Explore some of our flagship Diploma pathways

Choose from established STEP Diploma routes shaped around different regions and areas of professional practice.

How it works

Our flagship pathways are among the most popular routes worldwide. Each combines Advanced Certificates across key technical disciplines, practice areas and jurisdictions.

Each pathway offers:

  • A recognised combination of specialist subjects
  • Alignment to a region, jurisdiction or area of practice
  • A shared foundation of technical knowledge relevant to professional practice
  • A clear, pre-selected route towards completing the Diploma

Want to build your own?

If you'd prefer to choose your own combination of STEP Advanced Certificates, see the Sets and put together a STEP Diploma that fits your jurisdiction and specialism.

See the Sets

Find your path

Choose the established pathway that best reflects where and how you practise.

International Trust Management For professionals working with international and cross-border trust and company structures or Trusts and Estates in England and Wales Practitioners working within the England & Wales legal system or Trusts and Estates in Scotland For professionals working with trusts and estates within the Scottish legal and tax framework or Regional and specialist routes Practising in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or elsewhere

Combination

International Trust Management

Who this is for

Professionals working with international trusts, offshore companies and private wealth structures. It is also a natural next step for those who have completed the STEP Certificate in International Trust Management and are looking to deepen their knowledge and progress to Diploma level.

What you'll be able to do

Build specialist knowledge across international trusts and offshore companies, including trust law and administration, trustee investment responsibilities, international taxation, AML and compliance.

The four Advanced Certificates

STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice (International) STEP Advanced Certificate in Company Law and Practice STEP Advanced Certificate in Trustees' Duties: Investment and Management of the Trust Fund STEP Advanced Certificate in Principles of International Taxation, AML and Compliance

Combination

Trusts and Estates in England and Wales

Who this is for

Professionals working with trusts and estates within the England & Wales legal and tax framework.

What you'll be able to do

Build specialist knowledge across the administration, taxation and accounting of trusts and estates, developing a well-rounded understanding of the key technical areas involved in England & Wales practice.

The four Advanced Certificates

Combination

Trusts and Estates in Scotland

Who this is for

Professionals working across trusts, estates and private client practice in Scotland, who want to build broader technical expertise across the key disciplines that converge in their work.

What you'll be able to do

Develop the technical expertise to navigate trusts, wills and executries, succession, taxation and accounting, building a well-rounded understanding of how these areas come together in Scottish private client practice.

The four Advanced Certificates

Other options

Regional Diplomas and accredited specialist routes

In addition to our flagship Diploma pathways, professionals in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand can access established regional Diplomas designed around their jurisdiction. In certain regions, recognised external qualifications may also count towards part or all of a STEP Diploma, providing additional routes to qualification.

Find out more on the STEP website

How it works

Once you’ve chosen your pathway, there are just a few steps to completing your Diploma and progressing towards Full STEP Membership.

  1. 1
    Check your membership requirements Be an active STEP member at the appropriate level for your chosen courses.
  2. 2
    Start your pathway Enrol on the four Advanced Certificates included in your chosen Diploma route.
  3. 3
    Learn and develop Build specialist technical knowledge and practical expertise through each course.
  4. 4
    Complete your assessments Successfully complete the assessment for each Advanced Certificate.
  5. 5
    Achieve your Diploma Complete all four to achieve the STEP Diploma and progress towards Full STEP Membership and TEP status.

STEP Membership

You'll need to be a STEP Member at Affiliate level or higher to register for any of the courses above.

Allow 5 working days for membership approval before applying for a course.

STEP qualifications and membership framework

Not yet a STEP member? Join here

 

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Would you rather build your own?

Choose your own combination of Advanced Certificates from the Sets, tailored exactly to your jurisdiction and specialism.

See the Sets