STEP Canada

Thinking of Becoming a TEP?

STEP Canada proudly administers the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation, which recognizes leading professionals in the field of trusts and estates. The TEP designation distinguishes leading practitioners from their peers, providing a competitive edge and trusted insight needed to guide clients through the significant transfer of intergenerational wealth.

Why TEP Professionals Stand Out

TEP professionals are recognized as leading experts because they:

Are globally recognized for their excellence in trust and estates.
Understand the complex and evolving needs of high-net-worth individuals and business owners.
Embrace the growing importance of multi-advisor planning.
Continuously enhance their knowledge base through STEP’s ongoing learning opportunities.
Leverage a global network of advisors and professionals to deliver unparalleled service.
Facilitate collaboration and consistently deliver superior service to clients.
Adhere to STEP’s Code of Professional Conduct, fostering trust and confidence at all levels of client engagement.

Diploma in Trusts and Estates

The STEP Canada Diploma in Trusts and Estates is a recognized pathway to building deep, practical knowledge base in the trust and estate profession. Designed for professionals who want to distinguish themselves in the field, the program delivers specialized, applicable knowledge through four self-paced courses and an optional live virtual case study series.

Delivered entirely online with optional interactive sessions, the program offers flexibility to suit your schedule. It can be completed in as little as 1.5 years with eligible exemptions or, realistically, within two years for most learners. Exams are held twice annually, allowing you to study at your own pace.

Course 1: Law of Trusts

Course 2: Taxation of Trusts and Estates

Course 3: Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration

Course 4: Trust and Estate Planning

Diploma program graduates who meet the experience requirement are eligible to apply for the TEP designation and full STEP membership.

Questions

Schedule a meeting with our Education team through our Calendar or education@step.ca.

HIGHLIGHTS

Four examinations over four years

Recommended study time: 90 to 120 hours before each exam.

$1,095 per course + applicable taxes.

Essay Program

Expertise Route

This Expertise Route is reserved for the most senior trust and estate practitioners.

A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in trust and/or estates is required.

A recognized professional designation from the following:

Legal:LLB, LLM, JD, KC
Quebec Notary
Financial Planning: CFP, PFP, RFP, PlFin
Investment: CFA, MFisc, DFisc, CIWM
Trust: MTI
Securities: FCSI
Insurance: CLU
Accounting: CPA, CA, CGA, CMA

Experience will be evaluated against topics from the STEP Canada Diploma in Trusts and Estates curriculum. Those who do not meet all requirements should consider the Diploma in Trusts and Estates.

Submit a detailed resume and request via email to Member Services at membership@step.ca. Your application will be reviewed by your local branch/chapter committee and if approved, will go to the STEP global membership panel for review and final decision.