Tuesday, August 29, 2017

National Institute for Certified Estate Planners Offers Designations


With more than two decades of experience working in banking and insurance, Sue Ann Ma serves as president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc. in Houston, Texas. She completed her certified financial planner program at the University of Houston Center for Executive Development. In addition, Sue Ann Ma earned the designation of Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP).

The National Institute for Certified Estate Planners (NICEP) issues MCEP certifications. The NICEP works with tax, financial, and legal professionals in regards to estate planning. Applicants must first obtain the Certified Estate Planner (CEP) designation. To get the CEP, candidates must score at least 70 percent on each of the eight modules. Courses cover topics such as wills, living trusts, and estate planning basics; applicants can complete the entirety of the coursework online. 

To obtain MCEP certification, candidates must have the CEP and be in good standing with the NICEP. After passing an eight-module course for the CEP, they must also complete an advanced estate planning course and examination. Following the estate planning course and exam, participants also need to secure eight hours of continuing education every two years.