One of the most common questions we get from our mediation students is, “How do I go about getting my Q.Med designation?” The process can be confusing, so we put together this blog to take you through it step by step.
Some background: The ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) is the national body for mediators in Canada. It works with regional affiliates, like the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) and the ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA), to set training standards and award professional designations.
The Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation shows that you’ve met a recognized standard of mediation training and practical experience. It builds credibility with clients and employers, and it can open doors to referrals and opportunities reserved for designated mediators.
Here’s how it works.
STEP 1: GET 40 HOURS OF BASIC MEDIATION TRAINING
The Mediation and Dispute Resolution certificate from Kompass meets this requirement. It consists of six courses spread over 12 weeks.
Students learn how to get past the surface issue and find the real cause of a conflict, then help the parties move toward a resolution they both agree on. Those skills carry over into HR, community organizations, and family services, so the training pays off even if you don’t end up mediating full time.
STEP 2: GET 40 HOURS OF SPECIALIZED MEDIATION TRAINING
Kompass offers two accredited specialized courses: Advanced Family Mediation and Cultural Fluency in Mediation. Each two-week course counts for 21 hours, so by completing both, you can meet the ADR Institute’s specialized training requirement.
STEP 3: CONDUCT TWO ACTUAL OR SUPERVISED PRACTICE MEDIATIONS
You need a bit of real-world experience to qualify for the Q.Med.
The ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA) offers supervised mock mediations to help with this. For a fee, ADRIA will arrange a setting, a supervisor, and two role players. The process can be done online and is open to candidates all across Canada, with one important caveat: ADRIO (Ontario) does not accept supervised mock mediations for the Q.Med.
Read more: Starting a Career as a Mediator or Arbitrator? How ADRIA Can Help
It can be challenging to get those first two mediations under your belt, but there are practical things you can do.
“Access the resources that are right in front of you. Are you a member of a strata? Are your children on a sports team? Are you involved with a community organization? Reach out to what’s around you for opportunities to introduce yourself and provide some services,” says Kompass mediation instructor Laraine Ashpole.
“When I was trying to get experience, I worked with some non-profit boards. And that was really helpful because they had limited money and were grateful for any help they could get. I didn’t have to pretend to be someone with five stars behind my name. I could say I’m learning, I have something to contribute here, you’ve got a problem and I’m willing and able to help.”
STEP 4: BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ADR INSTITUTE
You must maintain full membership in the ADR Institute of Canada as well as your regional affiliate. By applying to your regional affiliate, you will also be applying to the national organization. You must pay a membership fee for both.
Unique to Ontario candidates: As a condition of membership, ADRIO members must complete an online ethics course.
STEP 5: GET INSURANCE
You must obtain at least $1 million in liability insurance that covers your mediation 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.Med application, ADRIC can request it at any time.
STEP 6: APPLY FOR THE Q.MED
As part of the application, you must agree to:
- Complete and document three mediations within three years of the designation being awarded
- Participate in continuing education each year
- Comply with the code of ethics and code of conduct
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARD THE Q.MED
Ready to start your path to a Q.Med designation? The Mediation and Dispute Resolution certificate from Kompass meets the 40-hour basic training requirement, and our specialized courses cover the rest.
Click below for complete course details or to chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
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