Here's how the major will writer training providers in the UK compare on price, delivery, and what's included:
| Provider | Price | Delivery | Duration | Software Included? | Ongoing Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectWill | £995 | Online | 2 days | ✅ Free (£300/yr value) | ✅ Unlimited |
| IPW | £3,500 | Online/In-person | 3 days | ❌ (£360/yr extra) | ✅ Annual membership |
| Society of Will Writers | £4,300 | In-person | 3 days | ❌ (£495/yr extra) | ✅ First year free |
| BTWC | £7,595 | In-person | 5 days | ❌ (£600/yr extra) | ✅ 6 months included |
| CTT Business Growth | £4,500 | In-person | 3 days | ❌ (price varies) | ❌ Limited |
| Online/Self-Study | £300-800 | Online | Self-paced | ❌ Usually extra | ❌ Very limited |
💡 Key Insight: ProjectWill is the only provider offering free will writing software included in the training price, saving you £300-600 per year. Over 3 years, that's a saving of £900-1,800 compared to competitors.
Will writer training is professional education that teaches you how to draft legally-sound wills and related estate planning documents in the UK. Unlike solicitors, will writers don't need formal legal qualifications – but comprehensive training is essential.
The best will writer training programs cover:
While the UK doesn't legally require will writers to have qualifications, professional training is crucial for several reasons:
Most will writer training courses are delivered over 2-5 days, either in-person or online. The best programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and real-world scenarios.
Complete training, free software, and unlimited support for just £995
View Training Details →Let's dive deep into each major will writer training provider in the UK, examining what they offer, how much they cost, and who they're best suited for.
One-time payment • No hidden costs • Free software included
ProjectWill's training is delivered online over 2 days (typically a weekend), with sessions running from 9am to 5pm each day. The course is led by experienced will writers who currently run their own practices.
Day 1 focuses on:
Day 2 covers:
ProjectWill is the only UK will writer training provider that includes professional software completely free. The Willo platform they provide would normally cost £300/year, but ProjectWill training graduates get lifetime access at no extra cost.
This means:
When you factor in the software, ProjectWill's effective training cost is just £95 over 3 years – an incredible value proposition.
One of ProjectWill's standout features is unlimited ongoing support. After training, you get:
This is particularly valuable in your first year when questions inevitably arise. Many competitors charge £200-500/year for similar support.
ProjectWill is ideal if you:
Real Student Feedback: "I compared 5 different training providers and ProjectWill offered the best value by far. The free software alone saves me £360/year compared to what IPW charges. The training was excellent and I wrote my first paid will within 2 weeks." - Sarah M., Surrey
Compare to: IPW (£3,500 + £1,080 software over 3 years = £4,580) or Society of Will Writers (£4,300 + £1,485 software = £5,785)
Your savings with ProjectWill: £3,585 to £4,790 over 3 years
Training only • Software £360/year extra • Membership required
The Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) is one of the UK's most established will writer training organizations, founded in 1991. They offer comprehensive training and run a membership organization for practicing will writers.
IPW's training is delivered over 3 days and covers:
The course includes theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and case studies. You'll receive a certificate upon completion, which many will writers display to clients as proof of professional training.
IPW operates as a membership organization. After training, you're expected to maintain annual membership (£295/year) to access ongoing support, updates, and use the IPW logo.
Membership benefits include:
IPW doesn't include will writing software in the training fee. They recommend their partner software, SmartWill, which costs:
This is an additional ongoing cost that adds up quickly:
IPW is a good choice if you:
Compare to ProjectWill: £995 total (saving of £4,175 over 3 years)
Training + first year membership • Software £495/year extra
The Society of Will Writers is the UK's oldest professional body for will writers, established in 1994. They're known for rigorous training standards and a strong focus on professional ethics.
SWW's training is delivered in-person over 3 intensive days. The course is known for being thorough and demanding, with a strong emphasis on legal accuracy and professional conduct.
The curriculum covers:
After the course, you complete a take-home assessment to demonstrate your understanding. Pass rates are high (90%+) but the assessment does require serious engagement with the material.
SWW operates a membership model. Your first year's membership (£395) is included in the £4,300 training fee, but from year 2 onwards you'll pay:
Like IPW, SWW doesn't include will writing software in the training package. They recommend their partner software, which costs approximately:
3-year software cost:
What sets SWW apart is their reputation for high professional standards. They maintain a strict code of conduct and take complaints seriously. For some clients, seeing "Society of Will Writers" on your credentials carries significant weight.
SWW also offers strong networking opportunities through:
Consider SWW if you:
Compare to ProjectWill: £995 total (saving of £5,580 over 3 years)
Premium package • 6 months support • Software extra
British Training & Consultancy offers the most expensive will writer training in the UK at £7,595. They position themselves as a premium option with extended training and business mentoring.
Unlike other providers who offer 2-3 day courses, BTWC's training runs for 5 days. The extra time is spent on:
The course is delivered in-person at their training centers in England.
BTWC's unique selling point is 6 months of post-training business mentoring. This includes:
For some new will writers, this hand-holding is invaluable. For others who are more self-directed, it may not justify the £7,595 price tag.
Despite the high training cost, BTWC doesn't include will writing software. They recommend third-party options costing:
There's no formal membership organization, so no annual fees – but also no ongoing support after the 6-month mentoring period ends.
BTWC might suit you if you:
Compare to ProjectWill: £995 total (saving of £8,400 over 3 years)
💡 Reality Check: At £7,595, BTWC's training costs as much as writing 17-19 mirror wills. Most will writers report feeling ready to practice after 2-3 day courses. The 5-day format and 6-month mentoring may not justify the 7.6x price premium over ProjectWill.
Training package • Limited ongoing support • Software extra
CTT Business Growth offers will writer training as part of their broader professional services portfolio. They focus on practical business skills alongside technical training.
CTT's training emphasizes the business side of will writing more than some competitors. Their 3-day course splits roughly:
This business focus appeals to entrepreneurs who want to build a will writing practice, but may feel light on technical depth for those primarily interested in the legal aspects.
Unlike IPW and SWW, CTT doesn't operate a membership organization. You get 3 months of email support after training, but there's no formal network, no annual updates, and no ongoing community.
This keeps ongoing costs low (no membership fees), but means you're more on your own after the initial support period ends.
CTT doesn't include will writing software. They provide recommendations but you'll need to purchase separately at market rates (£300-600/year).
CTT suits you if you:
Compare to ProjectWill: £995 total (saving of £4,855 over 3 years)
Several providers offer online, self-paced will writer training at lower prices (£300-800). These typically include:
Pros: Very affordable, learn at your own pace, no travel required
Cons: No live instruction, limited support, harder to ask questions, may lack depth, less credible to clients
Some further education colleges offer evening or part-time will writing courses, typically costing £500-1,200. These are generally basic introductions rather than comprehensive professional training.
Working as an apprentice or assistant to an established will writer is another path. You'll learn on the job, but finding these opportunities can be challenging as most will writers are sole practitioners.
💡 Our View: While budget self-study courses save money upfront, they rarely provide the depth, support, or credibility needed to build a successful practice. ProjectWill offers better value at £995 with comprehensive live training, free software, and unlimited support.
When comparing will writer training providers, evaluate these key factors:
Your training must cover:
Will writing software costs £300-600/year. Over 3 years, that's £900-1,800. Only ProjectWill includes professional software free for life.
If software isn't included, factor this into your total cost comparison.
Questions will arise after training. Consider:
Look beyond the headline training price. Calculate:
Online vs. in-person each have advantages:
Online training:
In-person training:
Neither is inherently better – choose based on your learning style and circumstances.
Consider:
Ask:
Here's what you'll really pay for will writer training over 3 years, including software and membership:
| Provider | Training | Software (3yr) | Membership (3yr) | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectWill | £995 | £0 (free) | £0 | £995 |
| IPW | £3,500 | £1,080 | £590 | £5,170 |
| Society of Will Writers | £4,300 | £1,485 | £790 | £6,575 |
| BTWC | £7,595 | £1,800 | £0 | £9,395 |
| CTT | £4,500 | £1,350 | £0 | £5,850 |
If you charge £400 for mirror wills (UK average), here's how many clients you need to break even on your training investment:
This demonstrates why ProjectWill offers such compelling value for new will writers – you're profitable after just your third client.
Will writing can be highly profitable once you're established. Here's realistic income potential:
Working part-time (10-15 hours/week), most new will writers report:
After expenses (insurance £1,200, software £0 with ProjectWill, marketing £1,000, misc £500), net profit: £11,700-£35,700
With referrals and repeat business:
Full-time will writers (30-40 hours/week) can earn significantly more:
Based on conservative first-year part-time earnings of £20,000:
While all options can deliver positive returns, ProjectWill's lower upfront cost means you keep more of your earnings in the critical first year.
Join ProjectWill's next training cohort • £995 all-in • Free software for life
Book Your Training →One question many aspiring will writers ask: "Do I need to be accredited?"
In the UK, will writing is currently unregulated. This means:
However, this doesn't mean training is unnecessary – quite the opposite.
1. Professional Indemnity Insurance
All will writers need professional indemnity insurance (£6-10 million cover recommended). Insurers require proof of proper training before they'll cover you. No training = no insurance = can't practice safely.
2. Client Confidence
Clients want reassurance you know what you're doing. Displaying a certificate from a recognized training provider gives credibility. Would you trust someone drafting your will who learned from YouTube?
3. Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Inheritance law is complex. A single drafting error can cost an estate thousands or invalidate a will entirely. Training teaches you to avoid common pitfalls.
4. Complex Cases
Not all wills are simple. You'll encounter blended families, business assets, foreign property, tax planning needs, and vulnerable clients. Training prepares you for these scenarios.
When training providers mention "accreditation," they typically mean:
There's no single "official" accrediting body for will writers in the UK. IPW and SWW are the largest self-regulatory organizations, but neither is government-mandated.
Membership is optional, but offers benefits:
Pros of membership:
Cons:
Many successful will writers operate without membership, relying on their training certificate, client testimonials, and reputation instead.
One of the biggest decisions when choosing will writer training is delivery method. Let's compare:
Choose online if:
Choose in-person if:
Some wonder if online training is "as good" as in-person. The evidence suggests it depends on the provider, not the format:
ProjectWill's online training, for example, is delivered live over Zoom with plenty of Q&A, breakout rooms for exercises, and ongoing support – comparable quality to in-person courses at a fraction of the cost.
Will writer training in the UK ranges from £995 (ProjectWill) to £7,595 (BTWC). Most established providers charge £3,500-£4,300 (IPW, SWW). However, the headline price doesn't tell the full story – you must factor in software costs (£300-600/year), annual membership fees, and ongoing support. ProjectWill offers the best value at £995 all-in with free software for life.
No formal qualifications are legally required to become a will writer in the UK – the profession is currently unregulated. However, professional training is essential for several reasons: professional indemnity insurers require it, clients expect it, and it prevents costly mistakes. Most successful will writers complete accredited training from recognized providers like ProjectWill, IPW, or SWW.
Most will writer training courses take 2-5 days to complete the core content. ProjectWill offers 2-day online training, IPW and SWW provide 3-day courses (online or in-person), and BTWC runs a 5-day intensive program. Self-paced online courses can take longer depending on your schedule. After the main training, expect to spend a few weeks practicing and reviewing materials before taking on your first paid client.
ProjectWill offers the best value will writer training in the UK at £995, including free will writing software (worth £300/year), professional templates, and unlimited ongoing support. For those seeking more premium options with established brand recognition, the Institute of Professional Willwriters (£3,500) and Society of Will Writers (£4,300) are well-respected choices. The "best" depends on your budget, learning preferences, and whether you value membership of a professional organization.
Yes, will writer training typically pays for itself within your first 5-10 clients. With average fees of £400-450 for mirror wills, a £995 training investment (ProjectWill) can be recovered after just 2-3 clients, often within your first month of active work. The training prevents costly legal mistakes, gives clients confidence in your expertise, and is required for professional indemnity insurance. First-year part-time will writers often earn £15,000-£35,000, making training an excellent ROI.
Yes, several reputable providers offer comprehensive online will writer training, including ProjectWill (£995) and IPW (£3,500). Online training is just as legitimate as in-person courses – professional indemnity insurers accept it, and clients don't differentiate. Online courses save you travel costs and time while providing the same knowledge and certification. Look for live, interactive training rather than just pre-recorded videos for the best learning experience.
Will writers typically use specialized will writing software like Willo, SmartWill, or Fastdraft, which cost £300-600/year. These platforms help you draft legally-sound wills efficiently, reduce errors, and store client data securely. ProjectWill is the only UK training provider that includes professional will writing software free for life (Willo platform, worth £300/year). Other providers charge software separately, adding £900-1,800 to your costs over 3 years.
No, joining a professional body like the Institute of Professional Willwriters or Society of Will Writers is optional, not legally required. Membership offers benefits (credibility, networking, legal updates, CPD) but costs £295-£395/year. Many successful will writers operate without membership, relying on their training certificate and reputation. If you train with ProjectWill, you get unlimited ongoing support without needing to pay annual membership fees.
Part-time will writers typically earn £15,000-£35,000 in their first year, increasing to £25,000-£55,000+ once established. Full-time will writers often earn £60,000-£100,000+. Average fees are £150-250 for single wills and £400-450 for mirror wills (couples). Your income depends on how many hours you work, your marketing effectiveness, and your local market. Most will writers break even on training costs within their first 3-10 clients.
No, will writing is currently an unregulated profession in the UK. There's no legal requirement for qualifications, licensing, or mandatory professional body membership. However, professional training is essential because: (1) professional indemnity insurers require it, (2) clients expect credible qualifications, and (3) it prevents costly mistakes. Self-regulatory bodies like IPW and SWW maintain professional standards for their members.
Most will writers take on their first paid client within 2-6 weeks of completing training. You'll need about 1-2 weeks to set up your business (insurance, business structure, marketing materials), then start networking and marketing your services. ProjectWill graduates often write their first will within 2-3 weeks thanks to the included software and templates. Your first clients typically come from personal networks, local networking groups, or online marketing.
After comparing all major will writer training providers in the UK, here's our assessment:
For the vast majority of aspiring will writers, ProjectWill offers the best value by a significant margin. Here's why:
Unless you specifically need the brand recognition of SWW/IPW for your target market, ProjectWill delivers equal or better value at 5-7x lower cost.
If brand matters more than cost, the Society of Will Writers is the UK's oldest and most established will writing body. The SWW name carries weight, particularly with older, more traditional clients. However, you'll pay £5,580 more than ProjectWill over 3 years for this branding.
The Institute of Professional Willwriters offers solid training, a strong network, and good reputation at a mid-premium price point. If you want an established provider but can't justify SWW's £4,300 fee, IPW is a reasonable compromise. However, you'll still pay £4,175 more than ProjectWill over 3 years.
At £7,595, British Training & Consultancy is difficult to recommend. The 5-day format and 6-month mentoring don't justify costing 7.6x more than ProjectWill. You could complete ProjectWill training, gain real-world experience with 10-15 actual paying clients, and still spend less than BTWC charges just for training.
If you're budget-conscious or starting part-time: Choose ProjectWill. The £995 investment is low-risk, breaks even quickly, and includes everything you need.
If you have capital and want premium branding: Choose SWW (£4,300) or IPW (£3,500). You'll pay significantly more but gain membership of established organizations.
If you're unsure: Start with ProjectWill. You can always join IPW or SWW later if you decide membership benefits are worth the ongoing fees. You can't, however, get refunds from expensive providers if you realize you overpaid.
Will writing is a profitable, flexible career that requires professional training. While several providers offer quality training, ProjectWill delivers the best value for most aspiring will writers at £995 all-in with free software and unlimited support.
The money you save on training (£3,505-£8,400 vs. competitors) can be invested in marketing, better insurance coverage, or simply kept as profit from your first year's earnings.
Remember: clients care that you're properly trained, not which specific provider trained you. Focus on delivering excellent service, building your reputation through testimonials and referrals, and growing your practice profitably.
Join ProjectWill's comprehensive training program for just £995
✅ 2-day online training | ✅ Free software for life | ✅ Unlimited support | ✅ All templates included
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