Advanced Certificate in Wills and Executries: Law and Practice (Scotland)

This qualification will help those involved with the administration of estates to understand the processes and common issues that arise. It is also useful for any professionals whose work brings them into contact with probate practitioners, such as will writers and estate planners, whose advice to clients depends on understanding the impact of any decisions made in advance.

STEP Diploma

This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma. Find out more

What does this qualification cover and how is it delivered?

What does this qualification cover?

  • The Requirements for making a Valid Will
  • Rules for Will Drafting
  • Clauses in Will Drafting
  • How to Draft an Appropriate Will
  • Post-Death Variations
  • The Procedure from Death to the Close of Executry
  • The IHT400
  • The Procedure in Intestate Succession
  • Inheritance Tax
  • Executry Accounts
  • Powers of Attorney and Guardianship

How is it delivered?

The programme is delivered through a combination of online learning and two online workshops and will take four months to complete. We recommend that you spend four to six hours per week on private study for the four months prior to the examination.

What are the benefits to me and my employer?

Completing the programme successfully will validate your competence and enhance your expertise in:

  • explaining and fulfilling the requirements for a valid Will in Scotland
  • describing the full procedures to follow, from death to close of executry
  • defining what is meant by an intestate estate and the correct procedures to apply
  • identifying the information needed to prepare executry accounts
Entry advice and requirements

Who would find this qualification useful?

This Advanced Certificate is suitable for a wide range of practitioners and counts towards the STEP Diploma.

What are the entry requirements?

Admission depends on meeting the Entry Level requirements, outlined in the Qualifications and Membership Framework.

Further course details

How long will it take to complete

Advanced Certificates take six months to complete from enrolling to sitting the examination.

How much will it cost?

The course fees for each Advanced Certificate can be found on the CLTI website.

Where is it available?

This course is available in Scotland only. For full details visit the CLTI website.

What are the course dates?

For full course dates visit the CLTI website.

How do I apply?

Find out more information on enrolment

Help and advice

For enquiries on course enrolment please contact CLTI at [email protected] or +44(0)121 362 7733. For any other queries regarding professional development please email STEP at [email protected].

CPD Policy

Members are required to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills to ensure a high standard of practice.

Join STEP

We offer a range of member categories to suit your professional requirements, qualifications and experience.

Our Education Partner: CLTI

The Advanced Certificates that make up the STEP Diploma are delivered by STEP's primary training partner, CLTI. CLTI is a professional training, education and qualifications provider for the financial services industry, and over the past 20 years, CLTI and STEP have worked together to develop more than 25 qualifications and training courses that fit practitioners’ needs, and support STEP’s Exam Route to Full Membership