Estate Planning Qualifications UK
Everything you need to know about estate planning qualifications in the UK. From wills and LPAs to trusts and inheritance tax planning — here is how to get qualified.
About Estate Planning Qualifications
Estate planning is broader than will writing alone. It covers a range of services that help people protect their families and assets:
No single mandatory qualification
Unlike solicitors or barristers, estate planners do not need a specific legal qualification to practise. Will writing and LPA preparation are not reserved legal activities under the Legal Services Act 2007. What matters is proper training, insurance, and professional standards.
Estate Planning Qualification Pathways
Several routes can lead to a career in estate planning. Here is what each involves:
IPW (Institute of Professional Willwriters)
The leading professional body for will writers and estate planners.
Pass IPW entrance exam, comply with code of practice.
~£300-400/year membership
- Professional credibility
- Complaints handling framework
- Continuing professional development
- Use of IPW logo
SWW (Society of Will Writers)
Long-established professional body covering will writing and estate planning.
Complete approved training, meet entry criteria.
~£300-500/year membership
- Industry recognition
- Regulatory framework
- Professional community
- Public trust
STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)
The gold standard for estate and trust practitioners internationally.
STEP Diploma or equivalent qualification + experience.
£500+/year membership, qualifications cost extra
- Highest level of recognition
- International standing
- Advanced trust and tax specialisation
- Premium client access
CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)
Formal legal qualification body with estate planning pathways.
CILEx qualifications in relevant subjects.
Varies by qualification level
- Recognised legal qualification
- Broader legal scope
- Structured progression
- Chartered status possible
Our Foundation Course
Comprehensive practical training covering wills, drafting, trusts, LPAs, tax and care funding, professional practice and your first appointment.
None.
First two modules free, then £299 (£199 if bought within 5 days of signing up)
- Practical skills from day one
- Recorded role-plays reviewed by a trainer
- Certificate on completion
- Live training sessions and a student forum
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of estate planning qualification pathways:
| Pathway | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| IPW Membership | ~£350/yr | Working estate planners |
| SWW Membership | ~£400/yr | Industry recognition |
| STEP Diploma | £2,000+ | Advanced practitioners |
| CILEx | £1,000+ | Formal legal qualification |
| Our Foundation Course | Start free, then £299 | Getting started |
What Clients Look For in an Estate Planner
Clients care less about specific qualifications and more about these four things:
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Clients want to know they are protected if something goes wrong. Insurance is essential and affordable (~£300-500/year).
Professional Body Membership
Membership of the IPW or SWW shows clients you operate to a code of practice with complaints handling in place.
Demonstrable Experience
Even new estate planners can demonstrate competence through training certificates, case studies, and professional references.
Ongoing Professional Development
Clients value practitioners who stay up to date with changes in law and best practice through continuing education.
How to Get Qualified — Step by Step
The fastest and most affordable route into estate planning:
Complete Training
Start free with the first two modules, then take our Foundation course covering wills, LPAs, trusts, and estate planning fundamentals. Study online at your own pace.
Get Insured
Obtain professional indemnity insurance. This is essential for protecting you and your clients. We guide you through the process.
Join a Professional Body
Apply for membership with the IPW, SWW, or another relevant body. This gives you credibility and a regulatory framework.
Start Practising
Begin working with clients as an independent practitioner — set up as a sole trader and keep 100% of your fees. Our add-on courses (£199 each) or the Business Start-Up Package (£1,495, with 4 months of WILLO, case support and insurance cover for checked drafts) are there if you want more support.
BCEP — Become a Certified Estate Planner
Students who pass our Foundation course are awarded the BCEP designation. It's assessed, not attendance-based: recorded role-plays reviewed by a trainer and a 100-question final assessment — completion is earned, not bought.
Pass, and the letters go after your name — Sarah Jones BCEP — on your email signature, website and letterheads.
More on the BCEP designationFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about estate planning qualifications in the UK:
Start Your Estate Planning Career Today
Start free with the first two modules. Our Foundation course covers everything you need to begin your estate planning career. No qualifications or experience required.
The first two modules are free. Instant access.