AMDRAS Training - Certificate of Training (COT) Course
This AMDRAS Training is the course required to be eligible for assessment to be a mediator under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) requirements.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Training AMDRAS.
To be eligible for national accreditation you will then need to complete the Certificate of Assessment (COA) Course – Find out more about the assessment requirements under AMDRAS – Mediator Assessment For National Accreditation
This course also includes bonus skills training in pre-mediation and you will develop skills in video mediation giving you additional expertise in modern dispute resolution methods.
No specified entry requirements—just a good level of written and spoken English.
Self-Paced – course is self-paced with a maximum of 6 months to complete the full training program.
We recommend that you plan for 6 – 8 weeks in order to achieve momentum and the best learning experience.
The course will take you between 45 – 55 hours to complete depending on your study patterns.
This course will fully replace the NMAS Training program after the 30th June 2025. Learn more about the transition from NMAS to AMDRAS here.
Begin Your Training – Enrol Anytime
The entire course content is available for self-paced learning, group discussions and review quizzes.
Interaction is through a series of interactive workshops, reflective practice sessions and group Q& A sessions as well as the live mentored role plays in pre-mediation and mediation.
Why? After our first two structured course attempts were derailed due to sickness, operations, court cases, floods and who knows what else, we are returning to a flexible delivery mode with scheduled learning and review sessions.
Each month we run the following live sessions:
- 1st Tuesday – Welcome and orientation session
- 2nd Tuesday – Faciliative Mediation Process – Detailed Explanation
- 3rd Tuesday – Pre-Mediation Process and Practice Preparation – plus booking in of role play sessions for pre-mediation
- 4th Tuesday – Theory and Skills – Mediators Skills and Conflict Theory training session
Bi Monthly – Group Mentoring Session – dates coordinated with students who have completed their 2nd practice role play as the mediator. Focused Mentoring on the identified skills development needs but open to all students.
Who is a Mediator?
A mediator is a 3rd party who assists parties to a dispute identify the disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives and endeavours to assist them to reach decisions and / or agreements. A mediator manages and may advise on or determine the process of mediation but does not determine the outcomes of the dispute.
Course Overview
Students have a maximum of 6 months to complete this course.
We recommend a plan of 6 to 8 weeks, which will require a time commitment of 6 to 10 hours per week.
Course Content
The course exceeds the minimum requirements for AMDRAS training by adding training in video mediation facilitation skills and practical training in pre-mediation.
The image shows the path your training will take.
Role Plays and Live Training Sessions
Fully online the Live Training Sessions are designed to bring the online learning to life. Sessions include training workshops, Reflective Practice Sessions and Focused Mentoring Sessions.
The role plays allow you to develop a deep understanding of the process and strengthen skills over time. Role plays are offered at a variety of times including evenings and some weekends.
Technology
This course is delivered entirely online. You will need the following technology:
- Video Meeting Platform – we use Zoom in this course. You will need to download a free app for the best experience.
- A computer with reliable internet access—Although you can role-play on a mobile phone, we recommend using a computer or laptop to facilitate the experience and get the best coursework experience.
- Video and Audio – Camera (built into laptops) and Microphone / Speakers. We recommend using headphones if you have any background noise.
Course Overview Video: the revised course video will be out soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The course is set for open enrolment. You can start at any time but a new cycle of webinars starts at the beginning of each month except for January where we continue the people who started in December over a 4 week break from official webinars over the Christmas / New Year period.
The course is ideally completed over 6 to 8 weeks. You can proceed more quickly or more slowly than this depending on your needs.
You must complete the course within 6 months. If you fail to do so you will need to re-enrol and begin again, we are not permitted to credit any of the work you previously completed unless the AMDRAS board approves an alternative pathway.
We believe that this supports better learning outcomes, providing you with the opportunity to learn and absorb the information and skills development this training course provides.
We include training in facilitating mediation online using video mediation on the Zoom video meeting platform. The training includes how to put people in waiting rooms, how to share your screen, record your meeting – for training purposes only, you would not record a mediation with clients!
The course has a number of quizzes and discussions that are designed to help you to consolidate your learning throughout the course. This is not a formal assessment process but we do expect you to complete the tasks to ensure that you are on track and ready for your role plays as a mediator.
The role plays are learning tasks and not a formal assessment. The formal assessment occurs in the Certificate of Assessment Course which is only able to be completed once you have completed the Certificate of Training.
We will do what we can to support your learning. Our learning management system is accessible however the best approach is to contact us to discuss your needs prior to enrolment.
Our course is designed for online delivery and not available as an intensive in person face to face option.
The course includes the following content:
- Introduction to the COT – certificate of training expectations, introductions and coordination
- Online Mediation Facilitation (Zoom Training)
- Introduction to Role Plays – role play etiquette, how to participate and schedule for your course
- The AMDRAS System – a complete overview of the Standards and expectations of an Accredited Mediator AMDRAS
- The Dynamics of Conflict – a comprehensive training on conflict theory and models, bias and perspective taking
- Ethical Dispute Resolution – including the obligations we have as mediators under AMDRAS, other dispute resolution models and legislative contexts
- Pre-Mediation – theory, process and practice including practical training
- Mediation – the mediation process step by step looking at what, why and how to facilitate the mediation process. Includes practical training.
- A deeper dive into mediator skills – this model starts introducing advanced communication and facilitation skills as you move through your role plays you’ll be able to deepen and refine your skills with detailed explanations and models
- Mediators Tool Kit – examples of standard forms, documents and approaches.
To participate effectively in the course, you will need to use the following technology:
- Computer: A reliable computer (PC or Mac) capable of running video conferencing software.
- Internet: Stable internet connection with a minimum speed of 10 Mbps for smooth video sessions and a quiet space to participate in role plays and tutorials. Maximum duration is 2 hours.
- Video Conferencing Software: To access all the tools you need when running a simulated mediation, you will need to register and download a free version of Zoom www.zoom.us
- Audio/Video Equipment: A functioning webcam and microphone are essential for participation in online role plays.
The course has a schedule of live sessions. You can still complete the course without attending these sessions but we strongly advise against it.
You must participate in all 9 mandatory mediation role plays required by the AMDRAS in order to complete the course.
The course is now available for flexible delivery. You are not required to meet a specific timeline although we have set up schedules based on 8 weeks to assist students to maintain a steady pace.
Role plays are a mandatory part of the course and require significant effort to coordinate.
You will cause huge disruption if you are a “no show” or otherwise are not prepared e.g. have not allowed the 2 hour time slot or do not have a quiet, distraction free space to participate.
Please ensure that you meet your commitments once you enrol in the course.
Find out more about disciplinary provisions in our Course Guide – Mediation Institute Guides And Forms | Mediation Institute
Our course course is designed for online delivery.
We may be able to accommodate a role play day where you will be able to participate in 3 role plays in person.
This depends on the availability of a trainer and two other students who are interested in the same location.
Please indicate your interest in an in person role play day on the enrolment form.
An additional fee to cover cover catering, room hire and additional trainers fees for in person role-play days.
We do not offer the course as a full in person course or over 6 days only.
AMDRAS Training
Certificate of Training (COT)- Fully online learning - recommended time to complete 6 - 8 weeks but longer or shorter possible
- Online learning, live tutorials, reflective practice sessions, group discussions and more
- Pre-Mediation tutorial and live practice session included at no extra cost
- Mandatory - 9 x two hour Mediation role play sessions. 6 as a client role player and 3 as the mediator
- No pre-requisite entry requirements. No work placement requirement
AMDRAS Assessment
AMDRAS Assessment
Certificate of Assessment (COA)- Fully Online - 2 to 2 1/2 hour online assessment and written assessment tasks
- Individually scheduled assessment role play
- Abridged revision course included
- Mentoring or Re-assessment if needed - additional fees apply
The AMDRAS Training Course Guide gives you all the key details about the course, including what you’ll learn, requirements, and how it will benefit you. Whether you’re thinking about enrolling or want to get the most out of your training, this guide helps you stay prepared.
Check it out today!
Meet Our Supportive Training Team
Joanne Law
Cynthia Brooking
Ken Speakman
Lee Lee
Mel Meunier
