STEP Qualifications and Membership Framework
STEP's Qualification and Membership framework (QMF) is a system for assigning credit values to qualifications.
The framework harmonises entry requirements, no matter which country a student is based, and allows those applying for STEP membership to have prior qualifications and experience formally recognised through an Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or accumulate credits through levels of study.
Each qualification in the STEP portfolio have been assigned a credit value, in line with the equivalent level of membership. STEP Diploma status can be achieved upon completion of four Advanced Certificates as detailed in The STEP Diploma guidance.
To find out more about membership categories, visit STEP's website.
Entry Level
The first stage is to pass entry level and satisfy the 60 entry level credits required to move onto Diploma level.
The entry level stage can be completed in a variety of ways, but the academic threshold must be reached by all applicants according to the same standard.
You can make up 60 credits by:
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Completion of one or more STEP Entry Level Certificate
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Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) (£50 application fee - complete form below) |
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) (£50 application fee - complete form below) |
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= 30 Credits |
= 30 Credits | = 30 Credits |
Diploma Level
STEP Advanced Certificate programmes, which form part of the STEP Diploma, have been designed for practitioners with more experience, who have achieved minimum 60 entry level credits, and would like to expand their knowledge in a specific subject.
This level will take you up to 120 credits.
You can achieve 120 credits by:
| Prior learning (for example STEP Certificate) and Experience |
Completion of STEP Advanced Certificate x 2 (30 credits each)
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| = 60 Credits | = 60 Credits Each |
Practice Level
To become a Full STEP Member (TEP) there are certain criteria that you will need to meet at Practice Level.
Reaching full membership requires two years of experience, including significant involvement at a specialist level with one or more of the following: planning, creation, management of and accounting for trusts and estates, executorship administration and related taxes.
In addition to having gained 120 Diploma Level credits, you will need to submit a CV that illustrates your experience (a minimum of two years’ mid- to senior-level experience) along with your application to upgrade your level of membership.
To achieve Full STEP Membership you need to:
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Achieve 240 Credits by: Completion of STEP Entry Level Qualification (60 credits) Completion of STEP Diploma Level Qualifications (120 credits) Practice Level - evidence of 2 years specialist experience (60 credits) |
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