A full member in good standing can apply for accreditation as a Chartered Mediator and/ or Chartered Arbitrator. These designations are recognized nationally and internationally, signifying to the public and to those referring clients that an ADR practitioner has achieved a particular level of skill and experience. Individuals who hold these designations stand above the crowd and therefore enjoy a competitive advantage.
Experienced full members in good standing can apply for the Chartered Mediator (C.Med) or Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb) designations. These are the most senior designations offered by the Institute. Now available are the new Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) and Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designations.
ADRBC also offers one level of accreditation for family arbitrators. The designation Certified Family Arbitrator (Cert.Fam.Arb) is available to those who have completed the approved training program and have arbitrated at least 5 family cases. This designation has ongoing insurance, fee and continuing education requirements. It applies only to practice in British Columbia.
ADRBC will not charge any fees for designation application at this time.
Chartered Mediator (C.Med)
Chartered Mediator (C.Med) requires 80 hours of mediation theory; completion of a skills mediation training program and ADRBC or approved conflict resolution courses; and 100 hours of study or training in dispute resolution generally. The applicant must meet with the Regional Mediator Accreditation Committee (RMAC) for an interview and have conducted at least 15 mediations as sole mediator or presided as the mediation chairperson and all 15 must have been fee paid.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING APPLYING FOR YOUR CHARTERED MEDIATOR (C.Med) DESIGNATION PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT CHANGES.
Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb)
To be considered for the Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb) designation, applicants must be a full member in good standing of the ADR Institute of Canada through one of its seven affiliates, complete an application form and meet the membership criteria as set out in the document below. The applicant must meet with the Regional Arbitrator Accreditation Committee (RAAC) for an interview.
Qualified Mediator (Q.Med)
Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) is to recognize practitioners who have completed sufficient mediation and related dispute resolution training (see Q.Med Criteria) to be qualified to practice as mediators. It is an intermediate step for mediators working to receive their Chartered Mediator designation.
Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb)
Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) requires successful completion of a course of study of 40 hours or more in arbitration and hearing procedure approved by the ADR Institute of Canada or ADRBC and successful completion of the ADR Institute of Canada’s written open book Q.Arb exam or an exam which is part of a course approved by ADRIC or ADRBC no more than 10 years prior to the application. There are additional ongoing requirements such as proof of insurance and continuing education credits.
Obtaining the C.Arb, Q.Arb, C.Med or Q.Med
If approved by the RAAC or RMAC panel, the application is sent to ADRIC which grants the designation. The applicant cannot use the status until approval is received from the ADRIC. The member’s certificate is sent to them and an announcement is made. An applicant who is not approved by the RAAC or RMAC may appeal to the National Accreditation Committee.
Persons granted the C.Arb, Q.Arb, C.Med, and/or Q.Med must maintain the National designation fees in good standing in addition to the annual membership dues for ADRBC and ADRIC .
Certified Family Arbitrator (Cert.Fam.Arb)
Cert.Fam.Arb (Certified Family Arbitrator) may be used only by an ADRBC member in good standing and only in connection with practice in BC.
Training:
Applicants must successfully complete a 40 hour family arbitration course approved by ADRBC and successfully complete an approved course in Screening for Domestic Violence. Non-lawyers must also complete an approved training course in family law and be in compliance with any regulatory training requirements.
OR
The applicant has acted as an instructor in the ADRBC Family Arbitrator Training Program AND completed the pre-requisite training for that Program.
Experience:
The applicant has arbitrated at least 5 family cases (broadly defined)
OR, in place of 1 and 2
Acknowledged Expertise: Long experience as a family practitioner including family arbitration in BC and recognition by peers, as confirmed by at least 2 satisfactory letters of reference.
There are also additional ongoing requirements such as proof in insurance and continuing educational requirements, etc.