12-week Certificate
The field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is growing rapidly as people seek faster, less adversarial ways to resolve conflicts outside the courtroom. People come to this field from diverse backgrounds like human resources, law, social work, administration, and education.
Mediation and arbitration are not regulated in Canada. However, earning a recognized designation can significantly boost your credibility with clients and employers.
Accredited training programs provide a pathway to designations by meeting core education and role-play requirements.
Build credibility in your mediation or arbitration career with an accredited online certificate program from Kompass.
Arbitrators preside over hearings much like a judge, and their decisions are usually legally binding. This certificate prepares you to conduct hearings, assess evidence and arguments, and write arbitration awards.
Accreditation: The Arbitration and Dispute Resolution certificate is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO).
Length: 10 weeks
Designation pathways:
Career opportunities: Arbitration is widely used in labour relations, commercial disputes, construction, and sports. It’s a popular option in disputes where the parties want a final, enforceable outcome.
Mediators facilitate negotiation between parties but do not impose decisions. They focus on helping parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This certificate teaches you how to address the root cause of conflicts and settle disputes in a wide range of settings.
Accreditation: The Mediation and Dispute Resolution certificate is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO).
Length: 12 weeks
Designation pathways:
Career opportunities: Mediators work in HR, community organizations, family services, and private practice. You can specialize in workplace mediation, commercial disputes, family mediation, and other areas.
Family mediation deals with issues like separation, divorce, custody, and parenting plans. This certificate covers practical techniques for resolving conflicts while managing complex family dynamics. The goal is to help families navigate relationship breakdowns.
Accreditation: The Family Mediation certificate is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC), ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO), and the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM). Recognized by Family Mediation Canada (FMC).
Length: 12 weeks
Designation pathways:
Career opportunities: You can pursue roles in family law practices, child protection agencies, and private mediation firms. Focus areas include child custody, parenting plans, property division, and high-conflict family cases.
Intergenerational mediation (also known as elder mediation) focuses on disputes involving older adults and their families or caregivers. This certificate addresses the emotional and legal complexities around aging, capacity, and inheritance. The goal is to restore family harmony.
Accreditation: The Intergenerational Mediation certificate is accredited by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM).
Length: 12 weeks
Designation pathways:
Career opportunities: Cases commonly revolve around inheritance disputes, caregiving arrangements, substitute decision making, driving and transportation, and end-of-life decisions.
A career in ADR gives you the chance to help individuals, families, and organizations resolve conflicts in a constructive, non-adversarial way. As demand grows for faster, more cost-effective alternatives to litigation, ADR professionals are increasingly valued in fields like human resources, law, education, and community services. There are opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Accredited training ensures your education meets recognized standards set by leading industry organizations, such as ADRIC, ADRIO, OAFM, and FMC.
Completing an accredited program also provides a direct pathway to professional designations like Q.Med, Q.Arb, AccFM, and AccIM. These designations are highly regarded and can open doors to more career opportunities and professional networks. Many government contracts, for instance, are reserved for ADR professionals who hold a recognized designation.
Online training offers unmatched flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments. With Kompass, your classroom is wherever you are: at home, in your office during a lunch break, or even on the go. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access professional development opportunities through our courses and invest in your future.
This format is ideal for working professionals or anyone seeking a convenient, effective way to advance their ADR career.
Complete one certificate and receive 20% off tuition of additional classes and certificates.
Courses start frequently, with opportunities to join on a weekly or monthly basis. We offer payment plans over the duration of your course.
Group and employer discounts and custom corporate training is available for 3 or more students
