Myth Ten

Anybody can call themselves a mediator.

While it is true that there is no provincial or national regulatory and licensing body for mediators, mediation training is quite rigorous. There are many certificate and degree programs in Alternative Dispute Resolution that require many, many hours of theoretical and practical training. The certification requirements of some mediation organizations are extremely demanding. And many mediators hold certificates or degrees and have years of practical experience in other related disciplines such as law, social work, education and the medical professions, making them very able and qualified to mediate disputes competently and fairly.