Certification Process

The Maryland Council For Dispute Resolution (MCDR) has developed a performance based Mediator Certification Process.   Currently it is the only statewide certification available to mediators in Maryland.  It is intended for Maryland mediators who have completed at least 40 hours of training and have at least one year of experience, post-training, as a mediator.  It provides an opportunity for highly skilled and experienced mediators to demonstrate their skills and craftsmanship.

Purpose

The purposes of The Certification Process are:

• Professional Development:  By participating in the certification process, mediators have an opportunity to engage in ‘reflective practice’, to receive feedback from other experienced mediators, and to observe, for themselves, the degree to which they are able to demonstrate a level of skill and craftsmanship that is consistent with their theory of practice and their self perceptions.

• Quality Assurance:  A listing as an MCDR Certified Mediator is an indication that the Mediator possesses a high level of skill and professionalism.  It is, therefore, a useful guide for consumers who are interested in locating a qualified mediator. 

• A Standard Of Practice: The certification process establishes a model of ethical and behavioral practice so as to engender a commitment to mastery that is consistent with the principles and theories that exemplify the highest standards of mediation.

Description Of The Certification Process

Role Play

The core of the Certification Process is a one-hour, videotaped mediation role-play during which the candidate mediates a case with two parties and is reviewed by two MCDR certified ‘reviewer’ mediators[1].  Using a widely tested skills assessment instrument, developed by Family Mediation Canada, two reviewers independently assess candidates on three dimensions; how they manage the process of mediation, how they manage the content of the mediation, and how they manage the relationships in mediation.  

Candidates may choose from several different types of role-play, including a divorce/custody, a workplace dispute and a community dispute.  Role-players are typically mediators as well and are instructed to behave in a realistic way.

Feedback and Debrief

Immediately following the role-play, the mediator candidate is asked to reflect on his or her performance in relation to the candidate’s submitted statement regarding the theory and approach he or she applies to the practice of mediation (see ‘Application’ for more information regarding the statement).  The self-assessment is followed by approximately 30 minutes of feedback, including the two role-players reflecting on their own experience as the parties.  Finally, the two reviewers give the candidate feedback.  Candidates are invited to contact their reviewers at a later date to review the assessment and the videotape, if they wish.

Scoring, Notification, and Appeal

Following the feedback, the two reviewers complete their scoring and assessment.  Both scoring sheets are given to the certification committee and candidates are notified of their scores by mail within three weeks of the certification process. Candidates also receive copies of the scoring sheets.

Two scores of 3.0 or above are required for the candidate to become an MCDR Certified Mediator.  A split score, with one reviewer assigning a score of less than 3.0 and the other a score of 3.0 or above, does not enable the candidate to become certified.  In this case, the candidate may request an appeal.  An appeal consists of two additional ‘reviewer mediators’ viewing the videotaped role-play and using the same scoring instrument.  Two scores of 3.0 or above must be awarded by the reviewers for the candidate to become certified. In the case that neither of the original reviewers assigns a score of 3.0 or above, there is no appeal option.  However, candidates who do not become certified are invited to sit for certification again, within one year, at no additional cost.

Application and Orientation

In order to become a candidate for certification, an individual must request, complete and return an Application Form to the MCDR certification committee.  Two references and a prepared statement outlining the principles and theories that guide the candidate’s practice are required.  Candidates will also receive a copy of MCDR’s behavioral and ethical standards.  We request that the application form, references and statement be returned at least one month prior to the date of the certification process.  A check for the appropriate amount should also be enclosed.

An orientation is offered several weeks before the day of the certification.  Orientation is optional, though strongly recommended for candidates.  It is also strongly recommended that individuals considering certification participate first as role-players.

Cost

The cost of participating in the certification process as a candidate is $100.00 to MCDR members, $125.00 for non-members.  This amount is to accompany the application.  There is no fee for orientation. 

Candidates who do not pass the first time may participate a second time, if within one year, at no additional cost.