Mediation services are becoming a helpful tool in many different professions and settings. In terms of the business world, mediators are often called in to assist with conflict management and resolution. A mediator may also work to enhance communication between individuals and departments within the company, and supply the client with tools that can be used going forward to defuse issues before they impact the morale of the employees or inhibit productivity in some manner. Because of the growth of this profession, many people wonder what they need to do in order to become a mediator. There is no simple answer to that question.
In engaging or hiring mediator services, many businesses prefer to go with a licensed or certified mediator. While this is understandable, the fact is there is a wide range of options when it comes to mediation certification. Not all of these options are recognized as valid within a given geographical area. This means that anyone who wants to become a mediator needs to find out what is required to obtain recognized certification in the location where they wish to practice.
In the United States, there is no national mediation certification process. The task of determining what type of training is required to function as a professional mediator is left to individual states. There is no real uniformity in how states determine what type of certification credentials are necessary. In many states, there are little or no set standards that must be met. When that is the case, one can become a mediator by completing just about any training process that provides certification once the program has been successfully completed.
However, there are states within the USA that do require the successful completion of an approved certification course. In addition, there may also be an evaluation or exam that must be successfully completed before the mediator is recognized by the state. Because of the diversity among states regarding the certification of mediators, it is usually advisable to contact the state government and obtain information about what is required in order to become a mediator in that state.
Just about anyone who wishes to become a mediator will be interested in obtaining some type of training. While many different organizations, including non-profit associations, offer some type of instruction and certification program, it is important to make sure the program is recognized by the local jurisdiction. This will make it possible to attract more clients and be able to earn a living as a mediator.
