Introduction: Your Journey to becoming an AMDRAS Accredited Mediator Starts Here
Welcome to the start of your journey toward becoming a professional AMDRAS Accredited mediator. This guide is designed to demystify the initial accreditation process under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), providing you with a clear, step-by-step roadmap.
Your path to accreditation is a structured journey designed to build your knowledge, prove your skills, and ensure you meet the highest professional standards. We will walk through the three main stages you’ll navigate:
- Achieving the Certificate of Training (COT): The foundational learning phase. For more information Go to the Certificate of Training Course Page
- Passing the Certificate of Assessment (COA): The practical and theoretical evaluation. For more information Go to the Certificate of Assessment Page
- Submitting the Final Application: The formal step to becoming nationally accredited. For more information Go to the AMDRAS Accreditation Application Page
Let’s begin exploring your path to making a real difference through dispute resolution.
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1. The Foundation: Earning Your Certificate of Training (COT)
The Certificate of Training (COT) is the essential first step in your journey, designed to build the core competencies and ethical grounding required for mediation practice.
1.1. What is the Certificate of Training (COT)?
The COT is a recognised course that provides the foundational knowledge and skills framework for dispute resolution practice. Its purpose is to ensure that trainees develop a comprehensive understanding of the professional skills, attributes, and ethical principles expected of an accredited mediator. While it is the mandatory first step for accreditation, a COT is also a valuable certification in its own right for anyone interested in dispute resolution and conflict management more generally.
On completion, you will not only grasp key mediation techniques but also understand the AMDRAS system and the professional obligations that come with accreditation.
1.2. Key Requirements for the COT
To earn your COT, you must meet several key requirements that blend theoretical learning with practical application. Each requirement is designed to give you a robust and well-rounded educational experience.
- Time Commitment: The course involves a minimum of 45 class contact hours and must be completed within a maximum of 12 months. This structure ensures you have an immersive and comprehensive learning experience without being rushed.
The Mediation Institute course can be completed in 6 weeks and we generally expect students to complete within 6 months. - Practical Skills Development: The training includes at least nine simulated mediations, each lasting 1.5 hours. Crucially, you will perform the role of mediator in at least three of these simulations and facilitate at least one intake session.
This hands-on practice is critical for building the real-world confidence and competence needed to facilitate mediations effectively. - Course Outcomes: This course ensures you achieve key learning outcomes, including the ability to
- demonstrate the professional skills for effective practice;
- apply the professional attributes and Code of Ethics;
- confidently navigate the AMDRAS system.
1.3. What You Will Learn: The Four Professional Domains
Your training is structured around the four AMDRAS Professional Practice Domains. These domains cover the full spectrum of knowledge and behaviour required of a professional mediator.
| Professional Domain | Core Idea |
| Professional Knowledge | Focuses on what mediators must understand about conflict, process, and ethics. |
| Professional Skills | Focuses on how mediators communicate, facilitate, and manage the mediation process. |
| Professional Ethics and Responsibilities | Focuses on how mediators behave safely, fairly, and inclusively. |
| Professional Development | Focuses on how mediators engage in reflective practice and continue their learning journey. |
Each of these domains is supported by a detailed set of Professional Attributes that define the specific knowledge, skills, and ethical behaviors you will be expected to master.
Once you have completed this foundational training and earned your COT, you are ready to move on to the next stage: demonstrating your abilities through a formal assessment.
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2. Proving Your Skills: Passing the Certificate of Assessment (COA)
The Certificate of Assessment (COA) is the bridge between your training and official accreditation. It is a formal evaluation process that certifies you have successfully demonstrated the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to become a registered practitioner.
2.1. The Two Components of Your Assessment
The COA is composed of two distinct parts, each designed to test a different aspect of your competence as an aspiring mediator.
- Written Assessment This is a 1200-word written piece, which may take the form of a test, journal, workbook, or assignment. Its primary goal is to consolidate your learning from the COT and promote reflective practice, ensuring you can thoughtfully apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
- Simulated Mediation This is a standardised simulated mediation lasting between 2 and 2.5 hours. You will be observed by an official assessor (either live or via video) as you facilitate the session. This component is designed to be a direct demonstration of your mastery of the mediation process and your ability to manage a session competently and ethically.
2.2. Critical Timelines for the COA
Meeting the deadlines associated with the COA is crucial for your accreditation journey. These timelines are non-negotiable and ensure that your skills and knowledge remain current.
- You must enrol for the Certificate of Assessment within 6 months of completing your COT course and complete it within 12 months.
Note that if you do not complete the assessment within this period, your provider may require you to undertake refresher training to ensure your skills are current. - You must apply for your final AMDRAS accreditation within 6 months of the date on your Certificate of Assessment.
Successfully passing the COA is a significant milestone. With this certificate in hand, you are ready for the final administrative step to become an officially accredited mediator.
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3. The Final Step: Applying for Your AMDRAS Accreditation
With your Certificate of Training (COT) and Certificate of Assessment (COA) successfully completed, the final step is to submit a formal application to a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) like Mediation Institute. This application is your request to be officially registered as an “Accredited Mediator” and listed on the National Register.
3.1. Your Application Checklist
To ensure a smooth and successful application, prepare your submission using the following checklist:
- [ ] Completed COT and COA: You must hold valid certificates for both your training and your assessment.
- [ ] Good Character: You must provide two written references from members of your community who have known you for at least three years and can attest to your good character or show that you have met good character requirements under another scheme.
- [ ] Full Disclosure: You are required to disclose any unspent criminal convictions, any disqualification from professional practice, or any other impairment that could affect your capacity to practice competently and professionally.
- [ ] RAP Membership: You must become a member of a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP), such as Mediation Institute, which provides essential professional services, including a formal complaint-handling process. The application is made to your RAP not directly to the AMDRAS Board.
- [ ] Professional Indemnity Insurance: You must be covered by professional indemnity insurance or have statutory immunity from liability.
- [ ] Pay a Registration Fee: A fee is required to process your application and for your name to be added to the National Register of accredited practitioners. Part of the fee that is collected is paid to the AMDRAS board on your behalf.
Note that the “Full Disclosure” requirements can often be satisfied by providing a formal declaration to your RAP, thereby simplifying the evidence-gathering process.
Once your application is approved by the RAP, you will be officially recognised as an AMDRAS Accredited Mediator.
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4. Your Accreditation Journey at a Glance
This table provides a high-level summary of the entire initial accreditation process, serving as a quick-reference guide to the key actions and timelines.
| Stage | Key Action | Critical Timeline |
| 1. Training (COT) | Complete a 45-hour course with 10 role-plays. | Must be completed within 12 months. |
| 2. Assessment (COA) | Pass a written assessment and a simulated mediation. | Must enrol within 12 months of completing the COT. |
| 3. Application | Submit your application to a RAP with all required documents. | Must apply within 6 months of receiving your COA. |
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5. What Happens After Accreditation?
Achieving your initial AMDRAS accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment, but it also marks the beginning of your ongoing professional journey. To maintain your status as an Accredited Mediator, you must renew your accreditation every two years.
The renewal requirements are designed to ensure you remain an active and up-to-date practitioner. Over each two-year period, you must complete:
- 20 practice hours of dispute resolution-related work (e.g., as a mediator or co-mediator). This can include up to five hours of intake and preparatory work and up to five hours observing a more experienced practitioner.
- 25 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Congratulations on taking this first important step. Your commitment to learning the process demonstrates a dedication to helping others navigate conflict constructively and ethically. We wish you the best on your path to becoming an accredited mediator.