For Mediators:

Standards & Mediator Accreditation

Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards

The Australian Mediation Association strongly supports and is committed to the application and implementation of the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards.

The Association is a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) under the standards and acts to maintain and further develop the national mediation accreditation scheme.

We undertake to have an ongoing role in Standards development and the definition and any extension of the recognition process into the future.

The Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards apply to any person who voluntarily seeks to be accredited under the Australian Mediation Dispute Resolution System (‘the system’) to act as a mediator and assist two or more participants to manage, settle or resolve disputes or to form a future plan of action through a process of mediation.

AMDRAS Recognised Accreditation Provider 2025-2027

The Approval Standards

  1. Specify requirements for mediators seeking to obtain approval under the voluntary national accreditation system; and
  2. Define minimum qualifications and training; and
  3. Assist in informing participants, prospective participants and others what qualifications and competencies can be expected of mediators.

As a condition of ongoing approval, mediators must comply with the Practice Standards and seek re-approval in accordance with the Approval Standards.

The Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) can be accessed here.

Mediator Approval Requirements

Approval Requirements for Mediators – Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP)

As a RAP, the Association’s role in the system is that of the accreditation component of the national mediation accreditation scheme. We aim to ensure that the Standards and scheme operate in an effective, efficient, satisfactory and fair manner.

A mediator manages processes aimed at maximising the participants’ own decision making. The mediator must have personal qualities and appropriate life, social and work experience to conduct the process independently and professionally.

To be accredited, we, as a Recognised Accreditation Provider require a mediator to provide the following:

  1. evidence of good character; and
  2. an undertaking to comply with ongoing practice standards and compliance with any legislative and approval requirements; and
  3. evidence of relevant insurance, statutory indemnity or employee status; and
  4. evidence of membership or a relationship with an appropriate association or organisation that has appropriate and relevant ethical requirements, complaints and disciplinary processes as well as ongoing professional support; this will include other relevant memberships or relationships; and
  5. evidence of mediator competence by reference to education, training and experience.

As a condition of ongoing approval, mediators must comply with the Practice Standards and seek re-approval in accordance with the Approval Standards.

Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) can be accessed Here.

Apply for Accreditation

Application form for Mediators Seeking Approval under the AMDRAS.

This application is in two parts

  • Online Application Form – below; this is for you to complete and submit.
  • The Referee’s Reference Form is on the final page of the application; this must be filled out by both your referees and included with your application.

At the bottom of the form you can upload supporting documents. If you have any problems uploading files please email them directly to us via the address displayed at the end of the form.

Applications will not be accepted unless accompanied by payment or proof of payment of the application fee of $250.00 (inc GST). Payment can be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

NOTE: This application form should be read in conjunction with both the Approval Standards and the Practice Standards outlined on this page.

Application Form

    • 1

      Introduction

    • 2

      Your Details

    • 3

      Training and Assessment

    • 4

      Insurance

    • 5

      Compliance

    • 6

      Good Character

    • 7

      Disclosure

    • 8

      Consent

    • 9

      RAP Information

    • 10

      Signature & Payment

    1/10

    Introduction

    1. Introduction

    The Accreditation system applies to any person who voluntarily seeks to be accredited under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation System (AMDRAS) to act as a mediator and assist two or more participants to manage, settle or resolve disputes or to form a future plan of action through a process of mediation.

    Practitioners who act in these roles are referred to in the Approval Standards as mediators.

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    2. Your Details


    11%

    3. Training and Assessment

    Have you previously completed a recognised Certificate of Training (CoT) or equivalent? (See AMDRAS Clause 25(a)(b)) or Alternative Pathways (AMDRAS Division 8, Clause 35) yesno

    If Yes, please provide the following details:



    If YES, please attach your CoT (.doc / .pdf)

    Have you received a Certificate of Assessment (CoA) assessment based on a written assessment (See AMDRAS Clause 27.2(a)), and performance of the role of a mediator in a simulated mediation of at least 2 to 2.5 hours, or equivalent? (See AMDRAS Clause 27.2(b)) or Alternative Pathways (AMDRAS Division 8, Clause 35) yesno

    If Yes, please provide the following details:



    If YES, please attach your CoA (.doc / .pdf)


    22%

    4. Insurance

    Are you covered by relevant professional indemnity insurance or have statutory immunity? (See AMDRAS Clause 43) yesno

    If YES, please attach your Certificate of Currency or other evidence of insurance cover (.doc / .pdf).



    33%

    5. Compliance Undertaking

    Do you undertake to comply with:

    The AMDRAS Training and Accreditation Framework (TAF) for persons seeking accreditation and once accredited under the AMDRAS yesno
    The AMDRAS Professional Practice Domains which apply to AMDRAS accredited mediators yesno
    And, any relevant legislation, professional standards and any other requirements that may be relevant to an AMDRAS accredited mediator? yesno

    44%

    6. Good Character

    (a) Are you of good character and do you possess appropriate personal qualities and experience to conduct a mediation process independently, competently and professionally? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(a)(i).) yesno
    (b) Have you provided two-character references attesting to your good character (See AMDRAS Clause 38(b)(i)) or provided evidence in an alternative format? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(b) (ii)) yesno

    If YES, please attach the evidence.(.doc / .pdf)

    55%

    7. Disclosure

    (a) Have you at any time been disqualified from any type of professional practice? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(i)) yesno
    (b) Have you any unspent criminal convictions? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(ii)) yesno
    (c) Do you have any impairment(s) that could influence your capacity to discharge your obligations in a competent, honest and professional manner? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(iii)) yesno
    (d) Have you ever been the subject of a complaint in your role as a mediator where the complaint was upheld and conditions imposed? yesno
    (e) Have you ever been refused NMAS or AMDRAS accreditation or accreditation renewal? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(iv)) yesno
    (f) Have you ever had your mediation accreditation suspended or cancelled? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(v)) yesno
    (g) Are you currently registered through another RAP? You can not be registered through more than one RAP. If you are seeking a transfer, please complete a transfer form. yesno

    If you answered YES to any of the above questions, please attach a detailed statement and explanation (.doc / .pdf).

    66%

    8. Acknowledgement, Undertaking and Consent

    (a) Do you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the AMDRAS Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Domains, where they do not conflict with other professional obligations? yesno
    (b) Do you understand the Ethical Code of Practice and Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure associated with the Australian Mediation Association Mediation Complaints, and agree to comply with the obligations? yesno

    Do you consent to:

    Your personal information being disclosed to the AMDRAS Board or relevant AMDRAS-related entity; yesno

    And: Your name, registration status and accreditation body released on the AMDRAS National Register; yesno

    And: The AMDRAS Board or entity releasing the information to other AMDRAS-related entities (but to no-one else without the consent of all parties concerned). (See AMDRAS Clause 42) yesno

    If NO, please attach a detailed explanation (.doc / .pdf)

    77%

    9. Additional Information for the RAP

    The current fee is $250.00 including GST which includes an administration fee payable to the RAP.

    Electronic Funds Transfer (please provide proof of transfer)
    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
    • Account Name: Australian Mediation Association
    • BSB: 064 121
    • Account no: 10 200 135
    • Reference: Your name

    Proof of transfer:

    Accreditation with another RAP

    • A Registered Practitioner may not be accredited through more than one RAP. If this mediator is registered with another RAP, you must not also collect the registration fee for the National Register.
    • The Registered Practitioner may apply to transfer their registration to your RAP or
    • Your RAP may follow the process to recognise their accreditation with another RAP.

    Good Character Reference Letter

    Suggested Content for the Reference Letter:

    [Referee's Name]
    [Address or Organisation, if relevant]
    [Email / Contact number]

    To Whom It May Concern,

    I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Full Name], who is applying for accreditation under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS).

    I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [X years], in my capacity as a [relationship – e.g., colleague, community member, neighbour, teacher, etc.].
    Over this time, I have found [him/her/they] to be a person of good character, who demonstrates honesty, integrity, and professionalism in their interactions with others.

    I have no hesitation in recommending [Applicant’s Name] as someone suitable for professional accreditation and practice in the field of dispute resolution.

    Please feel free to contact me should further information be required.
    Sincerely,
    [Signature (if hard copy)]
    [Printed Name]
    [Date]

    Upload reference letter/s here:


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    10. Agreement & Signature

    I, certify that the contents of this Application are true and correct.

    Payment - This application is $250.00 (including GST)

    Electronic Funds Transfer (please provide proof of transfer)
    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
    • Account Name: Australian Mediation Association
    • BSB: 064 121
    • Account no: 10 200 135
    • Reference: Your name

    Proof of transfer:

    Tax Invoice

    Australian Mediation Association A.B.N. 40 315 480 252
    GPO Box 1347, Brisbane Qld 4001
    Application Fee $250.00 (including GST)

    This document will be a tax invoice for GST purposes when you make payment. Please retain a copy for your GST records.


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    If you experience difficulties with this online form, please download and complete the pdf version here or the Word Docx version here.
    The form can then be returned to .

    Apply for Re-Accreditation

      • 1

        Accrediation Requirments

      • 2

        Your Details

      • 3

        Renewal Level

      • 4

        Insurance

      • 5

        Practice Hours

      • 6

        Adjusted Requirements

      • 7

        Disclosure

      • 8

        Consent

      • 9

        Signature

      1/9

      Accrediation Requirments

      1. Continuing Accrediation Requirments

      Approval standards for mediators seeking approval under the Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation System.
      Section 6 of the Approval Standards states:

      6 Continuing Accreditation Requirements

      1) Mediators who seek to be reaccredited must satisfy their RAP that they continue to meet the approval requirements set out in Section 3 of the Approval Standards. In addition, mediators seeking re accreditation must, within each two-year cycle, provide evidence to the RAP that they have:

      a) sufficient practice experience by showing that they have either:

      i) conducted at least 25 hours of mediation, co-mediation or conciliation (in total duration) within the two-year cycle or 40 hours for ‘Advanced Mediators’, or:

      ii) where a mediator is unable to provide such evidence for reasons such as, a lack of work opportunities (in respect of newly qualified mediators); a focus on work undertaken as a dispute manager, facilitator, conflict coach or related area; a family, career or study break; illness or injury, an RAP may require the mediator to have completed no less than 10 hours of mediation, comediation or conciliation work per two-year cycle and may require that the mediator attend ‘top up’ training or reassessment;

      and,

      b) A mediator must undertake CPD of at least 25 hours that contributes to the knowledge, skills and ethical principles contained in the Practice Standards. This may be made up as follows:

      (a) Participating in Education (up to 20 hours)
      This means participating in formal structured activities such as training seminars and workshops (up to 20 hours) or attending conferences (up to 15 hours)

      (b) Reflecting on Practice (up to 15 hours)
      This means receiving professional supervision or coaching or participating in structured peer-based reflection on mediation cases

      (c) Providing Professional Development (up to 15 hours)
      This means delivering presentations on mediation or related topics, including two hours of preparation time for each hour delivered, or providing professional supervision, assessment, coaching or mentoring of mediator trainees and mediators

      (d) Credit for related professional CPD (up to 10 hours)
      This means hours of CPD completed to maintain professional licensing or accreditation related to their mediation practice, such as in law or in the behavioural or social sciences or in the professional field in which they mediate, such as building or engineering.

      (e) Learning from Practice (up to 8 hours)
      This means participating in up to four mediations as a client representative or in a formal learning capacity (up to 2 hours per mediation) or role-playing for trainee mediators and candidates for mediator assessment (up to 2 hours per simulation).

      (f) Self-directed Learning (up to 5 hours)
      This means private study such as reading, listening to or viewing pre-recorded content such as podcasts, or writing articles or books relevant to mediation that are published in recognised journals or by recognised publishers.

      (g) Other (up to 5 hours)
      This means such other activities as may be approved by the AMDRAS Board on application by an RAP.

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      2. Your Details

      All fields in this section are compulsory:

      12%

      3. Renewal Level Sought




      Are you renewing at the same level of accreditation? (See AMDRAS Clause 45) yesno

      25%

      4. Insurance

      Professional Indemnity Insurance or Statutory Immunity commensurate with your level of accreditation is mandatory for Nationally Accredited Mediators, AMDRAS. AMDRAS Clause 43

      Are you covered by relevant professional indemnity insurance or have statutory immunity? (See AMDRAS Clause 43) yesno

      If YES, please attach your Certificate of Currency or other evidence of insurance cover (.doc / .pdf).


      37%

      5. Practice Hours

      How many hours of dispute resolution-related practice have you facilitated as a mediator, co-mediator or third-party dispute resolver in the 24 months since your last renewal? (See AMDRAS Clause 46(c) and Appendix 1)

      • Note 1: You should maintain a record of your practice hours, and this can be requested by our RAP or by the AMDRAS Board.

      • Note 2: Practice can include up to 5 hours of intake and preparatory work to set up the dispute resolution process, as well as up to 5 hours of observing a more experienced practitioner.

      If you are a Specialist Dispute Resolution Practitioner, have you met the requirement of at least 40 hours of dispute resolution practice with at least 25% being within your area of specialised practice? yesno

      Continuing Professional Development

      Have you kept a CPD record and met the requirements of 25 hours over two years of CPD directed at developing or maintaining the Professional Attributes? (See AMDRAS Clause 47 and Appendix 2) yesno
      Note: You should maintain a record of your CPD hours, and this can be requested by our organization or by the AMDRAS Board.
      Please attach a copy of your CPD Record. (.doc / .pdf)

      50%

      6. Are you applying for Adjusted Renewal Requirements?

      If you have not met the Practice or CPD requirements on what basis are you applying for adjusted renewal requirements? (See AMDRAS Clause 48)

      62%

      7. Disclosure

      (a) Have you at any time been disqualified from any type of professional practice? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(i)) yesno
      (b) Have you any unspent criminal convictions? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(ii)) yesno
      (c) Do you have any impairment(s) that could influence your capacity to discharge your obligations in a competent, honest and professional manner? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(iii)) yesno
      (d) Have you ever been the subject of a complaint in your role as a mediator where the complaint was upheld and conditions imposed? yesno
      (e) Have you ever been refused NMAS or AMDRAS accreditation or accreditation renewal? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(iv)) yesno
      (f) Have you ever had your mediation accreditation suspended or cancelled? (See AMDRAS Clause 38(c)(v)) yesno
      (g) Are you currently registered through another RAP? You can not be registered through more than one RAP. If you are seeking a transfer, please complete a transfer form. yesno

      If you answered YES to any of the above questions, please attach a detailed statement and explanation (.doc / .pdf).

      75%

      Acknowledgement, Undertaking and Consent

      (a) Do you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the AMDRAS Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Domains, where they do not conflict with other professional obligations? yesno
      (b) Do you understand the Ethical Code of Practice and Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure associated with the Australian Mediation Association Mediation Complaints, and agree to comply with the obligations? yesno

      Do you consent to:

      Your personal information being disclosed to the AMDRAS Board or relevant AMDRAS-related entity; yesno

      And: Your name, registration status and accreditation body released on the AMDRAS National Register; yesno

      And: The AMDRAS Board or entity releasing the information to other AMDRAS-related entities (but to no-one else without the consent of all parties concerned). (See AMDRAS Clause 42) yesno

      If NO, please attach a detailed explanation (.doc / .pdf)

      87%

      9. Agreement & Signature

      I, certify that the contents of this Application are true and correct.

      Additional Information for the RAP

      • Each RAP should include information about the payment of the registration fee for listing on the national register
      • The current fee is $150.00, including GST, including a $30 administration fee payable to the RAP.
      Accreditation with another RAP
      • A Registered Practitioner may not be accredited through more than one RAP. If this mediator is registered with another RAP, you must not also collect the registration fee for the National Register.
      • The Registered Practitioner may apply to transfer their registration to your RAP or
      • Your RAP may follow the process to recognise their accreditation with another RAP.

      100%

      If you experience difficulties with this online form, please download and complete the pdf version here or the Word Docx version here.
      The form can then be returned to .

      Guidelines for Alternative Pathways to AMDRAS Accreditation

      The AMDRAS recognises alternative pathways to the Certificate of Training, the Certificate of Assessment, and the Practicum Certificate, based on an applicant’s prior learning and experience.

      Please check Part 4 – Training and Accreditation Framework (TAF), Division 8 – Alternative pathways to Certificates and Division 9 – Applications for accreditation of the AMDRAS, HERE.

      ISSUING ACCREDITATION – If the RAP considers that the applicant has satisfied the alternative-pathway requirement and has passed any further assessment under Clause 35(b) of AMDRAS, it must issue the requested Certificate or Certificates.

      Additional requirements for accreditation – Please check Part 4, Division 9 of the AMDRAS which governs applications for accreditation HERE under AMDRAS.

      Read the guidelines for such alternative pathways.

      Applications can be emailed to

      Apply for Leading Mediator Accreditation Status

      Guidelines for Leading Mediator Accreditation – The Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS)

      This Guideline provides a guide to enable Registered Practitioners to qualify for accreditation as a Leading Mediator under AMDRAS.

      There are two different ways to become a Leading Mediator.

      The first way is provided for in section 16(a) of the AMDRAS Standards. This section requires you to have been an accredited mediator for at least 10 years and to have been previously accredited as an Advanced Mediator or equivalent for at least 6 of those 10 years. You can apply to your Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) using this process.

      If you fulfill ALL of the pre-requisite requirements and wish to apply for Leading Mediator Accreditation please email your application form and submission addressing all relevant experience as per the AMDRAS Standards to

      The second way is to apply to the AMDRAS Board through your RAP using s. 16(b) of AMDRAS where you do not meet the specific requirements of s. 16(a). This is equivalent, in some ways, to applying for an “alternative pathway” in relation to achieving accredited and advanced standing using AMDRAS sections 34 and 35.

      Because there is no training requirement for becoming a Leading Mediator there is no specified “alternative pathway” and these matters are elevated for consideration to the AMDRAS Board.

      As s.16(b) makes clear you need to demonstrate to your RAP and the Board that you have sufficient practice experience and have been engaged in the dispute resolution field in such a way that is equivalent to those requirements outlined in s. 16.

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