Certificate in Probate and Estate Administration

Probate represents one of the biggest business opportunities to the accountancy profession in a generation, enabling you to create an additional revenue stream from new and existing clients.

In order to apply for accreditation to provide probate services from ICAEW, or from CILEX you must first attend a suitable training course and pass an assessment (although there are exemptions for those who have another qualification that meets all the learning objectives for probate). 

Please visit the relevant website to ensure eligibility.

Our Certificate in Probate and Estate Administration has already helped hundreds of firms acquire the training and accreditation needed to apply for a probate licence. Courses and assessment days are running throughout the year, but spaces are limited.

The Certificate in Probate and Estate Administration is made up of two parts:

• A course.  If it is a Mercia Live course, it will run over four half days, 9:30 to 13:00.  See below for details of the course and dates.
• A two hour assessment.  Click here for details of the assessment and dates.

Note - you will need to attend both the course AND assessment day if you wish to obtain the certificate and you will need to book each separately.

Members receive 10% discount on this course.

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to provide a good understanding of the basics of probate and estate administration although at least two years of existing IHT experience is recommended.

The following areas will be covered in particular:

Tax Areas

• Income Tax Liability of the Deceased up to the Date of Death
• Reporting for Inheritance Tax Purposes - Overview
• Valuation of the Estate
• Excepted Estate
• Estates Requiring an Account
• IHT Reliefs and Exemptions
• Calculation of IHT
• Reduced Rate for Deaths on or After 6 April 2012
• Payment of IHT
• Penalties
• Finalising the Estate

Legal Areas

• The Law
• Personal Representatives and the Grant of Representation
• Appointment
• Wills and Intestacy
• The First Steps
• Preparing Papers for the Grant
• Administering the Estate