Training FAQs
Yes. Most students start by obtaining an associate membership, which allows you to begin your training without yet investing in the higher level benefits.
There are no external prerequisites to take our training and our students come from all different backgrounds and levels of formal education.
Individual courses may have their own specific prerequisite courses and most of our training begins with basic conflict management training. Check the course descriptions for admission requirements.
A career in mediation begins with basic training. 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 followed by the National Introductory Mediation Course.
Once introductory training is complete, new mediators are encouraged to find opportunities to continually practice and hone their skills. ADRIA offers online Mediation skills practice sessions to its members, which helps integrate your skills while giving you the opportunity to learn by observing other mediators’ styles.
Additional advanced mediation training and specialized training further assist new mediators to enhance their skills.
After completing training and obtaining some experience, new mediators can apply for a mediation designation. New mediators typically start with a Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation and more experienced mediators obtain the Chartered Mediator (C.Med) designation.
For more information, see our web pages on how to Earn a Designation and how to become a mediator.
A career in arbitration begins with basic arbitration training. There are a variety of courses that can be found online which teach the basics of arbitration, however if you take your training through ADRIA we have a nationally accredited course called the National Introductory Arbitration Course which results in a certificate from the ADR Institute of Canada. This one course meets the educational requirements for both the Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) and the Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb) designations.
Learn more on our webpages about how to become an arbitrator.
ADR Practitioners are often self-employed. There are limited paid positions within government or private organizations for mediators and arbitrators. To get on-the-job experience, some practitioners start by gaining experience through community or court dispute resolution programs. Practitioners may train to specialize in a particular area of ADR, such as land disputes or divorce mediation. Different fields of ADR can vary in prospects and income range.
ADR is a small but growing industry and is not a regulated profession. As with any career change, it is recommended that you research the opportunities and demand in your area for ADR services.
For more information you can read our the transcript of our panel on The Path to Success as a Mediator
For Certificate Program Courses:
Withdrawals are accepted without penalty up until 21 days before a course is scheduled to start. If a student withdraws within 21 days of the course start date, the ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA) will retain $1000 or 50% of the course fee, whichever is less.
For Public Offering Courses:
Withdrawal up to 2 weeks in advance: Refund of course fee less $50 administration fee.
Withdrawal from 2 weeks up to 2 business days in advance: Refund of 50% of course fee.
Withdrawal less than 2 business days in advance: No refund.
Withdrawal Process
If you need to withdraw from a course for which you are registered please contact education@adralberta.com.
If a minimum number of students is not reached 21 days prior to the course start date, the course will be cancelled and payment will be reimbursed.
Students must attend 100% of the training to receive a certificate of course completion. Unless otherwise specified, the entire course must be completed on the dates it is offered in that session – if a course is offered in two or more parts, they cannot be taken in separate sessions or locations.
Students are expected to attend 100% of the training and will have to pass exams at various levels of achievement in order to receive a certificate. The ADRIA Certificate in Conflict Leadership must be completed within three (3) years of the start of the program.
The Certificate in Separation and Divorce Mediation fulfills all of the specialty education requirements to apply for a Q.Med Family designation, excluding Ethics for Mediators.
Read more about Practical Ethics for Mediators here.
Read more about the Certificate in Separation and Divorce Mediation here.
Read more about Q.Med Family designation requirements here.
Read our article “How to Apply for an ADR Designation” to answer the most common questions our office receives about the designation process.
To fully understand all the requirements and forms which need to be submitted for each designation, please read the application information booklets and forms on our Designations page.
You can also find additional information on ADRIC’s website. If you still have questions, our office staff would be happy to answer your inquiries by phone or email.
