In many countries, mediators attend a course lasting from 28 to 40 hours to receive mediation training. In Hong Kong, the accreditation course for the HKIAC is 40 hours long and applicants must then be assessed in two role-play mediations to be considered for the panel.
Many mediators rely on the techniques introduced in the course but also on their life experience in order to mediate. There are a small number of master’ degrees available in mediation. In the US, the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution has a reputation for excellence. The benefit of postgraduate study for mediators is that you can be exposed to range of specialist areas and ancillary subjects which enhance your understanding of the mediation process. For clients this can translate into a more productive mediation experience.