set out below.

Frequently asked questions

What if I am a new user?

If you are a new user or new to the SRES you will be required to create a Client Portal account. Instructions on how to create a Client Portal account can be found on the Client Portal login page.

What if I am an existing Client Portal account user?

If you are a REC Registry user that has an existing Client Portal account, you need to ensure that the full name and email address listed in your REC Registry account matches the full name and email address in your Client Portal account.

If you did not update your details before the rollout of single sign-on in September 2020, and if the full name and email address in the REC Registry and Client Portal do not match, you will not be able to log in to the REC Registry.

If you are having difficulties accessing your account please contact us.

What if I still have a shared email address?

All users must now access the REC Registry with their own unique email address, instead of the previous usernames.

If you have been using a shared email address and haven’t accessed the REC Registry since September 2020, you will not be able to log in to the REC Registry.

You will need to contact us for ongoing system access.

I have a unique email but I haven’t logged in since the REC Registry moved to single sign-on. What do I do?

Follow the instructions on the following page: How to login to the REC Registry for the first time after 14 September 2020.

Who needs to complete SRES Smart?

Completing SRES Smart is a prerequisite to becoming a registered SRES agent.

New agents

Applying to become a registered agent under the SRES means you must complete SRES Smart. Successful completion is required before submitting an application to become a registered agent. You can take as long as required and SRES Smart will form part of your Fit and Proper Person assessment.

Before applying to register as an agent it is important that you understand:

• registered agent responsibilities and legal obligations
• the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, including how the two schemes work together to form the Renewable Energy Target
• system installation requirements, and
• the process of creating, selling and buying small-scale technology certificates.

SRES Smart has been developed to support registered agents as they participate in the SRES.

Activating REC Registry permissions to create small-scale technology certificates

Any new or existing users of REC Registry accounts who are requesting new permissions to create small-scale technology certificates (STCs) must complete the SRES Smart modules and knowledge checks. REC Registry user STC creation permissions will not be activated within an existing registered agent REC Registry account until the user has successfully completed SRES Smart modules and knowledge checks.

Administrator users of registered agent REC Registry accounts may review all account users in the ‘manage users’ section of their REC Registry account, to check which users have completed SRES Smart.

Existing registered agents

Existing registered agents, including their REC Registry users that already have active permission to create STCs, are encouraged to complete SRES Smart. Successful completion demonstrates that you understand your obligations and expected capabilities. It will refresh your knowledge on your role in the scheme and help protect your business by lowering the risk of accidental non-compliance and being targeted by third parties conducting fraudulent activities.

Existing agents who do not complete SRES Smart will be examined more closely under the agency’s compliance processes. Applications to create STCs may be subject to increased assessment checks which may delay application processing times.

SRES Smart users are tracked to help the agency monitor the quality and performance of our online tool. The data we collect informs enhancements to SRES Smart and our compliance activities.

Individuals who wish to complete the modules without a REC Registry account may do so on the SRES Smart page. There is no cost to completing SRES Smart.

Annual self-assessment

After completing SRES Smart for the first time, including the self-assessment tool, registered agents will be encouraged to complete the self-assessment tool again on an annual basis.

It is important that the self-assessment tool is completed annually so the agency has assurance that the essential capabilities for agents participating in SRES continue to be met.

Failure to complete the annual self-assessment tool will mean that applications to create STCs may undergo increased assessment, which may delay application processing times. Due to a higher risk of harm to the scheme, agents who choose not to complete the annual self-assessment may also be identified for follow up investigation.

Modules, knowledge checks and self-assessment

SRES Smart includes three modules, three knowledge checks and one self-assessment tool. Each knowledge check contains 10 questions and is designed to check your knowledge of the content in each module.