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)
Upcoming Workshop Options
- 15th and 16th November 2025
- 9th and 10 April 2026
- 27th and 28th June 2026
- 24th and 25th September 2026
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.
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
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 can be scheduled in collaboration with organisations or localised groups of members 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.
We have the option of delivering in-house and group workshops in person but will generally be scheduled based on expressions of interest rather than public workshops.
Practicum Mediation Institute Members
Practicum Certificate Course-
Experienced, Engaged Trainers
-
Online delivery mode (contact us to discuss in person)
-
Provides Eligibility for Advanced Mediator Accreditation under AMDRAS
Practicum Other Participants
Practicum Certificate Course-
Experienced, Engaged Trainers
-
Online delivery mode (contact us to discuss in person
-
Provides Eligibility for Advanced Mediator Accreditation under AMDRAS
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, a mediator since 2013
Bio
Joanne Law is an experienced mediator, educator, and leader in the dispute resolution field.
She has held accreditation as a mediator since 2013 and is also a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)
Following her training as a dispute resolution practitioner she established Mediation Institute to innovate the way mediation was taught at that time. She designs courses, delivers training, and mentors mediators and FDR practitioners across Australia, championing accessible, flexible training models—particularly through online learning and e‑learning platforms.
In 2015, Joanne co‑founded the not‑for‑profit Interact Support Inc, which operates Interact Online (family dispute resolution) and Interact Community Dispute Resolution Service (ICDRS). Through this initiative, she supports early intervention in disputes, particularly in family law and community mediation, empowering communities and expanding access to mediation using video and co‑mediation models to help new mediators develop their skills.
She is actively involved in shaping professional standards, serving on the AMDRAS Board since 2022 and on the executive committee of Mediators Beyond Borders Oceania
Joanne’s innovation in training and service delivery has earned recognition—including being a state finalist in the Accelerating Women category at the Telstra Best of Business Awards in 2023 and winning a VET sector eLearning Excellence Award in 2014.
Joanne works across a spectrum of dispute types—including family law, workplace, community, and elder mediation—often employing facilitative or transformative approaches that prioritise self-determination and safety, including video shuttle mediation for high-conflict circumstances.
Residing in regional Victoria, Joanne remains dedicated to making mediation and training accessible to people in rural and remote areas, through online delivery and flexible scheduling.
Her qualifications include Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Family Group Conference Facilitator, Certified Life, Executive & Business Coach, NLP Master Practitioner / Trainer, Diploma in Competitive Systems and Practices (lean)
Peter Johnstone
- Assessor
- Lead Trainer Qualified
- NMAS /AMDRAS Accredited , a mediator since 1993
Bio
Peter began his mediation career with the Community Justice Program in Qld in 1993 (Department of Justice and AG). As well as mediating, Peter undertook a range of roles for this organisation including Intake Officer, State Training Manager, State Practice Manager and Executive Manager. As Executive Manager, Peter oversaw the operations of six Dispute Resolution Centres across Queensland and a panel of nearly 150 mediators.
Peter continues to work as a sessional mediator for the Dispute Resolution Centres. Peter’s next role was a Director of Complaints at the Health Quality and Complaints Commission (now the Qld Health Ombudsman). Peter oversaw the early resolution of health complaints along with the conciliation of complex health matters.
Peter then transitioned to a new role as Manager of ADR at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). In this role Peter oversaw panels of mediators conducting ADR activities in a wide range of jurisdictions including the conduct of nearly 2500 Minor Civil Disputes annually.
SInce 2021 Peter has been employed as the State Manager of Conflict Resolution within the Department of Education. In this role Peter oversees conflict coaching, mediation and capability development activities.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Masters of Business Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, a Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Darren Clark
- Assessor
- Lead Trainer Qualified
- NMAS /AMDRAS Accredited, a mediator since 2005
Bio
Darren is an Advanced Mediator who has been a mediator for over 20 years. Darren has a strong background in client service and conflict management and has held a number of management positions in the Queensland Public Sector in courts and tribunals including the management of various dispute resolution divisions.
Darren has conducted mediations in a broad range of areas including:
- Civil Disputes;
- Commercial disputes,
- Neighbourhood Disputes for dividing fences and trees;
- Manufactured Homes;
- Retirement Villages;
- Retail Shops,
- Motor vehicles and
- most recently in Education as a Principal Facilitator.
In addition, Darren is a panel mediator for the Dispute Resolution Branch with the Department of Justice (Qld).
Darren has worked most recently with the Department of Education (Qld) as part of the department’s Conflict Resolution Team. This team has received national awards for Innovation in 2022 and 2025.
Darren was also a finalist personally for Conflict Coach of the Year in 2024.
Darren qualifications are varied and include Public Sector Management, Financial Planning and Training and Assessment.
