Interested in becoming a certified mediator?
“Why Become a Mediator?” Video courtesy of Resolution Washington.
The WDRC upholds stringent standards for mediators-in-training to ensure that the services our clients receive are of the highest quality. The majority of our mediation services are provided by volunteers.
At minimum, all of our mediators have completed Professional Mediation Training and a practicum program in which they are evaluated and certified according to the standards set by Resolution Washington and the Washington Mediation Association (WMA). Our practicum is an approved WMA Practicum Program.
Family mediators have taken at least 24 additional hours of Family Mediation Training and completed an additional practicum program. Many of our mediators also have backgrounds in human resources, law, healthcare, education, and community planning, which enhance their skills and sensitivity to a variety of disputes.
In order to become certified as a mediator, you must complete the following steps:
Complete Professional Mediation Training
Apply and be admitted to the Practicum Program
Complete the Practicum, including a mock mediation assessed by the WDRC
Once certified, fulfill annual continuing education hours and actively mediate
The Mediation Practicum Program is a rigorous process. If you are considering pursuing mediator certification, please carefully review the program guidelines. Once admitted to the program, most people take 12-18 months to reach certification. If you are interested in family mediation or other specialized mediation certification, please note that advanced training in the topic area and additional practicum steps will be required.
Application Documents:
We typically accept new practicum students twice a year. The number of available practicum spaces is assessed annually and is based on caseload and practicum capacity.
If you are interested in learning more or applying to the practicum program, please email cynthiaw@whatcomdrc.org.