The STEP Diploma
The globally recognised benchmark qualification for practitioners in trusts and estates.
Overview
What is the STEP Diploma?
The STEP Diploma is a globally recognised qualification for professionals working in trusts, estates and private wealth, providing the specialist knowledge and practical expertise needed to navigate increasingly complex client matters with confidence.
Made up of four Advanced Certificates, the Diploma develops in-depth technical knowledge while focusing on its application in day-to-day professional practice.
Delivered by CLTI, STEP’s global education partner, the programme combines expert-led learning, practical content and rigorous assessment. Successful completion provides a recognised pathway to full STEP membership and the prestigious TEP designation.
Explore how you can achieve Diploma status:
Why CLTi
Why choose the STEP Diploma?
✓ Strengthen your technical expertise
Develop specialist knowledge across trusts, estates and private wealth.
✓ Apply your learning in practice
Build practical skills and knowledge you can use confidently in your day-to-day role.
✓ Build client confidence
Strengthen your ability to advise on increasingly complex client needs and situations.
✓ Enhance your professional recognition
Gain a globally recognised qualification that demonstrates your expertise and credibility.
✓ Support your career progression
Develop the specialist expertise to support your next step and future career opportunities.
✓ Progress towards TEP status
Gain a route to Full STEP Membership and the TEP designation, joining an international professional community.
STEP Diploma Brochure
Download the STEP Diploma Brochure
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Your STEP Diploma Journey
Six steps to achieving the STEP Diploma
1
Check Eligibility
Confirm your membership status.
2
Join STEP
Become a STEP Member at Affiliate level or above on the STEP website before registering.
3
Choose Your Pathway
Select four Advanced Certificates through either a recommended combination or your own customised programme.
4
Study
Complete each qualification at your own pace through flexible online learning.
5
Sit Assessments
Each Advanced Certificate concludes with a final examination.
6
Qualify
Successfully complete all four Advanced Certificates to achieve the STEP Diploma and become eligible for Full STEP Membership with the TEP designation.
The STEP Diploma Structure
Flexible learning built around your professional development
Flexible Learning
- Fully online delivery
- Learn from anywhere in the world
- Self-study supported by expert tuition
- Typically 4–6 months per Advanced Certificate
- Access to videos, podcasts, eLearning and course resources
With more than 20 Advanced Certificates available, you can tailor the Diploma to suit your professional interests and career goals.
The STEP Diploma formula
Every Diploma follows the same structure - whether you select your own pathway or follow a recommended combination. One course from Set 1, one from Set 2, and two more from anywhere (including electives).
One course from Set 1
+
One course from Set 2
+
Two more from anywhere - Set 1, Set 2 or Electives
=
Your Diploma
Four certificates, chosen your way - that's a complete STEP Diploma.
Is the STEP Diploma Right for You?
Built for your profession
Designed with a multidisciplinary approach, the STEP Diploma brings together expertise relevant to professionals across law, accountancy, trusts and fiduciary services, wealth management, private banking and estates.
Its flexible structure allows you to tailor your studies to your area of practice.
Entry Requirements
Check your STEP Membership
To enrol on the STEP Diploma, you’ll need to be an active STEP member at Student, Affiliate or TEP level, as appropriate to the requirements of the course you intend to enrol on.
Not yet a STEP member?
You’ll need to join STEP before enrolling on your qualification.
Why Invest in STEP Diploma?
Benefits for Individuals and Firms
For individuals, the STEP Diploma develops specialist technical expertise, builds professional credibility and supports career progression towards Full STEP Membership and TEP status.
For employers, it helps build capability across teams, strengthen the quality and consistency of client advice, develop future talent and demonstrate investment in professional standards.
STEP Membership and the TEP Designation
Your route to Full STEP Membership
To register for the Advanced Certificates that make up the STEP Diploma, you must be a STEP Member at Affiliate level or above. Completing the Diploma is also a key step towards becoming a Full STEP Member and gaining the prestigious TEP designation.
Still not sure?
Whether you'd rather build your own combination or follow a recommended path,
our Learning enrolments team can help you decide.