FAQs


If you have a question please refer to the following :

STEP FAQs

 
Membership Queries
 

I can’t remember my membership number, how do I find out what it is?
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:
  • STEP Educational programmes (including the STEP Diploma)
  • STEP Journal and the Trust Quarterly Review (TQR)
  • STEP Directory and 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
  • Full members can use the TEP designation and the STEP logo- enhancing their profile in the industry


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?
On completion of the Certificate you will become an affiliate of STEP. The fee for affiliate status is currently £195.00.
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Who should I pay?
Students pay their course fees to CLT and their annual affiliate subscription to STEP.
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What payment options are available?
Subscriptions can be paid either by cheque or credit/debit card. STEP do 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. 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 Certificate students. STEP then issues students with STEP membership welcome packs within 6-8 weeks.
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Should I become a full STEP member or an affiliate of STEP?
If you have completed the 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-stepfscert.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 become an affiliate of STEP 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 practitioners.

The STEP Branch Network is one of the keys to STEP's 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 Certificate. You can then become an affiliate of STEP on completion of the qualification.

Find out 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


STEP Certificate FAQs

Enrolment

Where can I find the course enrolment form and syllabus?
These can be downloaded from the ‘syllabus and forms’ page of the website.
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What are the minimum entry requirements?
This is an open-entry Certificate but it is recommended that applicants should have some experience or have undertaken some study of the core areas covered in the Certificate, namely trusts, tax and estate planning.
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Are exemptions possible from any part of the programme?
No, the course is not divided into separate elements for the purpose of exemption.
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What is the cost of the course and when does the course fee have to be paid?
The cost of the course is £395 plus VAT. This fee includes course manual, online study support within a password protected study centre, and the entry fee for the examination. 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 examination 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 examination date.
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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?
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. 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.
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How long will the programme take to complete?
Four-six months, depending upon when you enrol.
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Examinations

What is the format of the examination?
In order to pass the Certificate delegates will be required to successfully complete a three hour closed book examination. The pass mark is 50%.
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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 £100 (plus VAT) for this.
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How many re-sits am I allowed?
You are allowed three attempts at the same examination.
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If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.