Practising Mediator

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

1. 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 from a professional in a related field; or
   3. Bachelor-level degree (in anything) or related Diploma (Social Work, Education, Corrections, Paraglegal) 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 from a professional in a related field
      plus
      20 hours of mediation experience (co-mediating, shadowing a qualified mediator, volunteer mediation,mentorship).

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.)

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

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