What is STEP?

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners ("STEP") is a global professional body, comprised of lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and other practitioners that help families plan for their futures. STEP provides confidence to families by setting standards, training and educating our members, and upholding those standards. Full STEP members, known as 'TEPs' are internationally recognized as experts in their field.

STEP's aims include raising the public profile of trust and estate work as a profession. In order to hold and maintain STEP's Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation, STEP members must maintain ongoing educational requirements. Prospective members must pass rigorous training standards.

A key element of STEP's ongoing mandate is to provide a forum for discussion and advancement of practitioner knowledge of relevant tax, accounting, administration, statute and case law through regular branch seminars, symposia, and an annual national conference.

STEP Canada is also active in making representations of a technical nature to government, policymakers and related professional bodies, with the goal of promoting better understanding of trusts and estates, and improving related law and policy.

What is a 'TEP'?

'TEP' stands for 'Trust and Estate Practitioner', and is the designation given to full members of STEP. To become a TEP, practitioners must have a combination of specialist qualifications and experience, including significant involvement at a specialist level with inheritance and succession planning.

Why should I use a TEP?

Choosing a professional to help you to deal with such important and often sensitive issues can be difficult. Many aspects of planning are non-regulated, meaning anyone can write a will, for example, regardless of training or expertise. With a TEP, you're in safe hands.

• Expertise: TEPs are recognized experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience. By joining STEP and maintaining their membership they have also shown significant commitment to their continued professional development in this specialist area.
• Integrity: TEPs are subject to an extensive Code of Professional Conduct, requiring them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the wider community.
• Knowledge: TEPs are required to maintain and develop the knowledge and skills relevant to their role as a condition of their continued membership. This means TEPs will always be up to date with the latest legal, technical and regulatory developments that may affect you and your situation.
• Connections: TEPs have access to a global network of 20,000 advisors and professionals, enabling them to share knowledge and expertise across professional and geographic boundaries and to offer a joined-up service that can really add value to you as a client.