While arbitration is not a regulated field in Canada, a designation can definitely give you an edge. It shows clients that you’ve met a high professional standard, which can give them confidence that you’re the right person to handle their dispute.
Designations are awarded through the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and its regional affiliates, like the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO). For those just beginning their arbitration careers, the entry-level Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) designation is an excellent starting point.
So how you do get your Q.Arb? Follow these five simple steps.
STEP 1: GET 40 HOURS OF ARBITRATION TRAINING
You must complete a 40-hour course in arbitration that’s approved by ADRIC or a regional affiliate.
The Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution certificate from Kompass is approved by both ADRIC and ADRIO and fulfills the entire 40-hour education requirement for the Q.Arb.
The 10-week certificate covers arbitration law, hearing procedures, the rules of evidence, and how to write an award. Training is delivered online and includes mandatory live role-play sessions.
“We look at real disputes and how to handle them through arbitration,” says instructor Andy Livingston.
“Students take turns ‘being’ the arbitrator, and we cover many different scenario and practice areas, such as sports, labour, and commercial disputes. We also tailor parts of the course to the students’ individual goals and needs. I never teach the course exactly the same way twice.”
STEP 2: PASS A WRITTEN EXAM
The open-book Q.Arb exam is included in the Kompass arbitration program. It is the final step before completing the certificate.
STEP 3: BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ADR INSTITUTE
You must maintain full membership in the ADR Institute of Canada as well as your regional affiliate. You apply to your regional affiliate; once you are accepted, you automatically become a member of the national organization.
Unique to Ontario candidates: As a condition of membership, ADRIO members must complete an online ethics course.
STEP 4: GET INSURANCE
You must obtain at least $1 million in liability insurance that covers your arbitration practice. The ADR Institute offers discounted professional insurance to its members through partner BFL Canada.
While you don’t need to submit proof of coverage with your Q.Arb application, ADRIC can request it at any time.
STEP 5: APPLY FOR THE Q.ARB
As part of the application, you must agree to:
- Complete 20 continuing education points each year
- Comply with ADRIC’s code of ethics
- Pay a one-time application fee plus an annual Q.Arb designation fee to ADRIC as well as an annual membership fee to your regional affiliate
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD THE Q.ARB
The Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution certificate from Kompass covers the full 40-hour training requirement, and the Q.Arb exam is built right into the program.
Click below for complete course details or to chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
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