STEP Certificate for Financial Services – Trust and Estate Planning
Grow your expertise and gain the skills to navigate the core legal, tax and investment issues that overlap with estate planning.
Expert-led learning
Practical and relevant
Flexible online learning
Recognised worldwide
Solutions for teams
Flexible ways to pay
Course overview
In-Depth Client Understanding:
Gain insights into the diverse needs of trustee, incapacitated, and charity clients, enhancing your ability to address their unique requirements.
Cutting-Edge Knowledge:
Stay abreast of the latest developments in will trusts and the transferable nil-rate band, ensuring your knowledge is current and relevant in the ever-evolving legal and financial landscape.
Professional Credibility:
Boost your professional standing by mastering UK-specific legal and tax considerations, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and expanding your network within the private client landscape.
Strategic Business Growth:
Build your business strategically by leveraging your newfound knowledge, establishing a network of contacts, and attracting clients through your enhanced expertise in private client services.
Adaptability to Market Changes:
Develop the adaptability to navigate shifts in legal and financial landscapes, ensuring that your skills and advice remain relevant and effective in dynamic market conditions.
Want to know more?
Book a call with one of our friendly advisors.
Course details
Price£750+ local taxes if applicable
MembershipTo take this course you need to be a member of STEP.
DeliveryAccess to an online learning platform with full study materials, and a final examination.
Next Course Start Date(s)04 January 2027
21 June 2027
21 June 2027
Course dates
Enrol now
Are you a STEP member?
You need to be a member of STEP to take this course.
If you are not a member yet, you can join STEP directly via their website.
Applicable local taxes, membership fees and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout.
- Internationally recognised
- Study from anywhere
- 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?
- Domicile and residence7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Intestate succession6 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Inheritance tax4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Introduction to trusts5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Classification of trusts3 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Will trusts6 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- The transferable nil-rate band3 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- The residence nil-rate band3 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Post-death matters4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Trusts used in financial services6 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Taxation of trusts4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Trustee duties4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- The incapacitated client4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- The philanthropic client4 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 is assessed by way of a five-hour open-book examination.
Once you have successfully completed this course, you will be awarded the STEP Certificate in Financial Services – Trust and Estate Planning.
Is this course right for me?
This open-entry course is ideal for professionals working in financial services who have some experience or have undertaken previous study of trusts, tax, and estate planning. The course is also suitable for those working in the banking sector dealing with trusts and estates.
Students of this course typically include:
- IFAs/financial planners
- estate/wealth Planners
- investment managers/advisers
- private bankers
- will writers
- legal assistants/paralegals
FAQs
Do I need to be a STEP member to enrol?
Yes, in order to enrol on a STEP Certificate, you will need to be a member of STEP. 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. You will gain access to online learning materials and there will be a final open-book examination. We recommend study time of 4-6 hours per week for the duration of the course.
How is this qualification assessed?
This qualification is assessed by way of an online examination. You will receive an assessment guidance video and self-assessment questions as part of your course materials.
What jobs or career opportunities can this qualification support?
The qualification is particularly relevant for IFAs, financial planners, estate and wealth planners, investment managers and advisers, private bankers, will writers & legal assistants/paralegals
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: