Exam Route

The Exam Route is a route to Full (TEP) Membership through the completion of the STEP Diploma.

What are the requirements?

Your starting point on this route will vary dependent on your prior experience and qualifications/credentials.

You need a combination of prior experience and qualifications/credentials to enrol on the STEP Diploma. These can comprise any of the following:

Once you have met these entry requirements, you are eligible to enrol on the STEP Diploma. The STEP Diploma is STEP’s benchmark qualification, comprising four Advanced Certificates (chosen from three sets).

NB: Upon completion of the STEP Diploma, in order to upgrade to Full (TEP) Membership, you will also need a minimum of two years’ current professional experience at mid to senior level, including significant involvement at a specialist level with one or more of the following: planning, creation, management of and accounting for trusts and estates, executorship administration and related taxes. 

More detail on STEP’s Qualifications and Membership Framework is available here

How much does it cost?

The cost of this route will vary depending on the courses you choose.

Member subscription fees are charged annually. The current annual member subscription fees can be found here - https://www.step.org/fees

How do I apply?

To begin your journey, enrol on your first Advanced Certificate (selected from the three Diploma sets). You will automatically become an Affiliate Member on enrolment. You can upgrade to Associate Member once you have successfully completed two Advanced Certificates. Once you have successfully completed four Advanced Certificates from the required sets (and acquired the requisite experience), you can upgrade to Full (TEP) Member.

Visit the STEP Diploma page to choose your first Advanced Certificate.

For further information about the Exam route to STEP membership, email pd@step.org

[1] Equivalent to UK Level 4 or above in a relevant subject. For example:

  • AAT Accounting Qualification
  • ACA
  • ACAMS
  • ACCA
  • ACIB
  • Advocate
  • ATT
  • Barrister
  • CII Financial Services Qualifications
  • CeFA
  • CFA
  • CILEX, Level 6
  • CISI
  • CFP
  • CLT Specialist Paralegal Qualification in Wills, Probate and Administration
  • CPef
  • CTA
  • CMA
  • Degree in law, accounting, finance, economics, business studies (PhD, Master’s degree, Undergraduate degree, College degree)
  • FINRA Series 7
  • ICA Diploma in Compliance
  • ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance
  • ICSA
  • IFSP Institute of Financial Services Trustee Diploma
  • Institute of Professional Will Writers
  • International Diploma in Financial Administration
  • Lawyer
  • MBA
  • Notary
  • PCIAM
  • RICS – Property, Finance and Investment pathway
  • SOLAS qualification for Accountants in Scotland
  • Solicitor
  • SOLLA accreditation