AMDRAS • Certificate of Training • Alternative Pathway

AMDRAS COT Alternative Pathway

If you have completed substantial mediation training outside an AMDRAS Recognised Certificate of Training (COT), you may be eligible to apply for formal recognition through the AMDRAS COT Alternative Pathway.

There are two protocols: the Standard COT Alternative Pathway and the FDR Practitioners Alternative Pathway.

Apply online View AMDRAS COT View COA

The Alternative Pathway is designed to recognise equivalent training and experience without requiring unnecessary duplication, while maintaining consistent national competency standards.

At a glance

Who it is for

Experienced learners

Prior training or registration to be assessed for equivalence

Two protocols

Standard + FDR

Different eligibility triggers and evidence requirements

What you receive

COT via pathway

Certificate notes it was issued via Alternative Pathway

Next step

Certificate of Assessment

Progress to COA after COT approval

Which pathway applies to you?

The two protocols cross over in places. This flow chart can help you identify which pathway is likely to apply to your circumstances.

COT Protocol (June 2025) FDRP Protocol (Oct 2025)

Two Alternative Pathways

Standard pathway

Standard COT Alternative Pathway

For applicants seeking equivalence recognition for prior mediation training (including international training, or training through universities or VET providers that are not delivered as an AMDRAS recognised COT).

Your training should demonstrate

Comparable duration and intensity to AMDRAS approved programs
Strong practical components, including supervised simulated mediations
Trainers with relevant mediation qualifications and experience
Alignment with AMDRAS core competency framework

FDR practitioners

FDR Practitioners Alternative Pathway

Introduced to streamline accreditation for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) and relevant graduates whose training was not delivered under an AMDRAS recognised COT program.

Who is eligible

Current FDRPs registered with the Attorney-General’s Department
FDR qualified graduates who are not yet registered, or who registered after 1 July 2025
Applicants able to provide evidence of qualifications, registration date, and practice

Note: FDRPs obtaining COT via this pathway are expected to progress to the Certificate of Assessment (COA).

How to apply

The application process is designed to be evidence-based and transparent. You can work offline first, or submit online.

Prepare your evidence

Collect course outlines, certificates, assessment information, trainer details, and practical component evidence. If applying under the FDR pathway, include your registration date and relevant practice evidence.

Submit your application

Submit your evidence to Mediation Institute for review under the relevant Alternative Pathway protocol.

Receive an outcome

Outcomes may include approval (COT issued via pathway), a request for targeted gap training, or not approved if criteria are not met.

Forms and links

Evidence collection form (download) Apply online Ask a question

Possible outcomes

Approved

Your application is approved and a COT is issued, noting it was granted via the Alternative Pathway.

Gap training required

If certain elements are missing or outdated, you may be required to complete refresher training, supervised simulations, or targeted assessment aligned with AMDRAS standards.

Not approved

If the evidence does not meet the criteria, the application may not be approved. In many cases, the AMDRAS recognised COT is the most appropriate pathway.

After COT approval

Once a COT is issued (including via the Alternative Pathway), the usual next step is the AMDRAS Certificate of Assessment (COA).

View COA View AMDRAS pathways

Examples and guidance

The case studies below illustrate common scenarios and how they are typically viewed against the AMDRAS requirements.

Case study: Short online conflict course without live practice

Short online courses that do not include live instruction, supervised role plays, and assessed simulations are typically not substantially equivalent. Practical, assessed mediation simulations and qualified trainers are core requirements.

Case study: Workplace coaching or leadership certificate

Coaching and leadership programs can be valuable, but where they are not mediation-specific and do not include assessed mediation practice, they are generally not eligible for equivalence.

Case study: Restorative justice workshop

Restorative justice facilitation is related work but often has different goals and competencies than facilitative mediation. Without alignment to AMDRAS mediation competencies, it is not usually considered substantially equivalent.

Case study: University theory-only unit

Higher education units that are primarily theoretical and do not include practical mediation simulations, co-mediation practice, and supervised assessments are typically not sufficient for equivalence.

Case study: Australian mediation course with accredited trainers but non-recognised provider

Where an Australian course is delivered by a provider that is not recognised under AMDRAS (and lacks independent quality assurance), it is generally not recognised for equivalence, even if trainers are individually accredited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the COT Alternative Pathway?

The Alternative Pathway exists to recognise substantial, relevant training and experience so applicants do not have to repeat equivalent study, while maintaining consistent national competency standards.

What evidence should I include?

Include course outlines, certificates, trainer credentials, assessment methods, and evidence of practical components such as supervised simulated mediations. If applying under the FDR pathway, include your registration date and relevant professional practice information.

What happens if some elements are missing?

You may be asked to complete targeted gap training, supervised simulations, or an additional skills assessment aligned with AMDRAS standards.

What is the next step after COT approval?

After the COT is issued (including via Alternative Pathway), you usually progress to the Certificate of Assessment (COA).

Ready to begin?

Start by downloading the evidence collection form, or apply online if your documents are ready.

Download evidence form Apply online Contact us