A career in mediation begins with basic training in communication and/or conflict management. There are a variety of courses throughout Canada, however if you were to take your training through ADRIA, you would start with our Communications in ADR course. This will teach you the basic skills used as a mediator and provides the foundation to our National Introductory Mediation Course (accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada). Together, these two courses would meet the educational requirements for the Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation, a professional designation recognized nationally. Once introductory training is complete, new mediators are encouraged to find opportunities to continually practice and hone their skills. ADRIA offers online skills practice sessions to its members, which helps integrate your skills while giving you the opportunity to learn by observing other mediators’ styles.
An additional 100 hours of specialized training is then needed if you are pursuing either your Program Certificate in Conflict Leadership or a Chartered Mediator (C.Med) designation.
For more information, see our webpages on how to become a mediator.