OUR MISSION

Educate… Support… Promote…

We work with qualified financial, legal, and tax professionals who understand the importance of estate planning.

We train them to work together as a team to bring to every client a custom tailored estate plan.

We stress that every estate plan should be designed to preserve, protect, and pass on that individual's estate to whom they want, when they want, and how they want.

We think each client should also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their estate will be managed during their lifetime as they have directed, should they ever become incapacitated.

We believe every American adult deserves an estate plan that allows these goals to be accomplished in the most efficient manner available under the law, and that minimizes costs both now and in the future.

PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS

Graduates of the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners shall:

• properly represent themselves with utmost integrity, making every effort to set the highest level of service and competence in the estate planning profession.
• provide quality of service that is beneficial to, and in the best interest of, their clients.
• participate in ongoing continuing education programs which shall serve to promote their individual proficiency and their credentials.
• maintain proper compliance with any State or Federal authorities and regulations as well as the professional companies and organizations that they represent, and shall notify the NICEP, in writing, regarding any regulatory non compliance findings by these entities in a timely manner.
• submit to the findings and rulings of the NICEP with regard to the continued use of its trademarked professional certification marks.
• conduct their business in a trustworthy and honest manner that shall enhance the reputation of the NICEP, its certifications, and associates.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Maintaining the use of the CEP® or MCEP® certifications requires ongoing education in the area of estate planning. In order to keep these certifications in good standing, certificants must submit to the NICEP a minimum of eight (8) hours in every two (2) year window from the date the CEP® certification was awarded.

The NICEP accepts many forms of CE for credit toward this requirement. Conventional CE sources are available in every state and online. Independent verification may be submitted for review of attendance or participation in relevant seminars, workshops, webinars, study groups, etc. A letter from an attorney attesting to joint work on estate planning cases with specific mention of time involved and techniques utilized may also suffice. Certificants may also be awarded credit for attendance or participation in classes, workshops, or conferences presented by the NICEP.

The important distinction is that the hours submitted are in the area of estate planning and related matters. Certificants may submit comprehensive lists of their ongoing CE, or copies of CE certificates of completion as they are received, and allow the NICEP to assist in the selection of hours for consideration toward the requirement. If participation or a certificate of completion in a course or event is submitted where the title does not adequately reflect related estate planning concepts, then a more detailed outline or table of contents that shows this subject matter must be provided.

MASTER CERTIFIED ESTATE PLANNER™ (MCEP®) COURSE

Candidates who successfully earn the CEP® certification may choose to deepen their cache of knowledge and expertise by enrolling in the Master Certified Estate Planner™ Course and earning the prestigious MCEP™ certification.

This course focuses the estate planning professional on assisting the client through the settlement process upon the death of the grantor(s) and the ultimate transfer of wealth to the next generation(s). It also addresses the pitfalls and nuances of asset protection for those whose wealth and assets are exposed to higher risk. The course also delves into various special needs that arise in the area of estate planning, including problematic family dynamics, corporate planning, charitable planning, and more. The use of more sophisticated trusts, business entities, and financial and insurance vehicles are presented as possible solutions to the more advanced estate planning needs that may be encountered in one’s practice. More information can be found in the CEP® Login area of this website.