Q:
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
A:
The prestige associated with the
internationally recognized Trust and Estate Practitioner, TEP,
designation demonstrates to clients and employers that you have an
advanced understanding of the trust and estates field and that you take
a proactive approach to being at the forefront of the latest
developments in the industry.
Here are some of the other most significant benefits of membership:
- Access to STEP programs, events and continuing professional development
- Exclusive member discounts for local STEP branch programs, Job Board (Practitioner Opportunities) and the annual national conference, held every June
- Networking opportunities
- Access to the "members only" section of the step.ca website
- STEP publications (including STEP Inside, electronic monthly
STEP Insider, STEP UK Journal & Trust Quarterly Review, as well
as the annual STEP Worldwide Directory/Yearbook
- Personalized listing in the STEP Worldwide Directory/Yearbook
- Advocacy and representation
- TEP Brochures for Clients(Why Make a Trust? Why Make a Will? Why Make a Lasting Power of Attorney?)
To learn more about the benefits to membership visit the
Membership Benefits section of the website or download the
Membership Benefits brochure
A:
There are three routes leading to full membership in STEP Canada, one for experienced practitioners and two education routes:
Experienced Practitioner (Merit) route - applicable to well-seasoned
individuals who hold a recognized professional qualification; who have a
minimum of
ten years of specialists experience in trusts and/or estates
related matters; and, who can provide four referees to vouch for their
advanced level of knowledge and experience.
Qualified Practitioner (Essay) route - open to persons who hold a
recognized professional qualification and who have a minimum of
three
years current post qualification practical experience in trusts and/or
estates related matters.
STEP Canada Diploma (Exam) route - intended for candidates who work, or
aspire to work, in the trusts and estates industry in Canada. No
experience or professional qualification is required for student
membership, however students with prior trust and estate experience tend to be the most successful.
To learn more about joining STEP Canada
click here
Q:
Where can I find the membership enrolment applications?
Q:
What is required to maintain the TEP designation?
A:
CPD is a requirement of maintaining STEP membership and the TEP designation. Refreshing an awareness of ethical practice, in line with the
Code of Professional Conduct, is also essential.
Each year 5% of STEP members are randomly selected for an annual CPD audit. STEP Worldwide has
produced an informative
video for members, outlining the guidelines of the new CPD policy. We
encourage members to set aside a few minutes to review the video linked below. For further questions,
please contact
cpd@step.org.
All resources mentioned in the video can be found on the STEP Worldwide website in the
CPD centre.
You will need your STEP Worldwide username and password to access the materials. For login
assistance, please contact
memberservices@step.ca.
Q:
What is the difference between a affiliate, a technician, and a full member of STEP?
A:
Affiliates and technicians are enrolled in either the STEP Canada Diploma program
or the Qualified Practitioner program. Upon completion of either
program and acquiring two years of experience with at least 50% of their
practice involving trusts and estates, they are eligible to apply for upgrade to
full membership.
Affiliates and technicians receives all member benefits other than the right to
use the designation Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), which is
granted upon being upgraded to full membership. Affiliate and technician names and
firms are listed in the STEP Worldwide Yearbook/Directory in the Student
Members section.
Q:
Where can I find out more about affiliate and technician membership?
A:
The step.ca website contains complete information on all
routes available. To learn more,
click here. You can also
visit our
FAQ's Education section for specific questions.
Q:
Where can I see a full listing of local branch events?
A:
For a full listing of current branch programs, visit the
Programs and
Seminars page. Select the branch closest to your location to see a
complete listing of upcoming events.
Q:
Can I attend branch events if I'm not a member?
A:
While one of the benefits of membership is preferential pricing for all
branch and national events, everyone is welcome. Please consult the
Programs and Seminars page for information on registration and price for
members and non-members.
Q:
How do I register for access to the STEP Canada website?
A:
STEP members are emailed their user ID for the step.ca site when their
application is approved. Once the user ID is received, members can
register their account by clicking
here.
If you are
not a member of STEP, you can create your own user ID and password by clicking
here.
As a registered non-member you are:
- welcome to use the public site
- able to register online to any event
- added to STEP Canada's mailing list
Please note that registering for a STEP Canada account does not constitute membership.
Q:
How can I update my contact information?
A:
You may either:
- Login to your STEP Canada account here and select the "View/Update Profile" option along the top of the page. Click the "Update Profile" button
- Send an email to memberservices@step.ca
- Call member services 1-877-991-4949 ext. 221
Q:
What should I do if I forget my login information?
A:
Send an email to
memberservices@step.ca or call member services at 1-877-991-4949 ext. 221 and we'll be happy to assist you.
Q:
Currently, what are the STEP Canada annual dues?
A:
Full membership - $475.00*
Affiliate and Technician - $200.00*
*Additional applicable provincial tax(es) are charged.
Q:
Currently, what are the STEP Canada fees for education programs?
A:
Diploma Program
- Diploma course fee (each) = $850.00*
- Each exemption (if applicable) (a maximum of 2) = $150.00*
Qualified Practitioner
- QP Essay submission fee (each) = $375.00*
CETA
- CETA1 fee = $795*
- CETA2 fee = $595*
- CETA3 fee = $595*
- CETA4 fee = $595*
*Additional applicable provincial tax(es) are charged.
Q:
What payment options are available?
A:
We currently accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex or cheque/money order.
Q:
What happens if I don't pay?
A:
As a full member you will lose the use of the TEP
designation and member pricing and benefits.
As an affiliate or technician you will not be permitted to write your exam or receive a mark on your essay and
will lose member pricing and benefits. Repeated issues with payment may cause permanent cancellation
of affiliate or technician membership and prevent you from gaining TEP status.