Upgrading your STEP Membership

As you complete STEP qualifications and gain experience in the industry, you will be able to progress to the next level of STEP membership.

Full STEP membership offers the greatest level of benefits, including the ability to use the ‘TEP’ designation. TEPs are internationally recognised as experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience.

Read more about the member benefits available at each level.

When and how to upgrade

Affiliate upgrading to Associate

  • An Affiliate can upgrade to Associate membership when they have successfully completed either one essay via the Essay Route or two Advanced Certificates.
  • Applicants upgrade by completing the Affiliate to Associate Upgrade Form (PDF 153KB)

Upgrading to Full (TEP) membership via Exam Route

  • To upgrade to Full (TEP) membership via the Exam Route, applicants must have completed the STEP Diploma and have a minimum of two years’ current experience in an area related to STEP (i.e. trusts, estates, succession and associated planning, management, accounting and tax).
  • Applicants upgrade by completing the Upgrade to Full Membership Form (PDF 190KB)
  • If you have completed a Diploma but do not yet have the required experience, you are eligible to hold Associate Membership.

Upgrading to Full (TEP) membership via Essay Route

  • To upgrade to Full (TEP) membership via the Essay Route, applicants must have successfully completed three essays and have a minimum of two years’ current experience in an area related to STEP (i.e. trusts, estates, succession and associated planning, management, accounting and tax).
  • Applicants upgrade by completing the Upgrade to Full Membership Form (PDF 190KB)
  • If you have completed the Essay Route but do not yet have the required experience, you are eligible to hold Associate Membership.
The process

Each upgrade application to Full membership is reviewed by the Membership Committee which meets monthly. Successful applicants receive an e-mail confirming their successful admittance to Full membership.

Fees

If the annual subscription fee has been paid for the current membership year, the difference between membership categories will be due. Those upgrading to TEP will also need to pay a one-time TEP Registration Fee.

Find out more
When can I use the designation TEP?

Once a Full Member has received their confirmation email from STEP, they may use the designation TEP.

Find out more about STEP Membership Categories or for any queries, email step@step.org