The Sets
Build a STEP Diploma that works for you. Choose one Advanced Certificate from Set 1, one from Set 2, and two more from anywhere.
How it works
Build it your way
No two practitioners need the same Diploma.
By choosing your own combination of Advanced Certificates, you can build a qualification that reflects the jurisdiction you work in, the clients you advise, and the specialism you want to be known for.
- Match your Diploma to your jurisdiction and practice area
- Add electives that build towards a specialism, like family business or cross-border estates
- Study only what's relevant to the work you actually do
Not sure where to start?
We've put together recommended combinations for common regions and practice areas - a good starting point if you'd rather not build from scratch.
See recommended combinationsThe STEP Diploma formula
Every Diploma follows the same structure - you just decide what fills it. Combine 1 from Set 1, 1 from Set 2, and 2 more from anywhere (including electives).
Select one course from Set 1
+
Select one course from Set 2
+
Select two more from anywhere - Set 1, Set 2 or Electives
=
Your Diploma
Four certificates, chosen your way - that's a complete STEP Diploma.
Set 1
Private Wealth Administration and Governance
Select at least one required Advanced Certificate from Set 1.
| Advanced Certificate | Outline |
|---|---|
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Company Law and Practice | How companies are used as offshore asset-holding vehicles - incorporation, company law rules, and provision of corporate services. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice (International) | The trust concept and a trustee's powers and duties in an international context. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Trustees' Duties: Investment and Management of the Trust Fund | A trustee's duties when investing and managing trust funds. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Administration of Estates (England and Wales) | Estate administration law and procedure in England and Wales. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Administration of Trusts (England and Wales) | Practical trust administration and trustee obligations under England and Wales law. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Trust and Estate Accounting (England and Wales) | Principles of trust and estate accounting in England and Wales. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation (England and Wales) | Prepare wills within the legal frameworks of England and Wales. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice (Scotland) | The trust concept and a trustee's powers and duties under the law in Scotland. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Trust and Executry Accounting (Scotland) | Trust and executry accounting principles under law and practice in Scotland. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Wills and Executries: Law and Practice (Scotland) | Will drafting and executry administration under law in Scotland. |
Set 2
Tax and Compliance
Select at least one required Advanced Certificate from Set 2.
| Advanced Certificate | Outline |
|---|---|
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Principles of International Taxation, AML and Compliance | The global regulatory framework the private wealth industry operates in - international tax law, disclosure (FATCA/CRS), AML, sanctions, and compliance risk. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in UK Tax for International Clients | UK tax issues that arise when advising private clients with international affairs. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (England and Wales) | Income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax as they apply to trusts and estates in England and Wales. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) | Income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax as they apply to trusts and estates in Scotland. |
Electives
Extra Courses to Select
Up to 2 may be selected from this set.
| Advanced Certificate | Outline |
|---|---|
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising the Family Business | What differentiates family businesses from other clients, and the theories and frameworks needed to understand family business dynamics. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance | The importance of family business governance, examining the different situations in the lifecycle of the family, the owners and the business that require more formal governance. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates | Administering estates that span jurisdictions - differences between common law, civil law and Sharia systems, and the EU Succession Regulation. |
| STEP Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes | How to anticipate and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to trust litigation. |
How it works
Once you've chosen your four Advanced Certificates, here's the path to becoming a Full STEP Member.
- 1 Join STEP at Affiliate level or higher.
- 2 Pick one from Set 1, one from Set 2, and two more from anywhere. Choose your four Advanced Certificates using the sets above.
- 3 Study each Advanced Certificate - typically 4–6 months, fully online.
- 4 Sit your assessments.
- 5 Qualify - complete all four to earn the STEP Diploma and become eligible for Full STEP Membership (TEP).
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
Opens in a new tab, so this page stays open while you join.
Still deciding?
Prefer a ready-made pathway for your region or specialism?
See our recommended combinations.