Estate Planning Certificate Programs
Graduate estate planning certificate programs can typically be completed in one year and are offered at law schools through organizations such as the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners (NICEP) and Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM). These programs prepare students for roles in estate planning, taxation and trusts. Some programs may offer separate tracks depending upon the students' potential career choices, including ones for attorneys and accountants. Students may be required to complete a specific number of hours doing pre-approved pro bono work in estate planning or tax law. Continuing education hours are also required to maintain some certifications.
While education and experience requirements differ by certification, most schools offering certificate programs in estate planning require that students have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree from an accredited law school. If they did not study law, students may need to successfully complete the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam or possess an undergraduate degree in accounting from an accredited school and have performed professional tax work for at least one year. Applicants may also need a minimum grade point average based upon graduate law school or undergraduate accounting programs, or they may need to have taken certain types of courses during their studies.
Candidates who have already met the education or experience requirements can often complete most of their certificate in estate planning online. Depending on the certification, this may include the submission of an application and fee, or the completion of training courses. Prospective applicants who have not yet completed education prerequisites may be able to find online options for that portion as well.
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Estate Planning Certificate Courses
Estate planning certification programs are typically offered by law schools to graduate students wishing to further specialize in this subject. Such programs include:
- Certified Estate Planner
- Accredited Estate Planner
- Chartered Trust and Estate Planner
- Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor
Certain course tracks may be tailored to aspiring lawyers or accountants. A certificate program in estate planning is designed for those looking for the advanced training needed to specialize their practice in the area of estate planning. Depending on the certification, you may be able to complete this training and get your estate planning certificate online. Courses offered may include:
- Estate and gift tax
- Partnership taxation
- Income taxation of trusts and estates
- Elder law
Certified Estate Planner
The NICEP Certified Estate Planner (CEP) is a distinction that applicants can earn by completing educational courses and passing an exam (www.nicep.org). CEPs must pay an annual fee, complete continuing education courses every two years and adhere to the NICEP's code of ethics to maintain certification. After obtaining the CEP designation, applicants can strive for a Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP) certification by completing a NICEP-sponsored course. Graduates can also attain the title of Certified Estate Planner from The National Institute of Certified Estate Planners to lend themselves further credentials.
Accredited Estate Planner
This certification is offered by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils and is only available to licensed attorneys or certified public accounts (CPAs), or candidates who have already achieved certain other certifications, such as:
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
- Chartered financial consultant (ChFC)
- Certified financial planner (CFP)
Applicants must also have at least 5 years of estate planning experience and have taken at least 30 hours of continuing education in the field over the previous 24 months. Those with fewer than 15 years of experience must additionally have taken at least two graduate courses offered through the American College of Financial Services.
Chartered Trust and Estate Planner
Choose this certification, accredited by the GAFM, if you plan on working with clients who have large estates. The certification requires at least an undergraduate degree in accounting, law, or a related discipline. In addition, candidates must complete a training course and prior to certification, as well as continuing education requirements to maintain the designation.
Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor
The American Bankers Association requires at least three years of wealth management experience as well as the completion of an approved training program in order to earn this credential. Candidates must also take an exam and submit an ethics statement. 45 continuing education credits are also required every three years in order to keep the certification.
Estate Planning Career Options
Graduates with a certified estate planner designation can qualify for numerous law-based or accounting careers. In addition to becoming attorneys who can make estate planning their specialty, graduates can seek employment in areas such as paralegal or legal secretary work, financial planning, and insurance sales.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Average employment growth of 10 percent was predicted for paralegals and legal assistants and an average growth of 5 percent was expected for insurance sales agents from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). May 2019 data from the BLS showed that paralegals and legal assistants earned an average salary of $51,740. The average annual income of insurance sales agents was $50,940 in the same year. Lawyers in general are expected to see a 4 percent increase in employment between 2019 and 2029; these professionals earned an average salary of $122,960 as of May 2019.
