What is the Practicum?
The Mediation Institute Practicum Certificate Course is an advanced skills development program approved as the pathway course to national accreditation as an Advanced Mediator.
Successful completion qualifies you to apply for Advanced Mediator accreditation under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS).
This course focuses on enhancing your practical mediation skills through reflective practice, complex case discussions, and constructive feedback.
Pre-requisites
- You must have been nationally accredited for a minimum of 4 years (2 renewal cycles)
- You must have completed a minimum of 150 practice hours (evidence required)
- Your case study must relate to facilitative mediation and the AMDRAS Standards (e.g. not Family Dispute Resolution)
The Practicum Certificate course focuses on practical skills and self-reflection. It should give participants the opportunity to share and discuss issues arising from their practice experience and allow them to give and receive constructive, critical feedback.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format Options | Workshop style
Online Workshop
|
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Group Size | Minimum numbers for a Practicum Group – 6 participants. (maximum 18) |
| Delivery Mode | Online course for co-ordination. Workshop Zoom or Face-to-Face. |
| Facilitators | Experienced Approved trainers (Minimum of 8+ years experience in delivering training and as an accredited mediator ) |
This course has been approved under the AMDRAS.
Learning Objectives
After completing the Practicum Certificate Course, you will:
Demonstrate high-level mediation competency through real-world reflective practice.
Prepare a comprehensive case study showcasing your approach to complex disputes.
Understand and apply the AMDRAS standards in practice.
Reflect critically on your mediation style and outcomes to support your ongoing growth.
- Receive and provide professional feedback.
Address challenges that arise in complex mediation settings.
Deepen your understanding of ethical and cultural considerations in dispute resolution.
Entry Requirements
You must be a currently accredited Mediator under AMDRAS.
You must have been accredited for at least 4 years.
You must have completed at least 150 hours of mediation practice.
Technology
This course is delivered partially online. You will need the following technology:
- A computer with reliable internet access
- Video and Audio – Camera (built into laptops) and Microphone / Speakers. We recommend using headphones if you have any background noise.
If you are participating in a face to face workshop style Practicum you’ll still need online access to submit your coursework.
Course Overview: Explore what the course offers!
The practicum is delivered in a flexible format, with the option of fully online or in-person weekend workshops.
If your organisation has 6 or more eligible team members, ask us about a private practicum workshop.
Practicum Portfolio Submission
Develop and submit a case study that demonstrates your skills, ethical approach and reflective learning. The presentation must be a minimum of 30 minutes in length.
Reflective Practice Journal
Reflect on how your practicum experiences reveal your areas for growth, challenge your learning edges, and inform your development goals. 800 – 1000 word reflective to be written.
Work with Advanced Mediation Skills
Skills refresh and troubleshooting common challenges.
Cultural and Ethical Complexities
Discussion of mediation practice with diverse or vulnerable parties.
Critical Feedback & Peer Learning
Practical exercises to give and receive structured feedback.
Assessment
Participation in all sessions and reflective discussions.
Submission of an 800–1000-word reflection following your case presentation.
Demonstration of critical analysis and application of Professional Attributes.
– Assessment is competency-based (satisfactory / not satisfactory) and attendance based. You must participate in the 12 hour course.
– A Practicum Certificate will be issued upon successful completion.
Advanced Mediator Application
Holders of a Practicum Certificate will be eligible to apply for Advanced Mediator Accreditation under AMDRAS.
You can complete the expression of interest form once you have been Nationally Accredited as a mediator for 4+ years and you have evidence of over 150 hours of professional experience as a mediator (since you were first accredited).
In person workshops are being scheduled and will proceed if there are a minimum of 6 participants.
The requirement is 12 hours of face to face engagement.
This may be a weekend or over a longer period for online delivery.
It must be completed within 2 months.
The course is experience based. Other than your mandatory case outline and presentation and reflections the “assessment” is based on your participation and engagement.
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. Our courses have the option of online delivery practicum groups if mobility is an issue for you.
The AMDRAS specifies that you must attend 12 hours of live sessions. This can be in person or online. There isn’t a self-paced option.
If you are unlikely to be able to make the schedule provided or unexpectedly are not able to participate, please contact us to discuss your options.
There is no refund of the course fee once you have enrolled and been confirmed for an in person workshop.
Yes this course is designed for in person delivery in various locations around Australia based on availability of course leaders.
Practicum
Practicum Certificate Course $ 2200 Pay in full or instalments
- Structured Group - In person weekend workshop or online option (you must attend all live sessions)
- $1,980 which is a 10% Discount ($220)for Mediation Institute Members only
Enrol Now
Contact us to find out more about upcoming in person Practicum Workshops
Training
The AMDRAS Practicum Course Guide gives you all the key details about the course, including what you’ll learn and share, eligibility requirements, and more about Advanced Mediator Accreditation under AMDRAS. Whether you’re thinking about enrolling or want to get the most out of your training when you are ready, this guide helps you stay prepared.
Check it out today!
Meet Our Practicum Training Team
Joanne Law
Course Coordinator. Lead Trainer Qualified. NMAS /AMDRAS Accredited since 2013. Online Workshops Facilitation.
Peter Johnstone
Assessor and Lead Trainer Qualified. NMAS /AMDRAS Accredited since 2008 when the system was established. Brisbane Workshop - July 2025
Darren Clark
Assessor and Lead Trainer Qualified. NMAS /AMDRAS Accredited since Brisbane Workshop - July 2025
Watch the Replay: Practice Growth Starts with your Free Access to the Cultivation Academy for Mediation Institute Members
Back on Track: My Journey Through Role Plays and Learning
Mediation Careers Explained: Who’s Hiring, What Roles Exist, and Where to Begin
RTO Complaint Handling Service
Week 1 Reflections: A Strong Start to AMDRAS Training
