Practising Mediator

Requirements for Practising Mediator Status

All Practising Mediators (PMs) must meet all of the following criteria (A – D):

A. Education and Experience

All PMs must meet one of the following four education and experience descriptions:

1. A Law degree or a Master-level degree in one of the following: Psychology, Social Work, Education, Mediation, Conflict Resolution or other related field (such as Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, Nursing, Religion, Philosophy); or
2. Bachelor-level degree in one of the following: Psychology, Social Work, Education, Mediation, Conflict Resolution or other related field (such as Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, Nursing, Religion, Philosophy)
  plus
  minimum 100-hour Conflict Resolution Training with Skills Assessment* and/or two reference letters**; or
3. Bachelor-level degree (any discipline) or related Diploma (Social Work, Education, Corrections, Paralegal) plus Minimum 200-hour Conflict Resolution Training with Skills Assessment and/or two reference letters from a professional in a related field
  plus
  10 hours of mediation experience (co-mediating, shadowing a qualified mediator, volunteer mediation, mentorship); or
4. 250-hour Conflict Resolution Training with Skills Assessment* and/or two reference letters**
  plus
  20 hours of mediation experience (co-mediating, shadowing a qualified mediator, volunteer mediation, mentorship).

*A program with Skills Assessment would be a role play, exam and/or evaluation.

**From a professional in a related field; must use provided form.

B. Basic Mediation Training

In addition to, or as part of, the above qualifications, all Practicing Mediators must have completed generic conflict resolutions courses, totalling a minimum of 40 hours, which have covered all of the following areas:

- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
- Communication
- Interest-based Mediation
- Mediation Skills

(Please note that AFMS puts on a 40-hour Basic Mediation course but courses from many other institutions are suitable. The Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) course "Mediation of Family & Divorce Conflicts" is NOT a Basic Mediation course but is instead considered "Specialized Training" often used for the Registered Family Mediator (RFM) membership qualifications. All levels of mediator members with AFMS require a Basic Mediation course.)

C. Malpractice Liability Insurance

PMs must submit evidence of applicable malpractice insurance coverage for Alberta.

D. Ongoing Activity and Education

PMs must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in mediation related topic areas every two years.

Alternative Qualifications
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications may submit a letter of request to have their relevant experience and educational qualifications assessed by the Registrar. The onus is on the applicant to outline where they think the equivalencies lie.

Application Forms
To apply for Practising Mediator status, print and complete the Application Forms and return them to our offices along with the required fees. Application Form for Practising Mediator Status

Letter of Reference Form
If you're submitting reference letters in support of your application for a designation, please use this: AFMS letter of reference