CHC81115 – Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution
A nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for registration as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, delivered online by experienced FDR professionals.
About the Qualification
This graduate-level qualification gives you the skills and experience to support separating families, facilitate parenting and property mediation, respond safely to family violence, and work confidentlywithin the Australian family law system.
Training is fully online and combines theory, mentored role-plays, and supervised work placement. The program is designed for busy professionals who need a flexible but rigorous pathway to register as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Australian Attorney-General’s Department.
Download the Course Guide
Get the full course guide with detailed unit descriptions, assessment information and policies.
Download Course Guide (PDF)
Deliverer through a training partnership with RTO Inspiritive 21178. All training and assessments are provided by Mediation Institute. Quality Control and Validation provided by Inspiritive.
Entry Requirements
To enrol, you must meet at least one of the following:
- Degree in psychology, social work, law, conflict management, dispute resolution or similar
- NMAS or AMDRAS Mediator Accreditation
- Completion of the CHC Mediation Skill Set
- Relevant dispute resolution experience with documented evidence
Not sure if you qualify? Check eligibility below.
Technology Requirements
- PC or Mac suitable for video mediation
- Stable internet (10 Mbps minimum)
- Zoom (free version is fine)
- Webcam and microphone
Student Handbook
Before enrolling, please review the Student Handbook for full information on policies, expectations and support.
Download Student HandbookCore Capabilities You will Develop
- Operate effectively within the family law system as a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
- Facilitate dispute resolution in parenting, property, financial and safety contexts
- Maintain ethical standards and manage risk, including family violence and safety concerns
- Apply a trauma-informed and child-focused approach in practice
Core Units (6)
- CHCFAM001 – Operate in a Family Law Environment
- CHCDSP001 – Facilitate Dispute Resolution in the Family Law Context
- CHCDSP002 – Adhere to Ethical Standards in Family Dispute Resolution
- CHCDSP003 – Support the Safety of Vulnerable People in FDR
- CHCDFV008 – Manage Responses to Domestic & Family Violence in Family Work
- CHCFAM002 – Work with a Child-Focused Approach
Elective Units
- CHCDFV012 – Safety Planning with People Subjected to DFV
- CHCDFV007 – Work with Users of Violence to Effect Change
- CHCFAM007 – Assist Clients to Develop Parenting Arrangements
- CHCPRP006 – Lead Own Professional Development
Mandatory Work Placement
You must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised Family Dispute Resolution practice with at least five client families. This involves active co-mediation, not just observation.
Fast-Track options may be available if you already work with an FDR service and have workplace support.
Work placement may be completed through Family Relationship Centres, private FDR practitioners, government-funded services, or Interact Online.
Placement fees may apply with private or unfunded FDR services. Mediation Institute has placement arrangements in place with some services to support students.
Program Options (Compare at a Glance)
Choose the path that best fits your current qualifications, experience and career goals. You can also combine Single Units and RPL to build towards the full qualification over time.
| Option | Best For | Units | Expected Duration* | Work Placement* | Tuition Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full CHC81115 - Graduate Diploma | No specified degree, AMDRAS or Experience Direct Entry | 10 | 10 months + placement (up to 24 months allowed) | 50 hours | $14,000 | Eligible to register as a FDRP (subject to other AGD requirements) |
| Core Units Only | Specified degree or 2+ years AMDRAS Accreditation | 6 | 6 months + placement (up to 24 months allowed) | 50 hours | $10,000 | AGD require a specific degree and conditions apply for AMDRAS pathway (subject to other AGD requirements) |
| Single Unit | Upskilling or Staged Entry | 1 | 30 - 60 days per unit | n/a | $1,500 | Can stack Statements of Attainment towards Core Units or Full Qualification |
| RPL (per unit) | Strong current or very recent workplace experience and evidence | Varies | Varies | Recent workplace evidence mandatory | $500 per unit | Pre-assessment discussion before you enrol |
*Duration: the course is self-paced. You can accelerate based on your time and commitment.
*Placement Fees: Mediation Institute has placement arrangements with some government funded services.
Placement fees may apply with private or unfunded FDR services.
Fees
The program options table above summarises tuition fees for each pathway.
All fees are in Australian dollars. Detailed terms and conditions are outlined in the Student Handbook and your Confirmation of Enrolment document.
Payment Plans
Interest-free payment plans are available for up to 12 months. A $1,500 deposit secures your place, followed by monthly instalments. Fees must be fully paid before your qualification is issued.
How to Enrol (3 Simple Steps)
- Check Eligibility – Take an eligibility quiz (if available) or book a call with our team if you’re unsure.
- Choose Your Path – Decide whether the Full Qualification, Core Units Only, Single Units, or RPL is the best starting point for you.
- Complete the Enrolment Form – Submit your application and we will be in touch once it has been reviewed.
Fast-Track Options
If you already work with an FDR provider and have workplace support, you may be able to Fast-Track your progress through role plays and work placement. Discuss this with us when you enquire.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is available where you have recent, verifiable workplace evidence. A pre-assessment discussion helps clarify which units may be eligible.
You can combine Fast-Track options and RPL, where appropriate, to create the most efficient pathway to your FDR qualification.
What Happens After I Enrol?
- We review your application and follow up where appropriate.
- We confirm eligibility if needed and check if you have any questions.
- We issue your Confirmation of Enrolment document once your enrolment is confirmed.
- We provide a quote for your training and instalment plan, and issue your payment schedule.
- Once your first instalment is paid, you’ll be able to begin your studies.
Support Every Step of the Way
We know that choosing an FDR qualification is a significant decision. Our team is available to answer your questions about eligibility, study load, work placement and career pathways.
You’ll have access to experienced trainers, clear learning resources and responsive student support so you can progress with confidence.
If your question isn’t covered in the FAQs, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course fully online?
How long will it take to complete?
Can I keep working while I study?
Do you help with work placement?
Can I start with Single Units?
Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available?
Enrolment Eligibility Check
You are likely eligible for enrolment if you have:
• A degree or higher in Law, Psychology, Social Work, Dispute Resolution (or similar), or
• AMDRAS (formerly NMAS) mediator accreditation, or
• Experience in a Dispute Resolution Environment – The wording in the CHC81115 qualification is: “can provide documented evidence of previous experience in a dispute resolution environment in a job role involving self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, exercise of independent judgement and decision-making, and a range of technical and other skills.”
Ready to become a Registered FDR Practitioner?
Meet Our Supportive Training Team
All team members are Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.
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