Explore Mediation and Arbitration Training

Accredited Online Mediation and Arbitration Training

Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution

The field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is growing rapidly as people seek faster, less adversarial ways to resolve conflicts outside the courtroom. People come to this field from diverse backgrounds like human resources, law, social work, administration, and education.

Mediation and arbitration are not regulated in Canada. However, earning a recognized designation can significantly boost your credibility with clients and employers.

Accredited training programs provide a pathway to designations by meeting core education and role-play requirements.

Build credibility in your mediation or arbitration career with an accredited online certificate program from Kompass.

Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Arbitrators preside over hearings much like a judge, and their decisions are usually legally binding. This certificate prepares you to conduct hearings, assess evidence and arguments, and write arbitration awards.

Accreditation: The Arbitration and Dispute Resolution certificate is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO).

Length: 10 weeks

Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) Designation pathways:

• This certificate fulfills the ADRIC/ADRIO 40-hour educational requirement for the Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) designation. The Q.Arb exam is included in the training.
  • Review a complete list of Q. Arb requirements.

Career opportunities: Arbitration is widely used in labour relations, commercial disputes, construction, and sports. It’s a popular option in disputes where the parties want a final, enforceable outcome.

>> Click to explore our accredited Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution certificate 

Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Mediators facilitate negotiation between parties but do not impose decisions. They focus on helping parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This certificate teaches you how to address the root cause of conflicts and settle disputes in a wide range of settings.

Accreditation: The Mediation and Dispute Resolution certificate is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO), and recognized by Mediate BC.

Length: 12 weeks

Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation pathway:

• This certificate fulfills the 40-hour basic mediation training requirement for the ADRIC/ADRIO Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation.
• Complete two additional Kompass courses (Advanced Family Mediation and Cultural Fluency in Mediation) to fulfill the 40-hour specialized mediation training requirement needed for the Q.Med designation.
• ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA) offers supervised mock mediation training required for the Q.Med designation. Click to contact them directly.
  • Review a complete list of requirements to become a Qualified Mediator (Q.Med).

Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) pathway

• This certificate is recognized for 8 hours of mediation-specific training (40 Associate or 80 RRM hours total required), 24 hours of conflict resolution training (100 hours total required), and 4 hours of coached mediation role-play (10 hours total required) toward Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) admission requirements through Mediate BC.
• The Cultural Fluency class elective is recognized for 8 hours of conflict resolution training (100 hours total required), and 1 hours of coached mediation role-play toward Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) admission requirements (10 hours total required) through Mediate BC.
  • Please contact Mediate BC directly and refer to their admissions criteria.

Career opportunities: Mediators work in HR, community organizations, family services, and private practice. You can specialize in workplace mediation, commercial disputes, family mediation, and other areas.

>> Click to explore our accredited Mediation and Dispute Resolution certificate and bundle 

Family Mediation

Family mediation deals with issues like separation, divorce, custody, and parenting plans. This certificate covers practical techniques for resolving conflicts while managing complex family dynamics. The goal is to help families navigate relationship breakdowns.

Accreditation: The Family Mediation certificate is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC), ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO), and the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM). Recognized by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and Mediate BC.

Length: 12 weeks

Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM) designation pathway:

• This certificate counts for the five approved courses for the Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM) designation through OAFM.
  • Review a complete list of requirements to become an Accredited Family Mediator.

Certified Family Relations Mediator (Cert.FRM) certification pathway:

• This certificate fulfills 64.5 hours toward the Certified Family Relations Mediator (Cert.FRM.) certification through FMC.
  • Review a complete list of requirements to become a Certified Family Relations Mediator.

Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation Pathway

• The Advanced Family Mediation class fulfills 21 of the 40 specialized training requirements required for the Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation through ADRIC/ADRIO.
  • Review a complete list of requirements to become a Qualified Mediator.

Associate or Registered Roster Mediator pathway

• This certificate is recognized for 16 hours of mediation-specific training (40 Associate or 80 RRM hours total required) and 2 hours of coached mediation role-play (10 hours total required) toward Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) admission requirements through Mediate BC.
• The Family Dynamics class and Screening for Family Violence, Abuse and Power Balances class are recognized for 8 hours each (family dynamics component) for the Family (Parenting) designation through Mediate BC.
  • Review a complete list of requirements for the Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) or Family (Parenting) designation through Mediate BC.

Career opportunities: Mediators work in HR, community organizations, family services, and private practice. You can specialize in workplace mediation, commercial disputes, family mediation, and other areas.

>> Click to explore our accredited Family Mediation certificate

Intergenerational Mediation

Intergenerational mediation (also known as elder mediation) focuses on disputes involving older adults and their families or caregivers. This certificate addresses the emotional and legal complexities around aging, capacity, and inheritance. The goal is to restore family harmony.

Accreditation: The Intergenerational Mediation certificate is accredited by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM).

Length: 12 weeks

Accredited Intergenerational Mediator (AccIM) designation pathway:

• This certificate is recognized for the 127 hours required by OAFM for the Accredited Intergenerational Mediator (AccIM) designation.
  • Review a complete list of requirements to become an Accredited Intergenerational Mediator.

Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) pathway

• This certificate is recognized for 16 hours of mediation-specific training (40 Associate or 80 RRM hours required) and 2 hours of coached mediation role-play (10 total hours required). These hours may be applied toward Associate or Registered Roster Mediator (RRM) admission requirements with Mediate BC.
  • Please contact Mediate BC directly and refer to their admissions criteria.

Career opportunities: Cases commonly revolve around inheritance disputes, caregiving arrangements, substitute decision making, driving and transportation, and end-of-life decisions.

>> Click to explore our accredited Intergenerational Mediation certificate

FAQs About ADR Training

Why choose a career in alternative dispute resolution?

A career in ADR gives you the chance to help individuals, families, and organizations resolve conflicts in a constructive, non-adversarial way. As demand grows for faster, more cost-effective alternatives to litigation, ADR professionals are increasingly valued in fields like human resources, law, education, and community services. There are opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Why choose an accredited training provider?

Accredited training ensures your education meets recognized standards set by leading industry organizations, such as ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC), ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO), OAFM (Ontario Association for Family Mediators), Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and Mediate BC.

Completing an accredited program also provides a direct pathway to professional designations like Q.Med, Q.Arb, AccFM, AccIM and Cert.FRM. These designations are highly regarded and can open doors to more career opportunities and professional networks. Many government contracts, for instance, are reserved for ADR professionals who hold a recognized designation.

Why choose online training?

Online training offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments. With Kompass, your classroom is wherever you are: at home, in your office during a lunch break, or even on the go. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access course material. Live sessions are scheduled in the evenings to best accommodate working professionals.

This format is ideal for working professionals or anyone seeking a convenient, effective way to advance their career in mediation or arbitration.

Click for additional academic and finance FAQ’s about training online with Kompass

Explore Certificates

• Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution 
• Family Mediation
• Intergenerational Mediation
• Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Accrediting / Recognizing Associations