Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’m an Accredited Mediator NMAS, What do I have to do?
If you are a NMAS Accredited Mediator, you don’t need to do anything. You will automatically become a AMDRAS recognised practitioner on the 1st July 2024 and the Resolution Institute system will be updated to reflect this. If your accreditation renewal is coming up during the transition period at first you will be renewing under the NMAS rules.
That transition period will end on the 30th June 2025. If your renewal is due after that you’ll be renewing under AMDRAS and we will communicate with you about that at the time.
2. I'm currently enrolled in NMAS Training. What does it mean for me?
If you are currently enrolled in NMAS training then you should complete your training as planned and follow with the normal assessment and accreditation process. You will have the time periods allowed in the NMAS to complete your assessment and accreditation and this will be completed under the NMAS rules.
3. I am considering enrolling in Mediation Training. What should I do?
If you are considering enrolling in training to become a Nationally Accredited Mediator we would encourage you to complete the training as soon as possible as the current process and costs will remain for some of the transition period. We will be applying to continue providing training, assessment and accreditation under AMDRAS as a Recognised Training Provider (RTP) and Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) however the timeframes for this are still being discussed and exact times are unknown so we would encourage you to enrol now into our NMAS Course. Following the training you will have the full time period allowances to complete your studies, your assessment and accreditation in accordance with the NMAS standards.
We note that the current training under NMAS is 5 days, and the requirements of the AMDRAS is for the training to be 6 days so it may be an opportune time to complete the training now.
4. I hold Advanced Mediation Accreditation under the Resolution Institute Framework, what will happen to that accreditation under AMDRAS?
The Resolution Institute Advanced Mediation Accreditation has far higher standards than the Advanced level of accreditation under AMDRAS. Accordingly, we expect that all current Advanced Accredited Members will be transitioned to the Advanced level accreditation under AMDRAS following 1st July. We also expect that some of these members will be eligible for Leading accreditation as well. We will be in contact with Advanced Accredited members at the time and communicate with you about that process.
5. I’m enrolled in the Resolution Institute 2 day Advanced Mediation Training Course on 26th and 27th June, what does that mean for me?
We expect to transition our advanced accredited members to either the advanced under AMDRAS in the transition period, using the alternative pathway option provided in Division 8, Section 34 and 35 of AMDRAS. For those members who have enrolled in the upcoming 2-day advanced mediation training, rest assured that we are confident that it meets the requirements of the Practicum Certificate that will be necessary for advanced accreditation under the AMDRAS.
6. Can I enrol in the Advanced Mediation Course now?
yes you can, we are taking enrolments for the 2 day advanced mediation training course scheduled for 26-27th June in Sydney. For more information please refer to the event page here.
7. Is Resolution Institute membership is still required to maintain my AMDRAS mediator accreditation after 1st July 2024?
Yes, if you wish to maintain your mediator accreditation, you still need to hold membership with Resolution Institute if we are currently your RMAB under the NMAS system. Under the transition, Resolution Institute will become a recognised provider under AMDRAS which means that we will still be approved as a training and accreditation body under the new standards.
8. Now there are 3 levels of mediation accreditation, will this impact my Resolution Institute membership level and post nominals? (ie Fellow, professional, or associate)
No, the levels of mediation accreditation under AMDRAS, and your membership level with Resolution Institute are distinct and do not impact each other. You can continue to use your Resolution Institute post nominals as well as the new AMDRAS post nominals.
9. What are my new CPD requirements under AMDRAS and how do I track it?
Following the transition, AMDRAS accredited practitioners will be required to keep a log of their CPD and practice hours, as you currently do under NMAS. Your Resolution Institute member portal and the CPD tracker is the best place to do this. The amended requirements will be visible in the CPD tracker following the transition date. Note that these requirements have changed slightly, with the broadening of the meaning of “practice hours” which will now include:
- up to 5 hours of intake and preparatory work to set up the dispute resolution process
- up to 5 hours of observing a more experienced practitioner
Practice hours for Level 1 Accredited Mediators has been reduced to 20 hours per 2-year cycle and is 40 hours for each cycle for Advanced and Leading Mediators. CPD remains at 25 hours for each level per cycle.
10. How can I find out more?
Resolution Institute CEO and MSB Director Amber Williams will be running a webinar to update members on Tuesday 18th June. Registration details will be emailed to members shortly.