Practicum Certificate
Alternative Pathway
For experienced mediators who have completed equivalent supervised reflective practice training through another program. Apply for recognition of your prior learning with Mediation Institute.
(2 renewal cycles)
What is the Alternative Pathway?
Under AMDRAS cl 35(a), Mediation Institute as a Recognised Provider (RP) is authorised to certify that an applicant has satisfied the requirements for a Practicum Certificate through an alternative pathway — recognising supervised reflective practice training completed through another program.
Many experienced mediators find it simpler — and often more professionally rewarding — to complete the Practicum Certificate course directly rather than compiling evidence for an RPL application. The course is delivered online, requires approximately 12 hours of live engagement, and provides structured peer engagement and professional feedback. View course details and upcoming dates →
Who Can Apply?
All of the following requirements must be met before Mediation Institute can consider an alternative pathway application. These requirements are set by the AMDRAS Board under the protocol issued 19 June 2025.
4 Years of National Accreditation
You must have been nationally accredited as a mediator for at least 4 years — that is, two complete renewal cycles — prior to taking the course or program that you are relying on as an alternative to the AMDRAS Practicum.
150+ Practice Hours
You must have evidence of completing at least 150 hours of professional mediation practice before undertaking the course or program being relied on for this application. Self-reported estimates without supporting evidence are not accepted.
Substantially Equivalent Prior Learning
You must have completed a course, workshop, or supervised reflective practice program substantially equivalent to the AMDRAS Practicum Certificate — including equivalent time, nature of work, and trainer qualifications as described in AMDRAS Part 4, Division 7, and Appendix 1.
Self-Reported Reflective Practice
Self-reporting of unsupervised, unstructured, or peer reflective practice alone is not sufficient. Mediation Institute cannot accept such evidence as an alternative pathway under the AMDRAS Board protocol.
Recency of Prior Learning
The AMDRAS Board places emphasis on ensuring that knowledge and competence are current at the time of certification. Where an application raises recency concerns, additional requirements may apply.
When additional training or assessment may be required
Mediation Institute may require the applicant to complete further training or assessment regarding AMDRAS Standards and Professional Attributes before granting a Practicum Certificate by alternative pathway if:
Evidence older than 12 months
If the prior learning evidence was completed more than 12 months before the application date, we may require additional assessment to confirm currency of knowledge and practice.
Program gaps identified
If the prior learning program did not meet all essential elements of AMDRAS-recognised training, additional training regarding AMDRAS Standards and Professional Attributes may be required before certification can be granted.
Mediation Institute may charge a fee for any additional training or assessment required. You will be advised of this before any additional requirements are confirmed.
How to Apply
Applications are assessed by an experienced member of the Mediation Institute training team. The process is designed to be straightforward for eligible applicants.
Check your eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet all three eligibility requirements: 4+ years of national accreditation, 150+ practice hours completed before your prior learning program, and a substantially equivalent supervised course or program to the AMDRAS Practicum Certificate.
Pay the RPL application fee
An RPL application fee of $150 is payable at the time of application. This fee covers the professional time of an experienced member of our training team to review and evaluate your application and evidence against the AMDRAS requirements.
Submit your application and evidence
Complete the application form and provide supporting evidence. Your application must include:
- Certificate or record of completion of your prior learning program (course, workshop, or supervised reflective practice)
- Evidence of your 150+ mediation practice hours prior to undertaking the program (practice logs, work history, statutory declaration, or equivalent)
- Evidence of 4+ years of national accreditation (e.g. renewal certificates or National Register listing history)
- Details of the program: duration, trainer qualifications, nature of the work undertaken
Application evaluation
An experienced member of the Mediation Institute training team will assess your application against the AMDRAS requirements in Part 4, Division 7, and Appendix 1. We will assess:
- Time spent in the program (substantially equivalent to the Practicum Certificate)
- Nature of the work undertaken (reflective practice, case discussion, professional feedback)
- Qualifications of the course trainer or leader
- Recency of the prior learning
Outcome and certification
If your application is successful, Mediation Institute will issue you an Alternative Pathway Practicum Certificate in the format prescribed by the AMDRAS Board. The certificate will state that certification has been granted by an alternative pathway and include relevant supporting information as required.
Mediation Institute reminds applicants that the AMDRAS Board retains auditing and complaint handling powers under clauses 80 and 81 of AMDRAS respectively. All applications and certifications by alternative pathway must comply with the Board's protocol of 19 June 2025.
Application Fees
The following fees apply to alternative pathway applications. All amounts are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Covers professional assessment of your prior learning evidence by an experienced member of the Mediation Institute training team against AMDRAS requirements.
- Full evidence evaluation against AMDRAS Part 4, Division 7 & Appendix 1
- Written outcome and feedback
- Alternative Pathway Practicum Certificate (if approved)
Non-refundable if application does not proceed due to incomplete or insufficient evidence.
If your prior learning is older than 12 months, or if gaps are identified during assessment, additional training or assessment regarding AMDRAS Standards and Professional Attributes may be required.
- Fee determined based on requirements identified
- You will be informed and must consent before proceeding
- Covers AMDRAS Standards currency assessment
- Estimated 4–5 hours of structured engagement plus a short written reflection of 400–600 words
If the course or program you are relying on was delivered before AMDRAS was implemented, this supplementary assessment will almost certainly be required. AMDRAS introduced specific Professional Practice Domains, Standards, and ethical frameworks that would not have been covered in earlier training.
No additional fee is charged without your prior agreement.
About the Alternative Pathway Certificate
As required by the AMDRAS Board, any Practicum Certificate issued through an alternative pathway will clearly state on the certificate that certification has been granted by an alternative pathway. The certificate will include relevant information in the AMDRAS Board's prescribed format.
This certificate is recognised for the purposes of applying for Advanced Mediator accreditation under AMDRAS (cl 9 and Part 4, Division 9).
The Practicum Course: Often the Simpler Path
Before applying for RPL, many experienced mediators find it easier and more professionally rewarding to complete the Mediation Institute Practicum Certificate course directly. Gathering and compiling evidence for an RPL application can take considerable time and effort — the structured course provides equivalent recognition with the added benefit of advanced skills development, peer engagement, and structured professional feedback.
AMDRAS Advanced Mediator Practicum Course
For mediators with four or more years of practice. Strengthens advanced skills through reflective practice, complex case discussion, and professional feedback — and supports eligibility for Advanced Mediator accreditation.
- 📅 9–10 April 2026
- 📅 27–28 June 2026
- 📅 24–25 September 2026
Apply for the Alternative Pathway
Gather your evidence of prior learning, practice hours, and accreditation history — then start your application. Questions are welcome before you apply.