Enrolment
Where can I find the course enrolment form, exemption form and syllabus?
These can be downloaded from the ‘syllabus and forms’ page of the website. | top |
What are the minimum entry requirements?
STEP Foundation Certificate
No formal educational qualifications are required. The applicant may have been away from formal education for some time.
STEP Diploma for England & Wales (Trusts and Estates)
Candidates are advised to have a basic understanding of the Diploma core areas as well as one of the following:- A successfully completed STEP Foundation Certificate.
- Educational qualifications at ‘A’ level or equivalent.
- A recently obtained recognised professional qualification.
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Can I register to take more than one examination on one sitting?
Yes, but please note that STEP advise at least 4 months study time per Diploma paper based on 4-6 hours study per week. Examinations take place biannually, in May and November. | top |
Do I have to take the Diploma courses in a particular order?
The suggested order is the order in which the papers appear in the syllabus, but it is not obligatory that you enrol on the courses in this sequence. | top |
Are exemptions possible from Diploma papers?
Yes, exemptions are possible where the applicant has obtained a prior qualification that corresponds very closely in both content and level to the STEP Diploma paper from which exemption is sought. Significant relevant post-qualification experience may also be taken into account. See the exemptions page for more information on the criteria and application procedure. | top |
Do I have to register for the workshops or is there an examination-only option?
It is recommended that you attend the workshops, but if you are unable to attend then please let us know and we will send you the full set of workshop notes. The course fee is not reduced if you are unable to attend. The course fee is inclusive of the distance learning materials, website facilities, workshops and examination and cannot be broken down into separate elements. It is advised that you attend the workshops, as they are an integral part of the course, but if you do decide not to attend, this will not preclude you from sitting the examination. | top |
What is the cost of the course and when does the course fee have to be paid?
The cost of the Foundation Certificate and each Diploma course is £575 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 and payment is processed, you will receive email notification of the registration. The course materials will be dispatched within a few days. If the form is sent without payment, then the course materials will be dispatched once payment has been received. The welcome letter you receive with your course materials confirms your workshop and examination dates.
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Can I buy the course materials without registering on the courses?
The course materials cannot be purchased separately to enrolment on the course.
Studying | top |
How much study is involved?
It is recommended that 4-6 hours per week of study should be undertaken for 4-6 months prior to the examination.
What /how much support do students receive?
You will receive a comprehensive set of distance learning materials when you enrol. The student section of the website also contains study aides. You will attend two full days of workshops, and if you have any questions at all as to the course materials these can be emailed to us and will be answered by subject tutors. | top |
How long will the programme take to complete?
Each paper is a six month course and students have four years of STEP membership to complete the Diploma. | top |
Examinations |
What is the pass rate?
The pass rate varies from subject to subject and sitting to sitting but is generally in the region of 60-75%. Students are provided with past examination papers, which contain information on pass rates. | top |
What happens if I fail an exam?
A delegate who fails to obtain a pass may re-take the examination. There is a charge of £90 (plus VAT) for this. | top |
How many re-sits am I allowed?
You are allowed three attempts at the same examination. | top |
Membership Queries
I can’t remember my membership number, how do I find out what it is?
Contact the STEP Worldwide office. | top |
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 | top |
What are the member benefits and services?
Member services include:
- STEP Educational Programmes
- STEP Conferences and Events
- Networking
- Electronic Newsletters
- STEP Books & Leaflets
- STEP Journals
- STEP Directory & Yearbook
- Jurisdiction Summaries
- STEP TV – [link to www.steptv.org]
- STEP Lobbying and Representation
- www.step.org/findapractitioner
- STEP Recruitment
- Technical Resources at www.step.org
- STEP Online Services Directory
Visit www.step.org/members to download the STEP Member Services Brochure for further details on all the services provided. | top |
Subscriptions
What is the annual STEP membership subscription fee?
Student members will need to pay an £80.00 annual subscription and both full and associate members and affiliates will need to pay £195. Applicable between 01/04/2009 - 31/03/2010. | top |
Who should I pay?
Students pay their course fees to CLT and their annual subscription to STEP. | top |
What payment options are available?
Subscriptions can be paid either by cheque or credit/debit card. STEP do not ordinarily accept bank transfers. | top |
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. Students will not be awarded their certificates until all payments are made.
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New Student Queries
Do I need to apply to STEP as well as CLT when I book myself onto the Foundation Certificate or Diploma course?
No. Each month CLT provides STEP with a list of new Foundation Certificate and Diploma students. STEP then issues students with STEP membership welcome packs within 6-8 weeks. | top |
Are there Student Awards?
The Student Excellence Awards are held annually for England and Wales students. Those achieving the highest grade in each of the Diploma modules (from May and November) are rewarded and there is also a Student of the Year prize. | top |
How does the upgrade process work?
On receipt of your final exam results from CLT, STEP sends out invitation to upgrade forms. Your application, once received, will be reviewed by the Membership Committee and once approved a letter of confirmation will be sent. You can also find the upgrade form on the STEP website. | top |
Should I become a full STEP member or an affiliate of STEP?
If you have completed the Foundation Certificate and wish to end your studies here, you can become an affiliate of STEP. Find out more about becoming an affiliate of STEP at www.step.org/affiliate
However, if you study the Diploma, you will become a student member of STEP and can apply for full STEP membership once you have passed all four Diploma exams.
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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 course and exam timetables, enrolment application forms, 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?
Login information for the CLT and STEP websites are different. The CLT website uses your CLT student ID number. This will have been 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 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 TEP’s.
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 STEP Foundation Certificate or Diploma. You can them upgrade to full STEP membership when you have completed the Diploma and have two years experience. If you complete the Diploma but do not have two years experience, you can become an associate member.
However, if you only wish to complete the Foundation Certificate, you can become an affiliate of STEP on completion of the qualification. Find our more about becoming an affiliate at www.step.org/affiliate
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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. £345 per year 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
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