What are the benefits of becoming a member?

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.)
• Personalized listing in the STEP Worldwide Directory
• Advocacy and representation
• TEP Brochures for Clients (Why Choose a Professional with a TEP Designation, Why Make a Trust? Why Make a Will? Why Make an Enduring Power of Attorney? Why the "Four C's" of Elder Law are Important)

To learn more about the benefits to membership visit the Membership Benefits section of the website or download the Membership Benefits brochure (English) (French).

How do I join?

There are three routes leading to full membership in STEP Canada, one for experienced practitioners and two education routes:

• Expertise Route - applicable to well-seasoned individuals who hold a recognized professional qualification; who have a minimum of ten years of senior experience in trusts and/or estates related matters; and, who can provide four referees to vouch for their advanced level of knowledge and experience.
• Essay Program - open to persons who hold a recognized professional qualification and who have a minimum of five years current post qualification practical experience in trusts and/or estates related matters.
• STEP Canada Diploma in Trusts and Estates (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.

What is required to maintain the TEP designation?

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 STEP 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.

What are the different membership types?

Student - Student status is granted to those studying an entry-level STEP qualification. Students are eligible to become Affiliate Members only once they have accumulated at least 60 education or experience points under the Qualification and Membership Framework.

Affiliate – This is STEP’s entry-level membership category. Affiliates have obtained 60-120 education or experience credits under the Qualifications and Membership Framework and are working towards gaining the requisite qualifications and/or experience required to upgrade to Associate or Full Membership. They are either enrolled in the Essay Program, Exam Program, CETA 2-4, or have applied through the Accredited Prior Learning pathway.

Associate – This is STEP’s mid-level membership category. Associates have obtained between 120-240 education or experience points under the Qualifications and Membership Framework and are working towards gaining the requisite qualifications and/or experience required to become a TEP. Associates are either enrolled in the Essay Program, Exam Program, or have upgraded from an Affiliate membership based on their experience.

Full Academic (TEP) – This membership type is granted only on a case-by-case basis. Full Academic members are professors who hold full-time academic or teaching appointments for trust and estate related courses. Full Academic members have use of the prestigious TEP designation.

Full - This is the top level of STEP membership. Full Members are qualified practitioners with proven qualifications and experience. Full members have use of the TEP designation and STEP logo, and must adhere to STEP’s Code of Professional Conduct and undertake continuing professional development. Full members have the exclusive right to vote, join STEP Canada national committees or board, and to stand for STEP Worldwide council or board.

*Retired - Retired membership is available to Full, Associate or Affiliate Members who have retired and are no longer providing/undertaking any remunerated advice or work connected with trusts/estates. Retired members have a reduced subscription fee and no CPD requirements. Retired members are not listed in the Member Directory and do not hold voting/standing rights.

*Non-Earner – Non-Earner membership is available to Full, Associate or Affiliate members who are unemployed, on maternity leave, on a career break, or long-term sick leave. Non-Earner members have a reduced subscription rate, and if applicable can continue use of the TEP designation for up to two (2) consecutive years while in this category. Non-Earners do not have voting/standing rights and must undertake continuing professional development.

*Secondee – Secondee membership is available to Full, Associate or Affiliate members who are seconded to another company or department and not in receipt of any remunerated advice or work connected to trusts and/or estates. Secondee members have a reduced subscription rate, and if applicable can continue use of the TEP designation for up to two (2) consecutive years while in this category. Secondee members do not have voting/standing rights and must undertake continuing professional development.

*Please contact Member Services at memberservices@step.ca if you wish to apply for a restricted membership type.

Where can I find out more about the Affiliate and Associate membership?

Where can I see a full listing of local branch events?

Can I attend branch events if I'm not a member?

How do I register for access to the STEP Canada website?

Once an application is approved, STEP members are emailed their user ID. Members will then need to register the account.

If you are not a member of STEP, you are still able to subscribe to STEP Canada and receive updates, news, event notications and more!

As a registered non-member you are:

• welcome to use the public site
• able to register online to some STEP events
• added to STEP Canada's mailing list

Please note that registering for a STEP Canada account does not constitute membership.

How can I update my contact information?

You may either:

Login to your STEP Canada account.

Send an email to memberservices@step.ca

Call member services 1-877-991-4949 ext. 221

What should I do if I forget my login information?

Currently, what are the STEP Canada annual dues?

Currently, what are the STEP Canada fees for education programs?

STEP Canada Diploma in Trusts and Estates (Exam Route)

• Course fee (each) = $1,095.00*
• Each exemption (if applicable) (a maximum of 2) = $150.00*

Essay Program

• Essay submission fee (each) = $375.00*

CETA

• CETA1 fee = $795*
• CETA2 fee = $595*
• CETA3 fee = $595*
• CETA4 fee = $295*

*Additional applicable provincial tax(es) are charged.

What payment options are available?

What happens if I don't pay?