Membership of STEP was originally based on interest and experience. However, the Society has grown dramatically with more than 13,000 members drawn from over 68 countries worldwide. Our branch has approximately 375 members and is the 5th largest branch in the world.

STEP Bahamas would like to encourage all eligible persons to apply for membership to STEP. Eligibility for membership to the Bahamas Branch is now obtainable by the following methods:

For those who have two to nine years of relevant experience:

1. Diploma membership
2. Thesis membership
3. The Foundation Certificate and Diploma in International Trust Management

There are no formal entry requirements for the Foundation Certificate and Diploma in International Trust Management. However, exemptions from the Foundation Certificate are available to those who have already obtained another relevant qualification. Visit www.clt-stepint.co.uk for full details.

Applicants join as a student member of STEP and can upgrade to full membership on completion of the Diploma, providing they have a minimum of two years experience in the Trust and Estate field. Associate membership will be awarded to those who have completed the Diploma but have less than two years’ trust and/or estate experience. Once two years’ experience is gained, full membership can be obtained.

Applicants who wish to study only the Foundation Certificate and who chose not to progress to the Diploma can become an Affiliate of STEP on completion of the Foundation Certificate.

Qualified Practitioner Route

Entrance criteria:

• Applicants with a recognised professional qualification will require two years relevant post- qualification work experience.
• Applicants with a vocational degree will require five years relevant work experience.     
• Applicants with no degree or a non-vocational degree will require ten years relevant work experience.

Process:

This route involves completing 3 papers (2500 to 3000 words each) within a 4 year period.  This runs on an annual cycle with topics available for viewing in July/August, the deadline for submitting registration form of chosen essay topics is November 30th and the deadline for submission of those papers is April 30th of the following year.  For further information and all required forms please visit www.step.org/qp

Full details of the Qualified Practitioner Route can be found at a href="http://www.step.org/qp"> www.step.org/qp

Applicants join as a student member of STEP and can upgrade to full membership on completion of the Qualified Practitioner papers.

Persons wishing to find out more on joining the Society should click the link below.