AMDRAS is the national standard for mediator accreditation in Australia.
AMDRAS — the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards — is the framework that sets the requirements for mediator accreditation across Australia. It replaced the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) on 1 July 2024, with the full national transition completing on 1 July 2025.
If you are training to become a mediator, renewing your accreditation, or looking for an accredited mediator to help you resolve a dispute, AMDRAS is the framework that underpins the quality and consistency of mediation practice in Australia.
Who manages AMDRAS?
AMDRAS is governed by the AMDRAS Board — formerly the Mediator Standards Board (MSB), which was established in 2008. The Board’s purpose is to advance the integrity and consistency of mediation and dispute resolution services and training across Australia, in the public interest.
The Board includes representatives from peak mediation and dispute resolution bodies, training providers, and accreditation providers. The current standards, developed following a comprehensive national review in 2022, reflect modern dispute resolution practice and have been updated as recently as October 2025.
You can find the official AMDRAS Standards and all key documents at amdras.au.
The three levels of AMDRAS accreditation
AMDRAS establishes three levels of national accreditation for dispute resolution practitioners:
1. Accredited Mediator
The entry-level national accreditation. To become an Accredited Mediator, practitioners must complete the AMDRAS Certificate of Training (COT) with a Recognised Training Provider and then complete the AMDRAS Certificate of Assessment (COA) with a Recognised Accreditation Provider.
2. Advanced Mediator
Recognises experienced practitioners who have completed the AMDRAS Practicum Certificate and meet the required practice hours and years of accreditation. Advanced accreditation signals a higher level of mediation competence and experience.
3. Leading Mediator
The highest level of AMDRAS accreditation, for highly experienced mediators who have demonstrated significant practice history and leadership in the profession. See the Leading Mediator Application Process for details.
How is AMDRAS different from NMAS?
NMAS served Australian mediators from 2008 to 2024. A comprehensive independent review completed in 2022 found the framework needed updating to reflect modern practice, expand recognition to include Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and Family Group Conference Facilitators, and improve consistency across providers.
The key changes AMDRAS introduced include:
- Three distinct accreditation levels — Accredited, Advanced, and Leading — replacing the single NMAS Mediator designation
- Explicit recognition of Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) and Family Group Conference Facilitators (FGCFs)
- The Practicum Certificate as the pathway to Advanced accreditation
- Clearer CPD requirements and a stronger framework for ongoing professional development
- A more robust system of Recognised Providers with consistent standards
Recognised Providers: RAPs and RTPs
Under AMDRAS, training and accreditation are delivered through organisations approved by the AMDRAS Board:
- Recognised Training Providers (RTPs) deliver AMDRAS-approved training, including the Certificate of Training (COT) and Certificate of Assessment (COA).
- Recognised Accreditation Providers (RAPs) assess practitioners and grant AMDRAS accreditation.
As of November 2025, there are 39 Recognised Providers nationally — 29 RAPs and 25 RTPs, with 16 organisations (including Mediation Institute) holding dual RAP and RTP status.
Mediation Institute and AMDRAS
Mediation Institute is one of Australia’s 16 dual Recognised Providers — we are both a Recognised Training Provider (RTP) and a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP). This means you can complete your AMDRAS training and apply for accreditation all in one place.
We offer the full AMDRAS training and accreditation pathway:
- AMDRAS Certificate of Training (COT) — foundational mediator training
- AMDRAS Certificate of Assessment (COA) — the accreditation assessment
- AMDRAS Practicum Certificate — the pathway to Advanced Mediator accreditation
- Leading Mediator Application — support for the highest level of accreditation
Membership with Mediation Institute supports practitioners at every stage — from first accreditation through to ongoing CPD, renewal, and advanced pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions about AMDRAS
What does AMDRAS stand for?
AMDRAS stands for Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards. It is Australia’s national framework for mediator accreditation, governed by the AMDRAS Board.
When did AMDRAS replace NMAS?
The AMDRAS framework replaced NMAS on 1 July 2024. The national transition period — during which practitioners could hold either NMAS or AMDRAS accreditation — ended on 1 July 2025. All accreditations are now under the AMDRAS framework.
Do I need AMDRAS accreditation to work as a mediator in Australia?
AMDRAS accreditation is not a legal requirement to work as a mediator in most contexts, but it is the recognised national standard. Many courts, government bodies, and professional organisations require or strongly prefer AMDRAS-accredited mediators. For Family Dispute Resolution, practitioners must also be registered with the Attorney-General’s Department under the Family Law Act.
How do I become AMDRAS accredited?
To become an Accredited Mediator under AMDRAS, you need to complete the AMDRAS Certificate of Training (COT) with a Recognised Training Provider, then complete the Certificate of Assessment (COA) with a Recognised Accreditation Provider. Mediation Institute offers both. See our AMDRAS Training and Accreditation page for the full pathway.
What is a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP)?
A RAP is an organisation approved by the AMDRAS Board to assess practitioners and grant AMDRAS accreditation. Mediation Institute is an AMDRAS Recognised Accreditation Provider, meaning we can process your accreditation application and renewal.
What is a Recognised Training Provider (RTP)?
An RTP is an organisation approved by the AMDRAS Board to deliver AMDRAS training — including the Certificate of Training (COT) and Certificate of Assessment (COA). Mediation Institute is an AMDRAS Recognised Training Provider.
What are the CPD requirements under AMDRAS?
AMDRAS requires practitioners to complete continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain their accreditation. Requirements vary by accreditation level. Mediation Institute members have access to CPD webinars, events, and a CPD register through the MiMembers portal.
Can I transfer my accreditation to Mediation Institute from another RAP?
Yes. If you hold AMDRAS accreditation through another Recognised Accreditation Provider, you can transfer your accreditation to Mediation Institute. See our Transfer Accreditation page for details.
