Obtain Your TEP Designation

Thinking of Becoming a TEP?

STEP proudly administers the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation, which recognizes top 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

The STEP Canada Diploma in Trusts and Estates is the most common pathway to the TEP designation and is the leading program for professionals seeking specialized knowledge in trusts and estates. The program consists of four self-paced online courses, with optional interactive instructor-led case study seminars, and enhanced resources to help you prepare for exams such as virtual office hours, instructor Q&A boards and practice materials.

Program Outline

Course 1: Law of Trusts
Course 2: Taxation of Trusts & Estates
Course 3: Wills, Trusts & Estate Administration
Course 4: Trust & Estate Planning

Built for flexibility, you can study at your own pace and complete exams twice each year: on the last Monday of each May and the first Monday of each November. Most learners complete the program in about two years, or as little as 1.5 years with eligible exemptions. You have up to four years to complete the four courses.

After completing the Diploma program, you may apply for the TEP designation (full STEP membership) once you meet the experience requirement (at least two years of current, continuous work experience in trusts and estates).

Exemptions may be available for those who have completed a relevant law school course or the In-depth Tax Issues for the Owner Managed Business (CPA) within the last five years. Those who have obtained the CFP or CLU designation within the last five years may also qualify for an exemption from Course 4 (Trust & Estate Planning).

French Language Civil Law Courses

Diploma Program courses are also available in French and tailored to Civil Law. These courses mirror the English offerings in both structure and learning objectives.

Please note that Civil Law courses are currently offered in French only; English versions are not available at this time.

To register for the French Diploma Program, please contact the Education Department at education@step.ca.

Questions

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

Getting Started

1. Create and Activate Your MY STEP Account
Begin your journey by creating a new STEP Canada account. After registering, you'll receive an activation email—don't forget to check your junk or spam folder.

2. Enroll Through the MY STEP Portal
Once your account is activated, log in to your MY STEP portal. Under the Education menu, select Diploma Route Registration to register. We'll process your enrollment within two business days, and you'll receive an email with everything you need to access your course.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Four courses

over four years.

Recommended

Average of 5 hours

of study time

per week.

$1,095 per course

(all inclusive)

+ applicable taxes.

Essay Program

Expertise Route

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

Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of appropriate and relevant senior-level experience specializing in trusts and estates, acquired post-articling, along with at least one recognized professional designation from the list below.

LLB, LLM, LLL, BCL, JD
Quebec Notary
Financial Planning Designation (CFP, PlFin)
Financial Investment Designation (CFA, MFisc, DFisc, CIWM)
Member Trust Institute (MTI)
Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)
Insurance Designation (CLU)
Accounting Designation (CPA, CA, CGA, CMA, FCPA, FCA)

To be considered for the Expertise Route to membership, a potential applicant must submit a personal request to Member Services by emailing a detailed resumé. The resumé must clearly outline education, qualifications, and professional designations (including dates received), as well as work history with dates, titles, and a summary of responsibilities. The resumé will be screened by a review committee from the applicant’s local branch or chapter for approval.

With approval from the review committee, the applicant will be emailed a detailed application form with instructions and an invoice for the application fee ($200 + tax). The completed application package, along with all supporting documentation, must be submitted to Member Services within six (6) months.

Once the final application is received, it will be reviewed by the National Office before being forwarded to the local Branch or Chapter Board. A majority approval from the board is required to proceed to the final review stage, which consists of a peer review by the STEP Worldwide Membership Panel. The committee will award the TEP designation if applicable.

If the resumé review committee determines that an applicant does not meet the strict requirements for this route to membership, they may recommend an alternative route, such as the Diploma Program or the Essay Program.