Basic and Advanced Mediation Training Providers
Beginning or enhancing your mediation career
Thinking about beginning or building your mediation career ? In the United States, 28 of 50 states require some sort of minimum training, usually 40 hours, to be included on court rosters for mediation case referrals. Of the remaining 22 states, 9 require minimum training to handle family disputes.
What if you live in one of the other 13 states, with no minimum training requirement? Or what if you are already an attorney or judge, with courtroom savvy and negotiation skills? Do you really need mediation training?
The answer is YES. Mediating a dispute is not like being in the courtroom where there is usually a definitive “winner” and “loser” in each case. It takes specialized skills to help disputants – who may not want to even be in the same room – come together and forge their own path to mutual agreement.
Just want the basics?
If you are just getting started or simply want a basic 40-hour training course, you have a number of choices available to you.
Online training programs are usually less expensive and offer convenient scheduling, whereas as in-person programs offer invaluable face-to-face opportunities. Look for basic mediation training providers then use the table below to compare the attributes of your top three choices.
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(Program 2) |
(Program 3) |
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Certification obtained upon completion? |
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Qualify for local court rosters? |
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Enough time to complete? |
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Access to materials expire when? |
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Instructor-led or all self-paced? Professor or professional mediator? |
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Mobile-friendly? |
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Video downloadable or streaming? |
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Audio downloadable or streaming? |
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Course progress tracking? |
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Student support? |
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Live mediation opportunities? |
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High recommendations? Testimonials? |
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Refund policy acceptable? |
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Price? Discount coupon? |
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(Other preferred attribute) |
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(Other preferred attribute) |
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(Other preferred attribute) |
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Ready for more?
Maybe you already have your basic training, and are looking to become a leader in the field of mediation. Or you’re a law student considering specializing in alternative dispute resolution. Or, perhaps you are an attorney or judge, considering adding mediation to your list of professional skills. In these cases, you are likely to want to look at colleges and universities offering dispute resolution programs.
US News & World Report publishes an annual ranking of the top dispute resolution programs offered by law schools in the United States. This ranking is an excellent way to begin searching for university mediation programs – even if you won’t attend any of the schools on the list, by studying them you will see the attributes of a great program and learn what might be a fit for you as you continue your search.
