STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice (International)

Master the trust concept and trustee responsibilities with the STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice. Take a step closer to the STEP Diploma and achieve global recognition in the international trusts industry with this Advanced Certificate.

Course details

This course provides practitioners with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to manage wealth held in trust in a professional and effective manner in compliance with industry best practice. 

  • Gain in-depth expertise: Improve your technical knowledge of the trust concept and the role, powers, and duties of a trustee.
  • Practical focus: Practical advice and guidance written by practitioners, for practitioners on everyday matters encountered in international trust management from creation, modern usage, and administration of trusts.
  • Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms from all over the world. 
  • Industry recognition: Recognised worldwide as the ‘gold-standard’ benchmark qualification for those working in the international trusts industry by employers, regulators, clients, and professionals. Successful completion provides 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership, enhancing your professional standing, and is awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a School of the University of Manchester.

Course fees: £1,875 + local taxes

New and improved format

This course has been redesigned for cohorts beginning December 2025 to offer a more engaging, flexible, and supported learning experience. You’ll benefit from updated content, bite-size videos to learn at your own pace, interactive workshops and collaborative cohort learning. A new revision period allows you to consolidate knowledge before exams.

This modern course format empowers you to study with confidence and stay on track to achieve your career goals. 

Course dates, fees and enrol now:

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If you live outside of these regions, we recommend selecting the region with the time zone that suits you best.

Customised Pricing and Group Rates

Tailored pricing plans and group rate cards are available for firms seeking to train multiple team members or larger groups of employees. We are happy to work with you to design a cost-effective solution that aligns with your training goals and budget.

Enquire now via our Corporate Solutions team

Entry requirements

60 Entry Level credits which can be achieved through:

  • Completion of a STEP Certificate (30 credits)
  • Previous learning - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) application - 30 credits
  • Work experience - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - 30 credits

Note: You do not need to apply for APEL or APCL if you already have confirmed, or if you have studied for at least two STEP Certificates previously.

What will I learn?

  • The essential characteristics and parties to a trust
  • The roles, responsibilities and duties of trustees
  • How to effectively manage and administer trusts
  • Typical provisions of a trust instrument, including dispositive provisions of discretionary, settlor-directed and life interest trust.
  • The significance of conflict of laws issues, choice of law and changing the governing law of the trust
  • Estate planning and forced heirship issues
  • How offshore trusts may be used to protect family wealth
  • The practical uses of purpose trusts
  • The characteristics and governance of foundations

Is this course right for me?

The course is designed for all professionals moving into or working in financial services (specifically trusts and corporate services), who wish to develop their understanding and knowledge of this area.

Students of this course typically include:

  • trust assistants/officers/administrators
  • trust managers (senior)
  • trustees/fiduciaries
  • corporate administrators
  • lawyers/solicitors/attorneys
  • wealth managers
  • accountants
  • tax advisers
  • compliance officers/managers
  • private bankers
  • secretarial/administration
  • client relations/marketing/sales
  • financial/estate planners

Course format

A flexible, part-time course delivered online over four months.

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will gain 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership and be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice (International).

Courses starting before December 2025

Enrolment includes:

  • online guided study, including self-assessment questions
  • four tutor-led workshops
  • 5-hour final examination (comprising multiple choice and long-answer questions)

Courses starting from December 2025 

This course has been refreshed with updated content and new features! It will be available for study four times a year and includes:

  • expert-developed course material covering key global jurisdictions
  • video summaries of key topics
  • 4 interactive, tutor-led sessions focussed on application of knowledge
  • assessment preparation session and self-assessment questions
  • 4-hour final examination (comprising multiple choice and long-answer questions)

 

Become a member of STEP

This is a STEP course/qualification. STEP membership is required to study this course and must be maintained throughout the duration of your studies.

You will need 60 Entry Level credits and if you are not already, you will become an Affiliate member by enrolling on this course. STEP will contact you regarding membership 4-6 weeks after course enrolment.

Successful completion of the course will provide 30 Diploma Level credits as part of the STEP Qualification and Membership framework.

Any questions?

STEP Diploma: Recommended route for trust professionals

 

 

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