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.
Expert-led learning
Practical and relevant
Flexible online learning
Recognised worldwide
Solutions for teams
Flexible ways to pay
Course overview
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 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.
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Course details
Price£1650+ local taxes if applicable
MembershipTo take this course you need to be a member of STEP at Affiliate level or higher.
Set1 - Private Wealth Administration and Governance..
DeliveryAccess to an online learning platform with full study materials, three live virtual workshops, and a final examination.
CertificateAwarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester.
Next Course Start Date(s)11 January 2027
28 June 2027
28 June 2027
Course dates
Enrol now
Are you a STEP member?
You need to be a member of STEP at Affiliate level to take this course.
If you are not a member yet, you can join STEP directly via their website. Please allow five working days for your membership application to be approved by STEP.
Applicable local taxes and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout for this course.
- Internationally recognised
- Progress towards TEP status
- Connect with STEP's international professional network
Group booking discounts
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. Ask about group bookings.
Instalment Plans
You can pay for your course fees in instalments if you choose the interest-free instalment plans available for certain courses. Specifically, you can opt for three equal monthly instalments for Certificate and Advanced Certificate level courses that total over £800 (excluding VAT), or six equal monthly instalments for the Professional Postgraduate Diploma. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card.
What will I learn?
- An introduction to will writing5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Managing the process of will preparation4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Taking instructions7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Testamentary capacity, undue influence and knowledge and approval7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- The foreign element5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Joint property5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act (I(PFD)A) 19753 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Principles of trust and estate taxation4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- General inheritance taxation issues, exemptions and reliefs5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Taxation and will drafting7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Drafting the will 6 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Non-standard wills5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Execution and revocation of a will (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Some traps in will writing9 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Other areas of law for the will drafter9 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Digital assets3 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
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 be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation (England and Wales).
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.
FAQs
Do I need to be a STEP member to enrol?
Yes, in order to enrol on a STEP Advanced Certificate, you will need to be an Affiliate Member or higher. STEP qualifications require students to hold the correct level of membership before enrolment. This ensures students are part of the STEP professional framework, have access to resources, and meet eligibility criteria.
You can apply for membership directly from the STEP website.
If all required information is submitted correctly, STEP typically processes membership applications within 5 working days.
How long does this qualification take to complete?
Most STEP Qualifications take around 4 months to complete, with online workshops every month and a final exam around 4 weeks after the final workshop. We recommend study time of 4-6 hours per week for the duration of the course.
Can I take this course standalone?
Yes, this qualification can be taken as a standalone qualification if you wish, or as part of the STEP Diploma, which comprises of 4 STEP Advanced Certificates from applicable sets.
How is this qualification assessed?
This qualification is assessed by way of a five-hour open-book examination.
What jobs or career opportunities can this qualification support?
The qualification is particularly relevant for will writers, solicitors, financial advisers and estate planners, tax advisers, accountants & support professionals and paralegals.
Is this course suitable for international students?
Yes. The course is designed for an international audience, can be studied globally, and focuses on international trust concepts relevant across multiple jurisdictions.
Tutors
Successful completion of a STEP qualification (England and Wales) does not by itself lead to a licence to practice probate or other reserved activities. Some STEP qualifications are recognised by ICAEW and CLC for those applying to be a Licensed Probate Practitioner.
For further information please see the following links: