From 1 July 2025, the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) superseded the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS). The Mediator Standards Board (MSB) has updated the Standards for accreditation providers, training providers and practitioners. VADR will keep members updated on these developments, but we suggest that you also follow the MSB Newsletter, which is sent out to all NMAS-registered members.
All new and accredited mediators are strongly encouraged to read through the new Standards. You will find them here:
https://vadr.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AMDRAS-Standards-Master-October-2025.pdf
The AMDRAS framework establishes three levels of accreditation for nationally accredited dispute resolution practitioners: accredited, advanced and leading. Information about the criteria for each level can be found in AMDRAS Division 3.
If you do not meet the criteria for the level at which you are applying, you may ask to be considered under VADR’s Alternative Pathway frameworks.
Under AMDRAS, VADR is able to offer members an alternative pathway for new accreditations and for advanced mediators. VADR can also submit a request to the AMDRAS Board on behalf of mediators seeking leading mediator status under VADR’s special framework. Please get in touch with VADR's Accreditation Sub-Committee (admin@vadr.asn.au) to discuss your application.
Information about VADR's alternative pathway for new accreditations can be found here.
Information about VADR's alternative pathway for advanced mediators can be found here.
Information about VADR's special framework for leading mediators can be found here
It is your responsibility to ensure that applications for accreditation or renewal of accreditation are submitted in a timely manner. You have six months from completion of your mediation training to apply for accreditation. Once you are accredited, the AMDRAS Board should then notify you by email 60 days before your accreditation expires, giving you plenty of time to lodge an application for renewal of accreditation. (Please make sure the AMDRAS Board has your correct email address.)
Note that only current members of VADR may submit applications for accreditation or renewal of accreditation to VADR's Accreditation Sub-Committee for assessment.
All applications involve payment of an AMDRAS fee of $130. This fee should be paid to VADR. It covers two years' national accreditation, during which period you must maintain your membership of VADR (or another RAP).
Please remember that the task of assessing and approving accreditation applications is performed by VADR volunteers, who have other jobs. If you do not submit your application in plenty of time, your accreditation or accreditation renewal may be delayed.
If you need to apply for a leave of absence, you can do so in accordance with AMDRAS s.51.
1. A practitioner may apply to their RAP for a leave of absence for health, career or other reasons.
2. If a leave of absence of more than twelve months is requested, the practitioner may apply instead for a non-practising certificate, which can be granted for a period of up to two years, then renewed at two-year intervals thereafter.
3. The practitioner must provide the RAP with evidence of the circumstances upon which, and the period for which, the leave of absence is sought.
4. An RAP may, having regard to the circumstances, grant or refuse the application, or grant it subject to conditions.
5. The RAP must not backdate a leave of absence more than two months before the application was made.
Please contact VADR (admin@vadr.asn.au) if you would like to discuss applying for a leave of absence.
Accredited Mediator - at least 20 hours of dispute resolution-related practice (as a mediator, co-mediator or third-party dispute resolver)
Advanced Mediator - at least 40 hours of dispute resolution-related practice (as a mediator, co-mediator or third-party dispute resolver)
Leading Mediator - the same requirements as for an Advanced Mediator, except that Leading Mediators with 25 or more years of practice as Registered Practitioners have their CPD and practice requirements reduced by half
Specialist Dispute Resolution Practitioner - at least 40 hours of dispute resolution-related practice (25 per cent of which must be within the applicant's area of specialised practice), which shall also be sufficient to satisfy the renewal requirements under any other accreditation level in these Standards.
The CPD requirement for all mediator levels is 25 hours over the two-year renewal period. To be allowable, the CPD must be directed at developing or maintaining the Professional Attributes. Access the AMDRAS guidelines for what are considered allowable CPD activities and claimable hours here.
CPD hours relied on for a renewal of accreditation cannot be relied on for any later renewal of accreditation.
Specialist Dispute Resolution Practitioners will not be required to complete more than 25 CPD hours for each two-year cycle of accreditation.
You can download a Mediation & CPD Log from the Members area to help you keep a record of your practice hours and CPD activities. Alternatively, you may choose to use the AMDRAS CPD Log (see AMDRAS Appendix 2, page 60). It is very important to record your hours accurately, as proof that you meet the criteria.
AMDRAS s.48 outlines the circumstances in which an RAP may consider adjusting the practice and CPD requirements for accreditation renewal. To be considered under s.48, an applicant must email a written submission to VADR's Accreditation Sub-Committee (admin@vadr.asn.au), together with supporting documentation.
The application will be considered and you will be contacted with a decision.
