STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation (England and Wales)
Empower yourself with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to effectively prepare wills within the legal frameworks of England and Wales.
Course details
This course provides practitioners with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to prepare technical, high-quality wills and provide clients with a holistic, comprehensive service that meets the highest levels of competence and professional standards.
- Gain in-depth expertise: Improve your technical knowledge of the issues arising in relation preparing wills and the laws and procedures involved.
- Practical focus: Practical advice and guidance written by practitioners, for practitioners on taking instructions and managing client interviews.
- Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms.
- Industry recognition: A recognised ‘gold-standard’ professional qualification for those working in the industry. Successful completion provides 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership and eligibility to use the STEP Will Writing Code Logo, enhancing your professional standing. This course is also awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a School of the University of Manchester.
Course fees: £1,545 + local taxes
Course dates, fees and enrol now:
Entry requirements may apply. Applicable local taxes and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout.
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.
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.
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.
What will I learn?
- An introduction to will writing and managing the process of will preparation
- The key stages in the will preparation process
- How to manage client interviews
- How to apply the concepts of testamentary capacity, undue influence and knowledge and approval
- How to deal with a will involving a foreign element
- How to advise on joint property
- The potential litigation risks and claims associated with the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- Inheritance tax issues, exemptions, reliefs and digital assets
- Practical guidance on drafting and checking wills
- The execution and revocation of a will
- Principles of trust and estate taxation
- Traps in will writing
Is this course right for me?
This course is suitable for:
- will writers
- solicitors
- financial advisers and estate planners
- tax advisers
- accountants
- support professionals and paralegals
We strongly recommend that you have experience of drafting and the execution of ‘standard’ wills, and have a basic knowledge of the taxation issues around will drafting. This course has not been designed for those without any practical experience of preparing wills.
Course format
This course is available for study twice a year and takes four months to complete. It is delivered online.
Enrolment onto this course will include access to an online learning platform containing:
- bespoke course reading
- self-assessment tools
- supporting material
The course fee includes attendance at three online workshops led by a subject matter expert.
The course is assessed by way of a five-hour open-book examination.
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 Will Preparation (England and Wales).
