Streamlining Your Accreditation: The AMDRAS Alternative Pathway for FDR Practitioners

AMDRAS Alternative Pathway for FDR Practitioners 

For our members who are currently Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs), the Alternative Pathway Protocol for the Certificate of Training provides access to assessment for AMDRAS Accreditation and partial recognition of your years as an FDRP.

This protocol provides a streamlined way for your existing professional standing as a registered FDRP to be recognised under the AMDRAS national standards for mediators and dispute resolution practitioners.

AMDRAS Alternative Pathway for  Graduates holding the FDR Qualification

The protocol has a pathway for people who have the FDR qualification but are not yet registered as an FDRP or who register after the 1st July 2025.  Depending on how long it has been between your training and your application for the AMDRAS Alternative Pathway for FDR Practitioners you may need to do some additional training.  

No Alternative Pathway for Current FDR Students

The AMDRAS Alternative Pathway for FDR Practitioners does not have a recognition pathway for current students. If you want to make use of this alternative pathway protocol, wait until you qualify before applying. 

The Protocol’s Core Purpose: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The new Protocol is provided under AMDRAS clause 34(b) and offers an Alternative Pathway specifically for the Certificate of Training (COT).

The Certificate of Training is the first step course to becoming a mediator. AMDRAS Mediation Training 

The purpose of the protocol is to give Recognised Providers (RPs) like Mediation Institute guidance on how to formally recognise the existing training, qualifications, and registration of FDRPs when they seek AMDRAS accreditation.

In short: it ensures your expertise in facilitated mediation is formally acknowledged as meeting the required standard for the AMDRAS Certificate of Training.

The Board’s Principles for FDRPs

The AMDRAS Board considered a number of core principles when establishing this pathway, demonstrating a commitment to recognising your professional standing:

• Recognition of Expertise: Acknowledging the professional skills, knowledge, ethics, and expertise you already hold from your practice in facilitated mediation in the family law context.

• Fairness and Consistency: Ensuring a consistent and fair approach for all FDRPs transitioning or applying for AMDRAS accreditation.

• Alignment: Aligning your existing professional requirements with the overall expectations of AMDRAS.

Your Next Steps: The Certificate of Assessment (COA)

It is vital to understand that this protocol is exclusively for the Certificate of Training (COT).

The Board’s general expectation is that FDRPs who obtain the COT via this alternative pathway should still proceed to obtain a Certificate of Assessment (COA).

This requirement is in place to ensure that all mediators newly accredited under AMDRAS have an equivalent baseline competency in mediation in line with the AMDRAS Training and Accreditation Framework.

For Advanced Mediator Status

For those seeking to be accredited as an Advanced Mediator under AMDRAS, the general practice is that you must also obtain a Practicum Certificate (in addition to the COT and COA) before your application can be considered. AMDRAS Practicum Certificate Course

In Summary

This Alternative Pathway is a win for FDRPs, formalising the recognition of your existing high-level skills for the AMDRAS Certificate of Training.

Use the form below to work out if you are eligible.