Streamlining Your AMDRAS Alternative Pathway Application Process
Introduction
The Australian mediation and dispute resolution sector continues to evolve with the introduction of the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), which have now replaced the former National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS).
The standard entry level training is the AMDRAS Certificate of Training Course. >>> AMDRAS Mediation Training
To ensure fairness and recognition of equivalent training, the AMDRAS Board has developed an Alternative Pathway that allowed those who have completed training to an equivalent or higher standard to be formally recognised.
In October 2025, the AMDRAS Board introduced a new Protocol to further streamline accreditation for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs).
This new Alternative Pathway recognises both existing FDR practitioners and graduates of FDR training who have undertaken substantial training but whose prior learning or qualifications were not delivered under a formally recognised AMDRAS Certificate of Training (COT) program.
What is the purpose of the AMDRAS COT Alternative Pathways?
The AMDRAS COT Alternative Pathways are designed to ensure that professionals with substantial, relevant training or experience are not required to repeat equivalent study.
The two protocols complement each other and cross over in places so the flow chart below may help you identify how the protocols apply to your circumstances.
Both pathways recognise prior learning and professional expertise while maintaining AMDRAS’s commitment to consistent national competency standards by not recognising short-course training delivered by providers who do not seek to have their courses recognised.
The Standard AMDRAS Certificate of Training Alternative Pathway
Purpose
The COT Alternative Pathway allows applicants to have previous mediation training assessed for equivalence against AMDRAS standards.
It’s particularly useful for those who have:
Completed high-quality mediation or dispute resolution training internationally; or
Undertaken training through non-AMDRAS providers (such as universities or Vocational Education and Training providers)
Eligibility
To qualify, your prior mediation training must demonstrate:
Comparable duration and intensity to AMDRAS-approved programs;
Strong practical components, including supervised simulated mediations;
Trainers with relevant mediation qualifications and experience; and
Alignment with AMDRAS’s core competency framework.
COT Alternative Pathway Application Process
Step One: Review the Evidence Collection or Application Form
If you would like to work offline on collecting your evidence download this document – COT Alternative Pathways Evidence Collection Form
If you would like to work online use this form – Certificate of Training (COT) Alternative Pathway Application Form
Step Two: Submit your Application
Submit your evidence to Mediation Institute, including evidence of your FDR Practitioner registration or course outlines, certificates, and details about trainers and assessments.
Processing
Evaluation and Assessment
We will review your application and evaluate whether your prior training satisfies AMDRAS requirements, considering:
Course content and length
Trainer credentials
Inclusion of practical mediation exercises
methods and outcomes
Possible Outcomes
Outcome One: Approval of the Application
Once approved, we will issue your AMDRAS Certificate of Training, clearly noting that it was granted via the Alternative Pathway.
You will then be eligible to apply for assessment under the Certificate of Assessment.
Outcome Two: Additional Training (if required)
If certain elements are missing or outdated, you may need:
Refresher training or supervised simulations
Targeted assessment of skills
Short supplementary study aligned with AMDRAS standards
Outcome Three: Not Approved
If your prior training does not meet the criteria your application will not be approved.
The Standard Pathway
The FDR Practitioners Alternative Pathway (Introduced October 2025)
Purpose
The FDR Practitioners’ Alternative Pathway Protocol recognises the existing qualifications, registration, and practical experience of Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs).
Developed under AMDRAS clause 34(b), this protocol ensures that experienced practitioners can have their existing skills and training formally acknowledged toward the AMDRAS Certificate of Training (COT).
Who Is Eligible
The FDR Alternative Pathway applies to:
Current FDRPs seeking AMDRAS accreditation who are already registered with the Attorney-General’s Department;
FDR-qualified graduates who hold an approved FDR qualification but have not yet registered, or who registered after 1 July 2025.
Core Principles
The AMDRAS Board established this protocol based on:
Recognition of Expertise: Acknowledging the high-level skills and ethics already demonstrated by FDRPs.
Fairness and Consistency: Ensuring a transparent and uniform process for all applicants.
Alignment: Bringing FDR professional standards into harmony with the broader AMDRAS mediation framework.
The FDR Application Process
The process mirrors the standard COT Alternative Pathway, but with additional consideration of professional registration and mediation practice.
Submit Evidence to Mediation Institute (or other Recognised Provider)
Include your FDR registration date and details, qualifications, and record of professional practice.Assessment of Equivalence
If you were registered prior to the 1st July 2025 your application is automatically approved.If not we must evaluate the equivalence of your course
FDR qualification and curriculum
Supervised practice or internship history
Demonstrated family mediation experience
Outcome
Successful applicants receive a Certificate of Training (COT) issued via the FDR Alternative Pathway Protocol.
Note: FDRPs obtaining the COT through this pathway are expected to progress to the Certificate of Assessment (COA) to ensure all accredited mediators meet the same baseline competency standards.
In Summary: Which Pathway Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Recommended Pathway |
|---|---|
| You’ve completed a non-AMDRAS higher education or VET mediation course with practical training | Standard COT Alternative Pathway |
| You’re an experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) | FDR Alternative Pathway |
| You’re an FDR-qualified graduate seeking AMDRAS accreditation | FDR Alternative Pathway |
| You’re an international mediator seeking recognition in Australia | Standard COT Alternative Pathway |
Why These Pathways Matter
The AMDRAS Alternative Pathways represent a major step forward in ensuring:
Fair recognition of existing expertise and professional training
Streamlined accreditation without unnecessary duplication
Consistency and transparency across all mediator accreditation routes
Alignment with national standards for mediation and dispute resolution
Examples: Applying the AMDRAS Alternative Pathway to Certificate of Training
Case Study 1: Online Conflict Resolution Course (International)
Background:
An applicant completed a 12-hour self-paced online course in conflict resolution from a private training company in the United States. The course covered communication theory, emotional intelligence, and conflict management strategies. It included multiple-choice quizzes but no live instruction or mediation role plays.
Assessment:
Trainer qualifications were not disclosed.
Course duration was significantly shorter than the AMDRAS minimum requirement.
No practical, assessed simulations or instructor feedback were provided.
Conclusion:
❌ Not substantially equivalent.
The absence of live, assessed simulations and qualified trainers fails to meet AMDRAS competency standards for mediation training.
Case Study 2: Workplace Conflict Coaching Certificate (Australia)
Background:
The applicant completed a Certificate in Workplace Coaching from a private Australian provider. The program focused on leadership communication, motivation, and coaching skills, with one short module on conflict resolution. It was not delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or a Higher Education institution.
Assessment:
The course was not nationally recognised under the VET or Higher Education system.
No mediation-specific skills or frameworks were included.
No role-play simulations or supervised assessments were completed.
Conclusion:
❌ Not eligible.
While valuable for general communication skills, this course does not align with the competency-based, practical standards required for AMDRAS accreditation.
Case Study 3: Restorative Justice Facilitation Workshop (New Zealand)
Background:
An applicant attended a three-day community-based training in restorative justice facilitation in New Zealand. The course involved small-group discussions and role-play exercises focused on harm repair and restorative practices. It was not a formal qualification or mediated training course.
Assessment:
Trainer credentials were not aligned with AMDRAS-recognised standards.
The course focused on restorative justice, not facilitative mediation.
Learning outcomes and assessments differed significantly from AMDRAS mediation competencies.
Conclusion:
⚠️ Not substantially equivalent.
Although related, restorative justice processes focus on different goals and communication models than those underpinning AMDRAS mediation practice.
Case Study 4: University Psychology Degree with Conflict Resolution Unit (Australia)
Background:
The applicant completed a Bachelor of Psychology that included one unit titled “Conflict and Negotiation in Human Behaviour.” The unit was delivered online and primarily theoretical, focusing on behavioural models rather than mediation techniques.
Assessment:
Delivered by a recognised Higher Education provider.
Trainer credentials were academic but not nationally accredited in mediation.
The unit lacked practical simulations, co-mediation practice, and supervised assessments.
Conclusion:
⚠️ Not sufficient for equivalence.
While it demonstrates foundational knowledge of conflict theory, the course does not include practical mediation competencies required for AMDRAS certification.
Case Study 5: Mediation Certificate Course (Australia, Non-Recognised Provider)
Background:
An applicant completed a Mediation Certificate Course from a private Australian company offering intensive mediation workshops. The course included theory and practical sessions with experienced, accredited trainers but was not delivered by a Recognised Training Provider (RTP) under AMDRAS.
Assessment:
Trainers were nationally accredited, but the course provider was not an RTO or Higher Education institution.
The program was not listed as an AMDRAS Recognised Course.
No independent verification or quality assurance process was in place.
Conclusion:
❌ Not recognised.
To maintain quality control, any mediation training delivered in Australia must be conducted by a Recognised Training Provider.
The course provider would need to apply to the AMDRAS Board for recognition before student qualifications could be accepted.
Summary of Lessons from the Case Studies
| Scenario Type | Meets AMDRAS Standards? | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Online short courses (no live practice) | ❌ No | No role-plays, no trainer feedback |
| Workplace coaching or leadership courses | ❌ No | Not mediation-specific |
| Restorative justice training | ❌ No | Focus differs from facilitative mediation |
| University theory-only units | ❌ No | No practical simulations |
| Non-recognised Australian mediation courses | ❌ No | Provider not approved under AMDRAS |