Estate Planning Certification: Certificate Program Summary

Estate planners help others to deal with estates in a financially appropriate manner. Estate planning certificate programs are available to those with a law or accounting degree and can supplement their legal knowledge.

View 32 Popular Schools »

Graduate Certificate in Estate Planning

An estate planning certificate program prepares students for roles in estate planning, taxation and trusts needs. Some programs may offer separate tracks depending upon the students' potential careers, 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. These graduate programs can typically be completed in one year and are offered at law schools.

Educational Prerequisites

Most schools offering certificate programs in estate planning state that students must 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.

Course Topics

Students enrolled in a certificate in estate planning program typically only complete legal courses related to this portion of the law. Some courses may qualify for continuing education credit once applicants are certified. Courses offered may include the following:

  • Estate and gift tax
  • Partnership taxation
  • Tax aspects of charitable giving
  • Income taxation of trusts and estates
  • Elder law

Popular Career Options

Graduates of the estate planning certificate program 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 these:

  • Paralegal or legal secretary work
  • Financial planning
  • Insurance sales

Professional Certification Information

The National Institute of Certified Estate Planners (NICEP) offers a Certified Estate Planner (CEP) 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.

Show me popular schools

Related to Estate Planning Certification: Certificate Program Summary

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Career Development Planning Job Options and Requirements

Workers in career development planning carry the titles of career counselor, vocational counselor, career advisor or...

Student Career Planning: Build an Awesome Resume

Students: Starting to think about your future career? The first step is to prepare a stellar resume that will help you...

Internships: How Internships Can Help with Career Planning

Students: Need help with career planning? Whether you're still trying to explore your career options or are seeking...

Career Planning for College Students

When people ask what your dream job is, do you say, 'I'm not sure?' If so, you're not alone - many college students...

Networking: How Can Networking Help with Career Planning

32 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics