Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost of the program is $1,395 (plus applicable tax) and includes access to the CEA curriculum, tools, resources, and your professional profile in the national directory for your first year. As of the anniversary of your registration, (the end of your first year) in keeping with the Terms & Conditions, continued use of the designation and access to the curriculum, tools, resources, and your professional profile in the national directory is dependent upon maintaining active membership on a go-forward basis.
The annual membership fee is $275* plus applicable tax and includes the following benefits:
- Continued usage of the CEA designation once awarded.
- Continued access to the curriculum including updates.
- Important planning tools including a glossary covering over 1,000 terms, calculators, planning concept white papers, important links, and helpful forms.
- Professional profile on the national Find A CEA directory, enabling executors and other CEAs to find your services.
- Local and National networking opportunities.
*Annual membership fees are due 1 year from your date of enrolment.
Yes. Unlike other programs that were developed for in person delivery and later adapted for the web, the CEA Program was developed with a digital-first approach. The entire program, including quizzes and the exam are available from virtually any device with internet access. Learn at your own pace with all material presented in an easy-to-understand style.
You can even highlight key passages online and take your own personalized notes!
The cost includes access to the full curriculum which, unlike programs focused on one or two disciplines, provides an expansive overview spanning 12 professions executors may turn to in the course of their duties. It also includes digital access to a 1,000 term glossary, important links, helpful forms, calculators, and more.
Executors may turn to as many as twelve different professions in the course of their duties, all of which can benefit from the CEA program.
The CEA program was designed and developed from the outset to be a digital web based program. This approach:
- Removes the need for any travel.
- Reduces personal scheduling conflicts.
- Enables you to learn at your own pace and time.
- Offers a robust web based learning environment which enables you to search the entire curriculum, highlight important sections, take notes, and navigate across pages with ease.
Yes, our digital-first approach ensures the CEA program is accessible from virtually any device that has an internet connection.
The CEA program can be accessed from virtually any device with an internet connection.
Yes, you will have continued access to the curriculum including all updates as long as you remain a member in good standing. This will include anything you highlighted, and any notes taken.
Yes. Doing so will show your commitment to continued learning, allow people to identify the services you’re able to assist them with, and will demonstrate your dedication towards professionalism.
While the ultimate decision is yours to make, our suggestion is that you do not. You will be of much more benefit by offering your advisory services as a 3rd party to those named as an executor instead of acting in the role of an executor yourself. In addition, doing so will help you avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest. In fact, the program will explain, in detail, why this is true.
There are no prerequisites to becoming a CEA.
To become a CEA, candidates must complete the CEA curriculum and obtain a passing grade of 70% or higher on the quizzes following each module and the final exam.
The exam is 70 multiple choice questions and takes approximately one hour to complete. There is a 2 hour time limit.
The ICEA believes learning should be easy, convenient and enjoyable.
Test and exam results are provided immediately upon completion.
Successfully completing the exam by scoring 70% or higher, you should:
- Receive a printed version of your designation in about 10 business days. A digital version will also be available on your user profile page.
- Receive an email containing your CE Certificate. This will also be available on your user profile page.
- Review your online profile to update anything required, ensure a picture or (avatar if you prefer) is selected, and confirm the bio meets your approval. To do this, log into cea.pro and click on My Profile. Don’t forget to click on the 'Update’ button after making any changes. Once done, see how your profile looks online by clicking on ‘Find a CEA’.
- Update your email signature, business card and any other online profiles to reflect your CEA designation.
CEAs are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) each year starting in their second year of membership to ensure they remain current. Continuing education should be in the areas of executor issues, estate planning and federal and state legislative changes. Some examples of eligible activities include time spent attending applicable educational sessions, reading relevant newspaper, magazine and online articles, and attending relevant conferences.
CEAs are encouraged to keep an annual self reported log reflecting their CE activities. At any time, CEAs must be able to provide proof of continuing education credits required in their profession.
Yes, your diploma will be mailed to you within ten business days of successful completion of the CEA program. Diplomas measure 10.5” x 13”. They are not framed, making it easier to match frame styles with any other professional designations you may have.
This is a list of all Certified Executor Advisors across the country, allowing executors, testators, heirs, and referring CEAs to locate you by name, profession, and geographical region.
CEAs are regulated by the Institute of Certified Executor Advisors. With 12 member professions, there is no other regulatory body that would be relevant for all members. ICEA provides a professional Code of Conduct, ensures adherence to Terms and Conditions, contact for the general public to register compliments and complaints regarding CEAs, a review process, and a disciplinary committee.
Our Partnership program offers discounts and customized co-branded registration pages to organizations that wish to promote the benefits of becoming a CEA to their members.
For those firms wishing to promote the CEA Program amongst their teams,, group pricing and volume registration is also available.
For more information please contact info@cea.pro