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Q and A about Certification

1. What is MCDR Certification ?

An MCDR Certified Mediator has demonstrated to neutral observers that they meet the highest standards of practice in the field.

The Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution (MCDR) is one of the few credentialing entities in the entire country that certifies mediators based upon the mediator’s demonstrated performance. MCDR is the oldest mediation practitioner group in Maryland and has been certifying mediators for over 15 years. Over that period of time, MCDR has refined its certification process and has been used by the circuits courts in Maryland to assess mediators.

2. How does MCDR evaluate mediators for certification?

MCDR’s performance based assessment requires the mediator to demonstrate competencies within 9 different areas of the mediation process, including ethical aspects. MCDR’s peer review occurs in a laboratory setting in which the mediator demonstrates their skills in a live role-play mediation while two highly seasoned assessors look on. Both assessors must award a passing score for MCDR Certification.

3. How can one become certified by MCDR?

To be certified by MCDR, a mediator must have significant mediation experience and training. Those two requirements alone are not enough. 

MCDR requires the mediator to submit to a rigorous peer review of their performance by two highly trained assessors who themselves have significant mediation training and experience. In this review of their performance, the mediator must demonstrate skills and practices of the highest caliber. If both assessors indicate in their scoring that the mediator has met that standard, then and only then will MCDR award that mediator CERTIFICATION.

3. What kind of certification does the state of Maryland provide?

Mediation is unregulated and unlicensed in Maryland. Anyone can claim to be a mediator whether trained or not. And anyone can claim to be certified when they are not.  Most mediation training programs give their attendees paper certificates of completion. These verify completion of training hours, and are different than a performance-based assessment of skills.

 Many mediators say they are certified by the courts in Maryland --- this actually means they have met the Court’s minimal training and experience requirements and are on a Court panel allowing them to receive referrals for court-ordered mediation.

 
4. How does MCDR's certification compare to credentialing from other organizations or the state of Maryland?

Additional Information


It is fortuitous that mediation has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past 30 years. In Maryland alone, hundreds of new mediators are trained every year. 

There are other credentialing agencies that issue certification, and some of them are now using the MCDR model of performance based assessment.  Others, such as the Association for Conflict Resolution, base their credentialing on years of practice and numbers of cases mediated, as well as letters of reference, and training hours.  MCDR's is unique because it requires the mediator to demonstrate real skills in a simulated role play experience

MCDR has been a national pioneer in developing voluntary performance-based assessment for mediators and offering it in the state of Maryland for the past 18 years

We recommend the certification process for experienced mediators.  We are also seeking volunteer role players on those dates.  This is an excellent way to become familiar with the certification process prior to participating as a candidate. 

The Certification process involves a short orientation followed by a one hour live mediation (videotaped) with role players, and a one hour feedback session tailored to discuss with you your unique strengths and any suggestions for areas of improvement.  Assessors (two for each mediator) are all seasoned mediators with extensive assessment training.  They provide objective and sensitive comments aimed at supporting your development as a practitioner.

Prior to the process, potential candidates are encouraged to learn more about the skill areas covered by the Family Mediation Canada tool, which is used for scoring.  Total scores determine whether you become an MCDR Certified Mediator, a prestigious credential to add to your resume. 

You may ask yourself, “If this is not (yet) required by the state of Maryland, why should I do it?”

The answer is clear.  The certification process is one of the best tools available for professional development.   Your ability to mediate difficult cases is a strong determinant in building your reputation and a successful mediation practice.  The process is applicable for both private or court mediators for:

Practice in any jurisdiction

Practice in any type of mediation (family, employment, etc) – you choose the type

If you want to learn more about MCDR Certification or are interested in participating as a role player, please contact one of us.  We are interested in your preferences for location and dates.

Ramona Buck, Co-Chair

Dave Simison, Co-Chair

8288 Telegraph Road                   Suite A                     Odenton, Maryland  21113 

Come home to MCDR            We would love to hear from you!