The initial certification requires satisfactory completion of a comprehensive 20-hour estate planning curriculum.

Curriculum structure: The coursework covers 11 subject areas, including the following:

• Basic estate planning (5 hours)
• Estate and gift taxation (2 hours)
• Advanced planning techniques (4 hours)
• Other critical topics such as elder law, business succession, retirement accounts, and the unauthorized practice of law

Credits: Earn credits through the following ways:

• Live Webinars: Must attend the full program.
• On-demand/self-study courses: Must watch the course and pass a multiple-choice quiz with a score of at least 70%.

Eligibility: Candidates must:

• be registered to sell securities, offer investment advice or both;
• be in good standing with their professional organization's governing body; and
• be a current member of Advisors Forum by WealthCounsel.

After completing the coursework and professional status verification, candidates must pass the certification exam.

• Format: An exam with 100 multiple-choice questions
• Administration: The exam is administered online.
• Passing score: A score of at least 80% is required to pass.
• Timing: The score is displayed immediately upon completion.

Maintaining Your Certification (Continuing Education Requirements)

To maintain the CTEWA designation, holders must meet the following ongoing requirements:

• Complete 12 hours of eligible WealthCounsel continuing education (CE) courses every two years.
• Remain an active Advisors Forum member.
• Remain in good standing with their professional organization and not be subject to any disciplinary action.