Definition
STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) is the global professional body for inheritance and estate planning specialists, whose full members earn the designation TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner) after demonstrating rigorous qualifications and experience.
Understanding STEP qualifications helps you evaluate professional expertise when choosing an advisor for wills, trusts, and estate planning.
What Does STEP Mean?
Founded in 1991, STEP is the worldwide professional association for practitioners who help families plan for their futures. With over 21,000 members across 96 countries, STEP includes solicitors, accountants, tax advisers, trust officers, and other professionals specialising in inheritance planning. Full members earn the designation TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner), the only widely recognised professional designation specifically for trust and estate practitioners.
To qualify as a full STEP member (TEP), candidates must complete four Advanced Certificates: Administration of Trusts, Administration of Estates, Taxation of Trusts and Estates, and Trust and Estate Accounting. Each module involves months of self-study followed by a three-hour examination. Candidates must also demonstrate at least two years' relevant professional experience at mid to senior level, maintain annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and adhere to STEP's Code of Professional Conduct.
Emma, a solicitor with five years in general practice, completed the STEP Diploma over 18 months while working full-time. After passing all four exams, she became a full STEP member and can now use "Emma Thompson TEP" on her business cards, demonstrating specialist estate planning expertise beyond her general legal qualification.
Estate planning is largely unregulated in the UK—anyone can legally write wills without qualifications. STEP research from September 2023 found that 79% of STEP members have encountered wills containing errors drafted by unqualified advisors, 45% have seen invalid wills, and 34% have witnessed poor tax advice causing unnecessary inheritance tax bills. STEP membership provides consumer protection through professional conduct requirements and professional indemnity insurance obligations.
Common Questions
"What does TEP after someone's name mean?" TEP stands for Trust and Estate Practitioner and indicates full STEP membership. To earn this designation, they've passed four rigorous exams, demonstrated at least two years' relevant experience, and committed to ongoing professional development.
"Do I need a STEP-qualified solicitor to write my will?" Legally, no—estate planning is unregulated in the UK. However, STEP research found that 79% of members have encountered errors in wills by unqualified advisors, and 45% have seen invalid wills. STEP qualification provides assurance of specialist expertise.
"Is STEP the same as the Law Society?" No. The Law Society regulates all solicitors across every area of law. STEP is a specialist professional body for inheritance planning experts, including solicitors, accountants, and trust professionals.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: All solicitors are qualified to write wills and handle complex estates.
Reality: While all solicitors have legal training, estate planning is a specialist area requiring knowledge of inheritance tax, trusts, probate law, and estate administration. STEP qualification demonstrates specific, proven expertise in inheritance and succession planning. Many general solicitors refer complex estate matters to STEP-qualified specialists.
Myth: STEP provisions and STEP membership are the same thing.
Reality: STEP the organisation and STEP Standard Provisions are completely different. STEP is a professional body that certifies specialists through the TEP designation. STEP Standard Provisions are pre-drafted will clauses published by STEP that solicitors can incorporate into wills. You can use STEP provisions without the drafter being STEP-qualified.
Related Terms
Understanding STEP connects to these related concepts:
- Professional Executor: STEP-qualified professionals often serve as professional executors, bringing specialist expertise to estate administration.
- Solicitor: General legal qualification that differs from STEP's specialist estate planning accreditation, though many estate planning solicitors hold both.
- Trustee: STEP-qualified professionals frequently serve as professional trustees, with Trust Administration being a core STEP qualification module.
- Law Society: General regulatory body for solicitors, distinct from STEP's role as a voluntary specialist professional body.
Related Articles
- Online Will vs Solicitor: Which Should You Choose?: STEP qualifications help you evaluate specialist estate planning expertise when choosing professional services for complex estates or inheritance tax planning.
- The Role of the Law Society in Will Writing: Understanding how the Law Society regulates solicitors provides context for STEP's role as a specialist accreditation body.
- Handwritten Wills: Are They Legal?: STEP research showing 45% of members have encountered invalid wills demonstrates risks of non-professional approaches.
- Discretionary Trusts in Wills Explained: Discretionary trusts require the specialist taxation and trust knowledge that STEP qualification covers.
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Legal Disclaimer: This glossary entry provides general information about UK legal terminology and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.