DIPLOMA IN TRUSTS AND ESTATES NEW ZEALAND

About the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates
This qualification is a STEP-approved programme of study, and is not accredited by NZQA. This course has particular relevance to people whose working life touches on, or who are involved with trusts and estates:
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General practitioner lawyers and legal executives
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Accountants
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Insurance and investment advisors
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Trust specialists and trustee company employees
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Law and business Students STEP membership
Each advanced certificate provides you with credits towards STEP membership, enabling you to become either a STEP Affiliate or Technician.
Completion of the diploma (all four certificates) will provide 120 credits towards membership of STEP, which when combined with prior qualifications and work experience, allows you to become a full member of STEP and use the coveted designation TEP (Trusts and Estates Practitioner).
For further details on how to gain Entry Level Credits via exam, accreditation and previous experience, see STEP’s qualifications and membership framework
Course overview
The STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates is a practical and hands-on course designed and delivered by leading New Zealand trust and estate practitioners.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for a STEP Advanced Certificate are required to gain 60 entry level credits prior to enrolling on the course. 60 Entry Level Credits gives an applicant Affiliate Membership of STEP.
Entry credits can be gained through:
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Relevant prior qualification - up to 30 Entry Level Credits (max)
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Relevant experience - Up to 30 Entry Level Credits (max)
To apply for Affiliate Membership click here
Completing the diploma
The diploma is made up of four advanced certificates delivered via a combination of online modules, distance learning and online weekend workshops. There is also the option to complete individual advanced certificates and gain a Certificate of Proficiency.
When you complete all four advanced certificates you will be awarded the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates.
You will then be eligible for membership of STEP, subject to practical experience requirements.
Course details
Delivery mode: Online and distance learning
Student learning time: 110 hours comprising 12 hours approximately of remote class contact and 98 hours independent study (5 -7 hours independent study per week)
Assessment structure: 100% examination
Advanced certificates
Each advanced certificate takes 14 weeks to complete and ends with a take-home exam. You can complete the four certificates in any order.
1. Creation of Trusts certificate
The certificate covers:
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The trust concept (including fundamental trust concepts), the three certainties, the transfer of assets into trusts and applicable statutory and case law requirements.
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The background and historical use and development of discretionary and fixed trusts in New Zealand including their use to avoid estate duty and income tax, the specific issues this gave rise to with the legal drafting of trusts, consideration of some of the diverse legislation that has promoted, shaped and limited trusts and beneficial interests, and an overview of the conceptual changes the Trusts Act 2019 will bring to New Zealand trusts.
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A consideration of the ways in which trusts may be rendered ineffective or “attacked” under both legislation such as the Property (Relationships) Act, Property Law Act 2007 and Insolvency Act 2006 and under case law.
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The trust instrument (an examination of typical clauses in a modern discretionary family trust deed).
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A brief introduction to other trusts (charitable trusts, superannuation schemes and unit trusts, Maori trusts, resulting and constructive trusts).
2. Administration of Trusts certificate
The certificate examines trustees’ duties and liabilities, including making distributions, investing and delegating, and exercising trust powers improperly, and gives practical guidance on the discharge of those duties and liabilities.
3. Administration of Estates certificate
The administration of estates certificate assists executors and administrators in the core aspects of estate administration, including obtaining probate or letters of administration, addressing cross-border issues, dealing with creditors, potential claimants and beneficiaries, the transmission of assets and dealing with insolvent estates.
4. Taxation and Accounting for Trusts and Estates certificate
The taxation and accounting certificate provides an understanding of what is required to prepare and understand financial statements and relevant tax issues, including the application of the settlor regime, cross-border issues and tax avoidance.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Advanced Certificate 1: The Creation of Trusts
Start date: Saturday 8th March 2025
Weekend Workshop 1: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April 2025
Weekend Workshop 2: Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2025
Examination dates: Released Friday 30th May (4pm), Due Friday 13th June 2025 (4pm
Applications close Monday 3rd March 2025- APPLY NOW
Advanced Certificate 2: The Administration of Trusts
Start date: Saturday 2nd August 2025
Weekend Workshop 1: Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st August 2025
Weekend Workshop 2: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October 2025
Examination dates: Released Friday 17th October (4pm), Due Friday 31st October 2025 (4pm)
Cost and how to apply
2025 Advanced Certificate cost $2,400 plus GST.
Contact
Please contact Megan Llewellyn at STEP Education NZ directly if you have questions or would like to enrol in any of these certificates:
Email: megan@allsortedlifestyle.co.nz
Phone: +64 21 189 5546