How to Certify

The WMA has been certifying mediators for more than a quarter of a century, in that time, we have seen 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 three options to satisfy the experience requirement. Should you have any questions about meeting the qualifications or providing documentation, we encourage you to contact the WMA Certifications and Qualifications Committee.

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 Join WMA for membership information.

WMA Certification Application Packet

For a detailed description of the certification process, download the Certified Member Mediator Application (PDF). This packet contains instructions about the process and an explanation of the qualification requirements.

Qualifications

• Membership in WMA
• Dues must be current

Basic Mediation Training

Applicants must have at least 36 hours of basic mediation training.

Mediation Experience

Four Options are offered that encompass a range of hours mediated, co-mediation and supervised mediation through a WMA-Approved practicum program and recommendation letters.

Please read the Options on the Certified Member Mediator Application carefully and indicate under which Option you are applying.

Documentation and Additional Resources

• Application Packet (PDF)
• Training: WMA Identified Areas of Study and Training (PDF)
• Support Documentation:
  • WMA Generic Certification Mediation Log.xls
  • WMA Sample Training Log.xls

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you may download it for free from Adobe.

Process

For a detailed description of the certification process, download the Certified Member Mediator Application (PDF).

You can submit your materials electronically to: admin@washingtonmediation.org or mail them with the fees and the original, signed and notarized “Affidavit of Compliance” (page 2 of the Certified Member Mediator Application (PDF)) to the address below.

We suggest that you keep a full copy of your application for your records.

Washington Mediation Association
1122 E. Pike St.
PMB #1095
Seattle, WA 98122-3934