Frequently Asked Questions


If you have a question please refer to the following:

STEP Education Programme FAQs

Enrolment

Where can I find the course enrolment form and syllabus?
These can be downloaded from the brochure and forms page of the website.
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Do I have to register for the five day workshop or is it possible to just sit the examination?
It is strongly advised that you attend the workshop as it is an integral part of the course. However, if you do decide not to attend, this will not preclude you from sitting the examination. The workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from our experienced trainers, prepare for the case study assessment and network with other practitioners.

The course fee is not reduced if you are unable to attend the workshop. The course fee is inclusive of the distance learning materials, website facilities, workshop and examination and cannot be broken down into separate elements.

There is a residential option for the five day workshop. This is not included in the course fee, but will be offered at a reduced rate. Full details will be sent to all those enrolled on the course.
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What is the cost of the course and when does the course fee have to be paid?
The cost of this Diploma is £1,750 plus VAT. The course fee has to be paid within 28 days of receipt of the invoice.
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When do I receive my distance-learning material and course details?
Once your booking is processed, you will receive email notification of your registration. The course materials will be dispatched within a few days. The welcome letter that you receive with your course materials confirms the workshop and examination dates.
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Can I buy the course materials without registering on the course?
The course materials cannot be purchased separately to enrolment on the course.

Studying
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How much study is involved?
The Diploma is intensive and it is recommended that 12 hours of personal study is undertaken per week prior to the workshop and examination.


What /how much support do students receive?
You will receive a comprehensive set of distance learning materials when you enrol. You will also have access to the delegate section of the website which contains further study aids such as online webinars. You will attend a five-day workshop at the end of the distance learning component. If you have any questions at all regarding the course materials during the self-study period, these can be emailed to us at cltstep_registrar@centlaw.com and will be answered by subject tutors.
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How long will the programme take to complete?
The programme is intensive in nature and will be completed within four months.
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Examinations

What is the format of the examination?
The Diploma is assessed by way of a 3 ½ hour case study examination. You will be given a private client case and asked to manage a series of work-related tasks. You will need to demonstrate your ability to apply your experience and knowledge of trusts and estates to this private client case. For instance, you could be asked to analyse a client’s will or provide tax advice.
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What is the pass mark?
The pass mark is 50%. Students achieving 70% or more will be awarded a distinction.
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Where will the workshop and examination be held?
The location of the workshops and exam will vary from sitting to sitting and you should check the Course Dates page of the website for current dates and locations.
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STEP FAQS

 
Membership Queries
 

I can’t remember my membership number, how do I find out what it is?
You should contact the STEP Worldwide office.
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How do I update my details?
Visit the STEP website and click on the ‘Login’ button, typing in your username (membership number) and password.
You can the update your details using the ‘My Details’ icon.
For a ‘How To’ guide email a request to step@step.org
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What are the member benefits and services?
Member services include:
  • Full members can use the TEP designation and the STEP logo - enhancing their profile in the industry
  • STEP Educational Programmes
  • STEP Journal and the Trust Quarterly Review(TQR)
  • STEP Directory & Yearbook
  • CPD accredited programme of events
  • International, national and branch programme of conferences and seminars
  • Technical and membership newsletters by email
  • Government lobbying and representation
  • Trusts discussion forum
  • Online technical resources
  • Listing on the Find a Practitioner area of the STEP website
  • Discounts on services such as publications and educational training
  • Jurisdiction summaries
  • Special interest groups
  • STEP job search
  • STEP TV
  • STEP Wealth Directory


Visit www.step.org/members to download the STEP Member Services Brochure for further details on all the services provided.
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Subscriptions

What is the annual STEP membership subscription fee?

Your student membership fee is included in the course fee for the STEP Diploma for Accountants and Tax Practitioners. Once you have completed the Diploma and upgraded to full STEP membership, you will be invoiced for your full STEP membership subscription. The full STEP membership fee is currently £215 per annum. Applicable between 01/04/2011 - 31/03/2012.
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Who should I pay?
Students pay their course fees to CLT on enrolment. Once you have upgraded to full STEP membership, you will pay your annual membership subscription to STEP.
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What payment options are available?
Subscriptions can be paid either by cheque or credit/debit card. STEP does not ordinarily accept bank transfers.
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What happens if I don’t pay?
If payment is not received, your membership is suspended and will remain inactive until you pay all outstanding fees.
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New Student Queries

Do I need to apply to STEP as well as CLT when I book myself onto the Diploma course?
No. Each month CLT provides STEP with a list of new students. STEP then issues students with STEP membership welcome packs within 6-8 weeks.
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How do I upgrade from student to full membership of STEP?
On completion of the STEP Diploma for Accountants and Tax Practitioners (Trusts and Estates) you can apply to upgrade from student to full STEP membership.

STEP will contact you regarding upgrading after you have completed the course OR you can complete the membership upgrade form which is available to download from the STEP website and return it to the STEP Worldwide office within six months of completion of your studies.

Membership Department
STEP Worldwide
Artillery House (South)
11 - 19 Artillery Row
London
SW1P 1RT
UK
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Student Member Queries

What is the difference between the CLT and STEP websites?
The CLT website gives STEP students access to exam timetables, enrolment forms, course materials, study aids and examination results. The education section of the STEP website provides information on course content, additional courses, upgrading to full STEP membership and student involvement in STEP (e.g. committees and local branches).
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How do I login to www.step.org and www.clt-step.co.uk/atp?
Login information for the CLT and STEP websites are different. The CLT website uses your CLT student ID number and password. These are included with your distance learning materials. The STEP website uses your STEP membership number.
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What support will I get after I qualify?
Once you have completed the qualification and upgraded to full STEP membership you will receive the STEP Journal to keep you up-to-date with industry developments and you can also sign up to our News Digest email alerts. The STEP local, national and international learning and business network also offers you the opportunity to discuss topical issues with fellow TEPs.

The STEP Branch Network is one of the keys to STEPs success as branches are responsible for their own educational and social activities and many organise annual conferences and seminars. To find your local branch visit www.step.org/branches
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When do I become a member of STEP?
You become a student member as soon as you begin studying the Diploma. You are then upgraded to full STEP membership on successful completion of the course.
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Publications and Events

How do I order a STEP book/publication?
Visit www.step.org/publications for full listings, costs and order forms or email orders@step.org
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Can I buy the STEP Journal if I am not a STEP member?
Yes, STEP offers a subscription to the STEP Journal for non-members. The subscription costs £345 per year and includes 10 issues of the STEP Journal, 4 issues of the Trust Quarterly Review (TQR) and regular regional supplements. For more information visit www.step.org/subscribe
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How can I book a STEP conference?
Go to www.step.org/conferences to search for a STEP event. Registration and payment can be made online for key events. Alternatively, email conferences@step.org


If you cannot find the answer to your question, please Contact us.