Do FDR Practitioners Need to Complete the Full AMDRAS Certificate of Training?
Not always.
If you have completed Family Dispute Resolution training, or you are already registered as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, your existing training and experience may count toward the AMDRAS Certificate of Training. AMDRAS has replaced the former NMAS accreditation system, creating a new national framework for mediator training, assessment, and accreditation in Australia.
In October 2025, a new AMDRAS protocol was introduced to support eligible Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and FDR graduates seeking AMDRAS accreditation.
Click here - FDR Protocol - Version October 2025The key point
You may not need to complete the full AMDRAS Certificate of Training course if your FDR qualification, registration, or professional experience can be recognised. Most applicants will still need to complete the Certificate of Assessment before applying for AMDRAS accreditation.
Which situation applies to you?
I am a registered FDRP before 1st July 2025
Your FDRP registration and professional experience are recognised towards the AMDRAS Certificate of Training. You will generally still need to complete the Certificate of Assessment before applying for AMDRAS accreditation.
I have completed my FDR qualification after 1st July 2025
Your completed FDR qualification may be recognised towards the AMDRAS Certificate of Training. Depending on when you completed your training, additional updating may be required.
I am still studying FDR
Complete your FDR qualification first. After graduation, your FDR training may be recognised towards the AMDRAS Certificate of Training, so you may not need to complete the full COT course.
If you are currently studying FDR
1. Complete your FDR qualification - Complete 9 roles plays within the last 12 months.
2. Apply for recognition toward the AMDRAS Certificate of Training after graduation.
3. Complete the Certificate of Assessment.
4. Apply for AMDRAS accreditation.
Advanced Mediator Status
If you want to apply for Advanced Mediator status, additional requirements apply.
Previous FDRP registration may count toward Practicum Certificate eligibility at a 50% recognition rate.
| FDRP experience | Recognition toward practicum eligibility |
|---|---|
| 8 years as a registered FDRP | May count as 4 years |
| 6 years as a registered FDRP | May count as 3 years |
Examples:
An FDRP registered for 8 years may already meet the Practicum Certificate experience requirement for Advanced Mediator status after the 50% recognition is applied.
An FDRP registered for 6 years may be recognised as having 3 years toward practicum eligibility and may need one additional year before becoming eligible.
Check your eligibility
Use the eligibility form to check whether your FDR training or experience may be recognised toward the AMDRAS Certificate of Training.