Certified Mediation Training

Training Application

The IMA Training and Education Committee certifies mediation trainings. The committee meets monthly as needed to evaluate applications. See the Training Application for a checklist of requirements for certification IMA Training Application.pdf.

Applications may be submitted as follows:

• one (1) unstapled copy by mail to P. O. Box 2504, Boise, Idaho 83701. (Paper application packets will be scanned for electronic transmittal to the committee.) OR

• electronically to admin@idahomediationassociation.org. The Administrator will generate an invoice and e-mail the applicant for the $50.00 application fee.

Applicants will be notified in writing of the Committee's decision.  Here is the IMA Policies & Procedures section on submitting a training application:

B.        Certified Trainings:

IMA certifies three types of trainings:

            1.         Basic Mediation Training.  A basic mediation training must consist of at least 40 hours and cover the following seven (7) areas of competency:

a.  information gathering (intake; obtaining facts; screening issues)

b.  mediator relationship skills (neutrality; confidentiality; nonjudgmental)

c.  communication skills (active listening; reframing issues; clarifying)

d.  problem solving skills (identify problems, positions, needs, interests; brainstorm alternatives)

e.  conflict management skills (theories of conflict management; mediation models; reducing tensions; power imbalances)

f.  ethics (standards of practice; typical problems)

g.  professional skills (substantive knowledge areas; case management; drafting agreements) 

Although a training need not cover all the examples listed under each curriculum area, it must cover one or more elements of each.  A 40-hour basic mediation training with a focus on child custody issues must also include 20 hours of specialized child custody training and all of the elements set forth in subsection 2 below.

             Thirty percent (30%) or more of the training must be devoted to the practice of mediation skills via hands-on learning exercises involving experiential learning.  Examples include:  role play simulations of mediated disputes, student-to-student interactions or small group exercises where skills and/or concepts are practiced or discussed, writing memoranda of understanding, and peer review of role plays or short vignettes.

            2.         Child Custody Training.  Specialized training in child custody matters is required for placement on the Idaho Supreme Court roster of court-approved mediators of child custody and visitation disputes.  (See Rule 602, Idaho Rules of Family Law Procedure.)   A child custody training must consist of at least 20 hours and cover the following seven (7) areas of competency:

a.  conflict resolution theory

b.  psychological issues in separation, divorce, and family dynamics

c.  domestic violence

d.  issues and needs of children

e.  mediation processes and techniques

f.  family law, including custody and support

g.  mediation ethics (minimum of 2 hours)

            3.         Specialized Mediation Training.  A specialized mediation training can be of any length and need cover only the competency areas relevant to the training topic.  Thirty percent (30%) or more of a specialized training must be clearly devoted to the practice of mediation skills via hands-on learning exercises as defined above.  Curricula for the training must be clear, well-organized, and relevant to the practice of mediation. 

            Trainings submitted to IMA for certification will be deemed proprietary information of the person submitting the training. 

            Application.  An application for certified training must be submitted at least 28 days in advance of any scheduled training for which IMA approval is requested.  Applications must be in the form and manner established by IMA and must include the following:

            1.  Name, address, and phone number of individual or organization submitting the course for certification

            2.  Whether the course has been previously certified by IMA, and if so, when

            3.  Course title, description, and total hours of instruction

            4.  Instructor name(s), date(s), and location(s) of course

            5.  Required prerequisites or admission restrictions, if any

            6.  Detailed training agenda and timeline, including:

                        a.  major topic headings and time devoted to each

                        b.  method(s) of presentation for each segment

            7.  Description of how participants will evaluate the course

            8.  Applicable fee   

            Participant Evaluations.  It is the responsibility of the individual or organization submitting a course for certification to:

a.      obtain evaluations from the participants at or near the conclusion of the training;

b.     maintain a list of the names and contact information for all participants, together with all participant evaluations, for one (1) year after the conclusion of the training; and

c.      deliver the list of participant names and contact information and the participant evaluations, or true and accurate copies thereof, promptly to the Committee upon written request.

            Certification Period.  Trainings will be certified for a period of one (1) year from the date of initial certification and can be renewed only upon submission of a new application for certification.  A new application is not required to be submitted if the training is held again within the same one-year certification period and if the training is substantially the same as it was initially certified, including topics, times, and speakers.

 No training shall be advertised by an instructor or provider as “certified” or “approved” by IMA unless it holds a current IMA certification. 

All courses certified by IMA must include the following disclaimer in the course materials:

“Certified as to content only – IMA makes no representations or warranties regarding the quality of instruction or qualifications of the instructor.” 

The Administrator will maintain a list of current certified trainings, together with their expiration dates, and will make the list available to the public on the IMA website.  Any training scheduled or advertised on the IMA website shall be denoted as to whether or not it holds IMA certification.

            Certification Criteria.  The Committee will determine whether or not a training should be certified in accordance with the following standards: 

            a.  Does the application contain all of the required information?

            b.  Does the training adequately cover all required elements?

            c.  Does the training contain any required minimum number of hours of instruction?

            d.  Does the training include a minimum of 30% of “hands on” learning?

            e.  Does the training utilize varied methods of instruction?

            f.  Is the content of the training directly related to mediation practice or mediation ethics?

            The Committee may request additional information from the submitter as it deems necessary to determine whether a training is suitable for certification.  The Committee may consider past participant evaluations of a named submitter or instructor when determining whether or not to certify a training.                       

            Calculation of Hours.  IMA utilizes a 50 minute hour.  Time will be rounded to the nearest quarter hour.  When calculating the number of instructional hours, no credit will be given for:

a.  time spent in introductory remarks, coffee and food breaks, business meetings, or other activities that do not involve educational aspects of the training activity;

b.  vendor-sponsored activities designed solely to promote products or services; or

c.  time spent on topics not specific to mediation practice or areas of specialization. 

Minimum Teaching Standards. 

 ·       A certified course must be taught in accordance with the course outline or curriculum approved by IMA.

·       The instructor shall conduct the class in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of the subject matter being taught.

·       The instructor shall maintain an appropriate learning environment and present instruction in an accurate, logical, orderly and understandable manner.

·       The instructor shall conduct himself or herself in a professional manner when performing instructional duties, and shall not engage in any form of harassment or discrimination based on the gender, national origin, race, religion, age or physical or mental disability of any student, and shall not engage in conduct that degrades or disparages any student or other instructor.