How to Certify
The Washington Mediation Association’s Mediator Certification Program for WMA Members
Now that WMA is several years into its certification program, we have become more confident than ever that establishing mediator practitioner qualifications and certification are important steps in gaining wider acceptance of mediation among the courts and other professions in our state. In order to honor the diverse mediation backgrounds of applicants, WMA provides several ways to satisfy qualification requirements. For example, we offer four options to satisfy the experience requirement and multiple categories to satisfy the subject matter knowledge requirement. Should you have any questions about meeting the qualifications or providing documentation, we encourage you to contact the WMA Certification and Qualification Chair, Gayle Murdock at gmurdock@wahc.com.
WMA membership is open to all interested people. While we strongly encourage mediators to pursue certification, it is not a requirement for general membership. Please see the WMA web tab called “Join WMA” for membership information.
Qualifications
- Membership in WMA
- Dues must be current
Basic Mediation Training
Applicants must have at least 36 hours of basic mediation training.
Mediation Experience
A. Applicants must have at least 200 hours of mediation experience and a letter of recommendation, OR
B. Have at least 24 hours of approved supervised mediation through a WMA-approved Practicum Program and a minimum of 36 hours of additional, post-Practicum mediation, OR
C. Have at least 24 hours of approved supervised mediation with an approved mentor, and a minimum of 36 hours of additional mediation, and a letter of recommendation, OR
D. Complete the equivalent of option B in another state and submit a letter of recommendation.
Other Experience or Study – Areas of Specialization or Categories of Practice
Applicants must document at least 60 hours of additional education/experience relevant to their specific area(s) of specialization or category(ies) of practice.
Liability Insurance
WMA strongly recommends that certified mediators, unless mediating solely as a volunteer for a Washington DRC or the government, secure liability insurance. WMA has secured group professional liability coverage which may be purchased by WMA members.
Standards of Practice
Certified Mediators must adhere to WMA’s Standards of Practice for Mediators and comply with the grievance policy.
Continuing Education
To maintain certification, 20 hours of mediator continuing education is required every two years. Reference the “Renewal” page under the “Certification” tab for additional information.
Documentation
- Application and Table of Contents: WMA Mediation Certification Application.pdf
- Training Categories: WMA Areas of Study and Training Categories.pdf
- Area of Specialization or Categories of Practice – Education and Study (previously: Subject Matter Expertise Education and Study): Appendix III of WMA Mediation Certification Application.pdf
- Support Documentation:
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer download it for free from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Process
To apply for certification, open the certification documents, identified above in the “Documentation” section of this web page, and print. Follow the instructions in the packet and structure your submittal following the Certification Roadmap (WMA Mediator Certification Roadmap.pdf) Mail the fees, the original, and one copy of the complete application to:
WMA
1122 E. Pike St.
PMB #1095
Seattle, WA 98122-3934
Please keep a complete copy for your reference and records.
Committee member(s) will review all materials submitted.
Fees
Information is available on the WMA “Mediator Certification” tab, “Fees” page.
