Is the course really free?

Yes, completely. No hidden fees, no credit card required. The free training covers wills, LPAs and trusts in full — the same content other UK providers charge £600–£1,000 for. We give it away because we make our money from the optional coached programme that comes after.

Do I need any qualifications?

No formal qualifications needed. Will writing is unregulated in the UK. What matters is proper training — which we provide.

How long does the course take?

Most people complete it in 2–4 weeks, studying a few hours per week. It's self-paced, so you can go faster or slower.

What's the difference between the free course and the coached programme?

The free course teaches the legal knowledge — wills, LPAs and trusts. The coached programme is the optional next step that teaches the sales and business side: how to find clients, charge properly, and build a real estate planning business stage by stage. £199/month for four months, then £99/month for WILLO ongoing.

Can I do this part-time?

Absolutely. Most of our students run it 3–4 hours a day, 3 days a week, around other commitments. You choose your own hours.

What if I just want the free training and stop there?

Brilliant. Plenty of people do — they use what they learn to look after their own family's documents in WILLO. There's no pressure to progress to the coached programme.

What qualifications do I need to become an estate planner?

There is no single mandatory qualification for estate planning in the UK. Will writing and LPA preparation are not reserved legal activities. However, you need proper training, professional indemnity insurance, and ideally membership of a professional body like the IPW or SWW.

Is estate planning the same as will writing?

Estate planning is broader than will writing. It covers wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), trusts, inheritance tax planning, and protecting assets for future generations. Will writing is one important component of estate planning.

Do I need a law degree to do estate planning?

No. While some estate planners have legal backgrounds, it is not a requirement. Many successful estate planners come from non-legal backgrounds and qualify through practical training and professional body membership.

What is the BCEP designation?

BCEP stands for Become a Certified Estate Planner — the designation awarded by Become an Estate Planner to students who pass the coached programme. It is assessed, not attendance-based: six live role-play assessments covering will instructions, client presentations, and LPA and trust consultations; drafted documents reviewed by working estate planners; and stage-by-stage sign-offs on a client process built on treating customers fairly. Holders use the letters BCEP after their name on emails, websites and letterheads.

Which qualification is best for estate planning?

For most people starting out, our free training course followed by IPW or SWW membership is the best route. If you want advanced qualifications later, STEP is the gold standard for estate practitioners.

How long does it take to qualify as an estate planner?

With our free course, you can complete training in 2-4 weeks. Professional body membership can follow shortly after. Compare this with 3-6 years for a law degree or 1-2 years for STEP qualifications.

What do estate planning clients look for?

Clients look for professional indemnity insurance, professional body membership, demonstrable knowledge, and a professional approach. Our training ensures you meet all of these requirements from the start.

Can I specialise in estate planning without covering wills?

Wills are a core part of estate planning, so most estate planners also write wills. However, some practitioners focus more heavily on trusts, tax planning, or LPAs depending on their interests and client base.

Is estate planning a good career in the UK?

Yes. With an ageing population and growing awareness of estate planning, demand is increasing. Estate planners can earn £30,000-£60,000+ depending on hours worked, and the work is flexible and rewarding.

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:

Side-by-side comparison of estate planning qualification pathways:

Pathway	Cost	Duration	Prerequisites	Best For
IPW Membership	~£350/yr	Ongoing	Training + exam	Working estate planners
SWW Membership	~£400/yr	Ongoing	Approved training	Industry recognition
STEP Diploma	£2,000+	1-2 years	Experience	Advanced practitioners
CILEx	£1,000+	1-3 years	GCSEs	Formal legal qualification
Our Free Course	Free	2-4 weeks	None	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 with our free 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 — subscribe to WILLO (£150/month), set up as a sole trader, and keep 100% of your fees. Our paid coached programme is available if you want structured business-build support.

LETTERS AFTER YOUR NAME

BCEP — Become a Certified Estate Planner

Students who pass our coached programme are awarded the BCEP designation. It's assessed, not attendance-based: six live role-play assessments (will instructions, client presentations, LPA and trust consultations), drafted documents reviewed by working estate planners, and a client process signed off on treating customers fairly. Students who don't meet the standard are reassessed — completion is earned, not bought.

Pass, and the letters go after your name — Sarah Jones BCEP — on your email signature, website and letterheads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about estate planning qualifications in the UK:

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Estate Planning Qualifications UK

About Estate Planning Qualifications

Estate Planning Qualification Pathways

IPW (Institute of Professional Willwriters)

SWW (Society of Will Writers)

STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)

CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)

Our Free Training Course

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