CSI will be performing system maintenance on Saturday April 13th from 5 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET. You will not have access to your “myCSI” student account, nor will you be able to book, cancel or reschedule exams during this time. You can still access your online course materials by visiting connect.csi.ca then connecting to “Blackboard Learn”.

What is the Certificate in Estate Planning and Trust Strategy?

The Certificate in Estate Planning and Trust Strategy is specifically designed to support your career specialization as a wealth manager and attest that you have the skills and knowledge that reflect today’s estate planning and trust industry practices. You will gain a deeper knowledge of estate planning, sucession planning, trust process, and tax strategies and structures. Completing this program will also help you build practical skills that can be immediately applied to current client situations.

What skills will you develop?

  • Advise on the different types of wealth that may be transferred
  • Deepen relationships with high-net-worth clients and become a partner in planning
  • Consult on taxation and estate planning strategies
  • Advise on the roles of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and Probate in a wealth transfer plan
  • Provide succession planning for small business and identify the appropriate solution for each unique situation

What is the path to the Certificate in Estate Planning and Trust Strategy?

This certificate is also on the path to the CIWM designation.

With the restructuring of the CIWM designation, the pathway for CETS has changed. CSI will continue to recognize the historical pathway to CETS for those enrolled in the Advanced Estate Planning and Trust Strategies Course prior to May 8, 2019, and completing the course within their enrolment period. Since the launch of the Estate Planning for High Net Worth Clients course on May 8, 2019, we are recognizing the new pathway.

New Pathway

Historical Pathway

Pre-requisite Requirements

Candidates must hold ANY of the following Financial Planning designations (PFP®, CFP®, Pl. F.) or the Wealth Management Essentials (WME®) Course or Foundations of Financial Planning (FOFP) Course.

External Designation Recognitions are subject to CSI’s External Designation Recognition policy and fee.

View the Estate Planning for High Net Worth Clients Course page for more information on the CETS Certification Exam.

Who should enrol?

The Certificate in Estate Planning and Trust Strategy is designed for individuals with experience in the financial service advisory professions such as investment advisors, financial advisors, financial planners and life insurance specialists, working within a securities firm, bank, or a financial planning organization. These individuals must have completed a recognized financial planning course or designation and now aspire to learn an additional level of specialization in estate planning and trusts strategies.