Accredited mediator training course

​Accredited mediator training course

The skills and knowledge you gain from this course will provide you with the professional qualification required for a career in the mediation profession. Potential career pathways include positions in the government, community and private sectors. Please note the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) accreditation is now a pre-requisite to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution.

Participant feedback

"Very interactive. The trainers were lovely and engaging. They were great at explaining the 'why' behind what we learnt. They were encouraging and informative." – Participant, NMAS Program 2023

"The role- plays and trainer presentations were fantastic" - Participant, NMAS Program 2023

"The program was very structured and went through each step of the mediation process. It was also very helpful to have multiple role- play sessions. During these sessions we were able to call for a timeout - to ask questions and get feedback." -  Participant, NMAS Program 2023

Our course covers all requirements for accreditation including:

• a combination of theory and interactive role-play activities
• opportunities to conduct both co-delivered and solo mediation
• individual coaching and feedback
• final role play assessment, which is included in the course fee
• a dynamic and safe online learning environment for participants.

On completion of the course you can apply for NMAS mediator accreditation through a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB). To find out more about becoming accredited contact the Mediator Standards Board (MSB) (External link).

Upcoming course dates

Course delivery

In-person

The 6 day course is delivered in-person over 3 consecutive weeks, from 8.45 am to 5:00 pm each day. This allows you time to consolidate and practice your new skills.

Online

The 8-day course is delivered online over 3 consecutive weeks in full day and half day blocks, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, allowing you time to consolidate and practice your new skills.

Our high trainer-to-learner ratio gives you the best opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete the assessment and enter the mediation profession.

What you’ll learn

Over the training you will learn to:

• recognise your own conflict resolution style
• develop successful communication strategies
• implement negotiation techniques
• minimise conflict within your organisation
• prepare for and conduct mediations, both solo and in partnership with another mediator (co-mediation).

Specifically, you will learn about:

• the concept of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution option
• the nature of conflict and how conflict affects our daily lives
• how to assist parties in their negotiation at mediation
• ethical issues that may present to the practising mediator
• power imbalances in mediation: how to identify possible difficulties for particular groups, and how to implement strategies to combat possible power imbalances in the mediation process.

Course assessment

For training and assessment under the NMAS standards you will:

• participate in nine role plays
• receive one-on-one feedback in seven of the nine role plays
• complete written tasks (approximately six hours in total)
• perform a simulated mediation of at least one and a half hours on the final day of the course.

On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate that meets the Mediator Standards Board requirements for national accreditation.

Course cost

Course costs are:

• In-person $3850 (GST incl.). This includes a non-refundable administration fee of $395.
• Online $3,625 (GST inc.). This includes a non-refundable administration fee of $370.

Price as at June 2023.

Re-assessment

If you do not meet the NMAS competencies you have the option of re-assessment on a later date, at a cost of $500. For further information, please contact us.

Paying for your course

Upon enrolment into the course:

• an invoice will be issued via email
• payment is due no later than 21 days prior to the course commencing.

If you are unable to attend the course because of extenuating circumstances a refund will be issued within 21 business days as noted below:

• In-person course $3455 ($3850 course fee less the $395 admin fee)
• Online course $3,255 ($3,625 course fee less the $370 admin fee)

If you wish to re-enrol for the next available course, a new invoice will be issued.

Tailored Alternative Dispute Resolution Training

Through our extensive experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) we can assist your organisation or team with our Tailored Alternative Dispute Resolution training program. Much more than just a training program, our courses elevate your team's capabilities and confidence in navigating conflict by instilling skills that not only reduce conflict escalation but lead to collaboration and innovation. We prioritise engagement, and real-world relevance in all our programs. 

At the heart of our approach is customisation. We understand that each workplace is unique, facing distinct challenges, and our tailored training ensures that the foundational skills of effective ADR are seamlessly integrated into your team's daily practices. By addressing the specific needs of your organisation, our programs empower your team with immediately applicable ADR practices, thereby enhancing their ability to manage conflicts with confidence. Join esteemed organisations such as the Victorian Department of Government Services and local Victorian Councils, all of whom have entrusted us to design and deliver exceptional, successful programs tailored to their unique requirements. 

Reach out to us at dscv.training@justice.vic.gov.au (External link) to start a conversation about your organisation and how we can meet your specific training needs.

Further information and registration

For further information please email dscv.training@justice.vic.gov.au (External link) 

To enrol in the course please download and complete the form below and email it to dscv.training@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

Registration form

The registration form can be found below. 

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