The CETA program is designed to enhance the knowledge and performance of Canadian estate administrators, trust officers, junior trust officers, retail bankers, law clerks, junior associates, paralegals, wealth management sales representatives, and administrative assistants working in the area of estates and trusts. CETA will be of value to individuals who want to advance their careers and employers who want to avail themselves of the many business opportunities resulting from today’s changing demographics. Organizations staffed by knowledgeable estate administrators and trust officers who can skillfully manage this changing market will attract new opportunities and clients.
| Exam Dates | Registration Cut off Date | |
|---|---|---|
| CETA 2-4 | Exams are on-demand and must be completed within 12 months of registration. | Registration open on a rolling basis |
The CETA program consists of three courses and one final cumulative exam that covers the material from the three courses. The three courses follow a self-study curriculum and are delivered online.
** NEW ** Starting January 2026, All CETA 1-4 exams are online, available on-demand.
No set exam dates – take your exam anytime, day or night, when you are ready within 12 months of registration.
Convenient access – complete the exam directly inside of your learning portal.
Self-paced learning - progress through the course and program at a speed that’s comfortable for you, with the flexibility to manage your own study schedule.
Online examinations require a functioning webcam and microphone and access to administrative rights on your computer.
The CETA program does not directly lead to the TEP designation but may be used to bridge the knowledge gap for those new to the trusts and estates industry or those working in supporting roles. Students that complete the CETA certificate will be eligible for an exemption from the third course in the STEP Canada Diploma Program.
You have up to four (4) years to complete all 4 CETA courses.
The first course in the CETA program, The Foundations of Estate and Trust Administration, is available in French for civil law. Registration into the French CETA 1 course is completed by sending an email to education@step.ca after completing the online registration into the English CETA 1 course.
There is no membership requirement for CETA 1 as this is course is available as a standalone offering. Registration into CETA 2 requires that you have a membership in good standing. Upon registering into CETA 2, your registration for affiliate membership will be added to your course registration. Membership fees are not pro-rated and the membership cycle runs from April 1st to March 31st annually . The annual membership fee for students is $220 per year. You are required to keep your membership in good standing for the duration of your program.
This course provides an introduction to the legal systems that govern the field of study and to the roles and responsibilities of trustees, personal representatives, and substitute decision-makers. It provides a detailed review of the law of wills and the steps for administering an estate. It also introduces students to the Canadian tax rules that apply on death and the taxation of trusts. Between 40-50 hours of study time before the examination is recommended. The course material covers both common and civil law, students will only need to study the law applicable to their jurisdiction. The fee for this course is $795 plus applicable tax.
Note This course is available in French Civil Law. After registration into the English CETA 1 course, email education@step.ca to request a transfer into the French course.
The CETA 1 course follows a self-study curriculum which is provided in an online learning environment. Inside of the online learning environment you will have access to examination support resources such as: practice questions, and an online forum to engage in course-related discussion with your peers. There is one 2-hour cumulative, closed-book online examination that is delivered using a remote-proctoring service. The passing grade for the examination is 60%. The examination is not scheduled and can be taken at any time. You have 6 months to complete your examination once you are registered.
None, this is an entry-level foundations course.
This course builds on the material covered in the CETA 1 foundations course, students will study the law of trusts and special topics in estate administration in more detail. Between 40-50 hours of study time before the examination is recommended. The course material covers both common and civil law, students will only need to study the law applicable to their jurisdiction. The fee for this course is $595 plus applicable tax.
The CETA 2 course follows a self-study curriculum which is provided in an online learning environment. Inside of the online learning environment you will have access to examination support resources such as: practice case questions, supplementary resources, and an online forum to engage in course-related discussion with your peers. There is one 2-hour cumulative, open-book online examination that is delivered using a remote-proctoring service. Examination sessions are available in March, June, and September. Upon registration you will choose your exam date. The passing grade for the examination is 60%
CETA 1 completed within the last five years.
The course provides a detailed review of the taxation of estates and trusts from the perspective of the fiduciary. Between 40-50 hours of study time before the examination is recommended. The fee for this course is $595 plus applicable tax.
The CETA 3 course follows a self-study curriculum which is provided in an online learning environment. Inside of the online learning environment you will have access to examination support resources such as: practice case questions, supplementary resources, and an online forum to engage in course-related discussion with your peers. There is one 2-hour cumulative, open-book online examination that is delivered using a remote-proctoring service. Examination sessions are available in March, June, and September. Upon registration you will choose your exam date. The passing grade for the examination is 60%
CETA 2 -Advanced Topics in Estate and Trust Administration
To obtain the CETA certificate, a final cumulative examination is required. The examination is based on the learning objectives of the three CETA courses, there are no additional course materials provided for this exam. Within the context of case studies, students will be expected to identify the relevant issues, apply the applicable law, and demonstrate administrative decision-making skills. The certificate examination fee is $295 plus applicable tax.
The examination is a 3-hour cumulative, open-book online examination that is delivered using a remote-proctoring service. Examination sessions are available in March, June, and September. Upon registration you will choose your exam date. The passing grade for the examination is 60%. Inside of the online learning environment you will have access to examination support resources such as: the CETA certificate exam study guide, practice case questions, and an online forum to engage in discussion with your peers.
CETA Courses 1 to 3
To get started with the Assessment by CETA program, Create a New STEP Canada Account. Once completed you will receive an account activation email, please be sure to check your junk folder.
Once logged in to your MY STEP account you will have access to the Education menu, select CETA Certificate Registration. Course registrations are processed within two business days. Once your registration is complete you will receive an email with course access instructions.