About Certification and Performance Based Assessment

MCDR has offered a certification opportunity to Maryland mediators since 1996.
The heart of this opportunity is a performance-based assessment (PBA). In the past, PBA
was ONLY available as a component of Certification. MCDR now offers PBA as a stand alone tool for professional growth. PBA can help the mediator identify process areas for
training and practice enhancement.

Performance Based Assessment

MCDR’s Performance Based Assessment involves a role-play mediation on a topic chosen by the PBA candidate from several possible scenarios including a divorce/custody situation, a workplace conflict, and a community dispute. The candidate conducts a mediation while being observed by two experienced and certified mediators who have been specially trained to provide Performance Based Assessments. In addition, the role play is taped for later review. Before the role-play, the candidate is asked to provide a self-statement describing their approach to mediation. The observers use the self-statement to help the candidate learn if what they practice is what they intend to practice. At the conclusion of the role play, the candidate is offered feedback from the role players which is then followed by feedback from the observers. Later the candidate will receive written comments and a scoring sheet from each of the observers and a copy of the role play tape for future playback and contemplation. The observers ground their assessment on the scoring tool developed by Family Mediation Canada and refined by MCDR over the past 15 years.

Certification

If the candidate achieves a satisfactory score (from each observer, an overall minimum score of 3 of a possible 5; in addition, a minimum score of 3 on specific items including ethics and management of power dynamics), they are eligible to apply for Certification from MCDR. To be certified, not only must the candidate perform satisfactorily on the PBA, they must meet other criteria including having sufficient experience (at least one year) and training (at least 40 hours).

Performance Based Assessment has many benefits including:

Professional Development: Mediators who participate in PBA have the 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: Certification following Performance Based Assessment 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: Certification following Performance Based Assessment 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.

Cost of PBA

The cost of Performance Based Assessment is $200 for MCDR members and $250 for non-members. If a candidate receives satisfactory results from the PBA and chooses to apply for Certification, an application for Certification must be submitted with payment of $125 for MCDR members and $145 for non-members. The Certification Option Some mediators may choose to apply for certification from the beginning. This option is intended for 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 skill and craftsmanship. Cost of Certification The cost to apply for Certification as a single option is $325 for MCDR members, $395 for nonmembers. This amount is to accompany the application. Candidates who do not earn certification the first time may participate a second time, if within one year, at no additional cost.

The Certification Option

Some mediators may choose to apply for certification from the beginning. This option is intended for 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 skill and craftsmanship.

Cost of Certification

The cost to apply for Certification as a single option is $325 for MCDR members, $395 for nonmembers. This amount is to accompany the application. Candidates who do not earn certification the first time may participate a second time, if within one year, at no additional cost.

Next Steps: Whom to Contact

Whether you are interested in PBA or Certification, please contact one of the
Certification Committee Co-Chairs, Ramona Buck, ramonabuck@gmail.com or Dave Simison, das@daslaw.com

Certification Committee Co-Chairs

Ramona Buck
ramonabuck@gmail.com
Silver Spring, Maryland
Work: 410-260-3540
Fax: 410-260-3541
Home: 301-434-0203
(c): 443-418-0392

Dave Simison
das@daslaw.com
108A Cathedral Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.268.7787

[1] mediators have themselves successfully completed the Certification Process and they have completed specific substantive training to serve as a reviewer.

MEDIATOR CERTIFICATION
Performance Assessment Day: Next Date to be Announced Click for Details of the last Performance Assessment Day
MCDR Mediator Certification Application Form
MCDR Mediator's Reference Form	MCDR Self Statement	Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and FMC Checklist
MCDR provides a voluntary certification process for mediators, including a written application, references, training requirements, an agreement to support mediator ethics, and an observed evaluation mediation role play. For application materials or more information, contact:

About Certification and Performance Based Assessment MCDR has offered a certification opportunity to Maryland mediators since 1996. The heart of this opportunity is a performance-based assessment (PBA). In the past, PBA was ONLY available as a component of Certification. MCDR now offers PBA as a stand alone tool for professional growth. PBA can help the mediator identify process areas for training and practice enhancement. Performance Based Assessment MCDR’s Performance Based Assessment involves a role-play mediation on a topic chosen by the PBA candidate from several possible scenarios including a divorce/custody situation, a workplace conflict, and a community dispute. The candidate conducts a mediation while being observed by two experienced and certified mediators who have been specially trained to provide Performance Based Assessments. In addition, the role play is taped for later review. Before the role-play, the candidate is asked to provide a self-statement describing their approach to mediation. The observers use the self-statement to help the candidate learn if what they practice is what they intend to practice. At the conclusion of the role play, the candidate is offered feedback from the role players which is then followed by feedback from the observers. Later the candidate will receive written comments and a scoring sheet from each of the observers and a copy of the role play tape for future playback and contemplation. The observers ground their assessment on the scoring tool developed by Family Mediation Canada and refined by MCDR over the past 15 years. Certification If the candidate achieves a satisfactory score (from each observer, an overall minimum score of 3 of a possible 5; in addition, a minimum score of 3 on specific items including ethics and management of power dynamics), they are eligible to apply for Certification from MCDR. To be certified, not only must the candidate perform satisfactorily on the PBA, they must meet other criteria including having sufficient experience (at least one year) and training (at least 40 hours). Performance Based Assessment has many benefits including: Professional Development: Mediators who participate in PBA have the 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: Certification following Performance Based Assessment 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: Certification following Performance Based Assessment 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. Cost of PBA The cost of Performance Based Assessment is $200 for MCDR members and $250 for non-members. If a candidate receives satisfactory results from the PBA and chooses to apply for Certification, an application for Certification must be submitted with payment of $125 for MCDR members and $145 for non-members. The Certification Option Some mediators may choose to apply for certification from the beginning. This option is intended for 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 skill and craftsmanship. Cost of Certification The cost to apply for Certification as a single option is $325 for MCDR members, $395 for nonmembers. This amount is to accompany the application. Candidates who do not earn certification the first time may participate a second time, if within one year, at no additional cost. The Certification Option Some mediators may choose to apply for certification from the beginning. This option is intended for 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 skill and craftsmanship. Cost of Certification The cost to apply for Certification as a single option is $325 for MCDR members, $395 for nonmembers. This amount is to accompany the application. Candidates who do not earn certification the first time may participate a second time, if within one year, at no additional cost. Next Steps: Whom to Contact Whether you are interested in PBA or Certification, please contact one of the Certification Committee Co-Chairs, Ramona Buck, ramonabuck@gmail.com or Dave Simison, das@daslaw.com Certification Committee Co-Chairs Ramona Buck ramonabuck@gmail.com Silver Spring, Maryland Work: 410-260-3540 Fax: 410-260-3541 Home: 301-434-0203 (c): 443-418-0392 Dave Simison das@daslaw.com 108A Cathedral Street Annapolis, MD 21401 410.268.7787 [1] mediators have themselves successfully completed the Certification Process and they have completed specific substantive training to serve as a reviewer.