Considering becoming an arbitrator, and struggling to navigate the confusing array of professional designations available in Canada?
Here's the scoop: technically, you don't need an official designation to become an arbitrator in Canada. However, those who obtain accreditation through a recognized association enjoy a much higher degree of credibility.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada (ADRIC), along with its regional affiliates, is a leading provider of professional designations to arbitrators across the country.
In this post, we outline the different levels of accreditation offered through ADRIC and explain what it takes to achieve each one.
Read on to get a clearer sense of the path you can follow to launch a successful career in arbitration.
Qualified Arbitrator
ADRIC offers an entry-level designation called the Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb). It's aimed at those who are relatively new to the field.
Earning a Q.Arb designation is an excellent way to show that you've met a national standard of competence while you continue to gain the experience you need for the more advanced Chartered Arbitrator credential.
To achieve Q.Arb status, you must:
☑️ Complete a 40-hour course in arbitration that's approved by ADRIC or a regional affiliate
☑️ Pass a written exam
☑️ Agree to abide by ADRIC's code of ethics
☑️ Become a full member of both ADRIC and your regional affiliate
☑️ Pay a one-time application fee, plus annual fees to ADRIC and your regional affiliate
☑️ Commit to completing 20 points' worth of continuing education each year
☑️ Maintain $1 million of Errors and Omissions insurance
Note: While these are the minimum national standards for the Q.Arb designation, regional affiliates sometimes have additional requirements. For instance, in order to become a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario, you have to complete an online ethics course. Contact your regional ADR Institute affiliate for details.
Chartered Arbitrator
ADRIC's senior-level designation is the Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb) credential. It recognizes arbitrators with substantial professional experience.
To achieve C.Arb status, you must:
☑️ Complete a 40-hour course in arbitration that's approved by ADRIC or a regional affiliate
☑️ Pass a written exam
☑️ Chair a minimum of 10 paid arbitrations
☑️ Submit at least two arbitration agreements (known as awards) you've written, redacted to hide personal information
☑️ Demonstrate knowledge of all relevant codes and laws as well as the skills to evaluate the evidence and complete an arbitration engagement
☑️ Agree to abide by ADRIC's code of ethics
☑️ Maintain full membership in both ADRIC and your regional affiliate
☑️ Pay a one-time application fee, plus annual fees to ADRIC and your regional affiliate
☑️ Commit to completing 33 points' worth of continuing education each year
☑️ Maintain $1 million of Errors and Omissions insurance
Family Arbitrator
While regulations differ across the country, family arbitrators must generally meet stricter standards than other types of arbitrators. It's important to check on what rules apply in your jurisdiction.
For instance, Ontario mandates that all family arbitrators:
☑️ Complete a course in screening for domestic violence and power imbalances
☑️ Complete 30 hours of family law training (if you are not a lawyer)
☑️ Undergo 10 hours of additional training every two years
ADRIC does not currently offer any professional designations for family arbitrators. However, the Ontario branch of the ADR Institute offers a Certified Family Arbitrator (Cert.F.Arb) designation, which has special criteria developed in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.
To achieve Cert.F.Arb status, you must meet all three conditions above. Additional requirements include:
☑️ Completing an approved 40-hour course in family arbitration
☑️ Arbitrating at least five family cases
☑️ Carrying $1 million in Errors and Omissions insurance
Arbitration Training Programs
The starting point for ADRIC designations is an accredited training program. Such programs are available directly from ADRIC as well as from approved training providers, including Kompass Professional Development.
An accredited arbitration course includes a combination of theory and hands-on practice. You can expect to complete a fixed number of hours of mock arbitrations and role plays, either in person or via online conference (depending on the format of your course).
This element of training is key for gaining procedural experience and putting arbitration principles into practice in a range of different contexts.
What kind of coursework or topics can you expect to encounter in a typical arbitration course for beginners? The fundamentals will include:
☑️ The structure and formal process of arbitration
☑️ How to examine and cross-examine witnesses
☑️ How to draft an arbitration agreement
☑️ How to weigh evidence
☑️ Pre-hearing procedures
☑️ Law for non-lawyers (arbitration legislation, tort law, contract law, evidence law, etc,)
☑️ How to set up and manage case files
☑️ Laws and ethics governing arbitration in Canada
Learn more about Arbitration training
Still have questions? Learn more by exploring the online Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution certificate delivered by Kompass Professional Development.
This program is accredited by ADRIC and graduates are eligible for the Qualified Arbitrator designation.
Click below to browse courses and admissions criteria, learn about the instructor, or chat live with an advisor. We're here to help!
