IMI Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor.
Internationally recognised certification for experienced advocates and advisors who represent parties in mediation.
Mediation advocacy is a distinct professional skill. Representing and advising parties in mediation demands different competencies from those of the mediator. This credential gives those competencies formal, internationally recognised standing.
IMI Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor status is for experienced practitioners who have demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and practice required to meet internationally accepted standards. Certification assessed independently by an IMI-approved Mediation Advocacy Qualifying Assessment Program (MAQAP), giving clients and institutions confidence that your credentials have been verified.
Eligibility.
At least 10 mediations or 100 hours as advocate or advisor, representing or advising parties in mediation.
Successful completion of an approved Mediation Advocacy Qualifying Assessment Program (MAQAP).
Commitment to the IMI Code of Professional Conduct.
Note for mediators: if you have acted as sole mediator in at least 10 cases or 200 hours, you may be eligible for an exemption from the standard experience requirement. Confirm this with your chosen MAQAP.
Competency Criteria.
Experience of the Mediation Process
Applicants must have experienced at least five mediations as a Mediation Advisor/Advocate.
Exemptions: IMI Certified Mediators; mediators who have acted as sole mediator in at least 10 cases/200 hours (in countries where there is no IMI Qualifying Assessment Program).
Knowledge of Mediation Advocacy
Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of general mediation advocacy theory and practice. Written tests, essays, reports, theses and interviews may be used to determine such knowledge. Applicants are expected to be tested on and to exhibit a comprehensive understanding of Mediation Advocacy theory derived from leading international textbooks on the subject.
Practical Mediation Advocacy Skills
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of mediation advocacy competency. Assessment may be conducted using role-plays or live-action assessments, and may include videotaped and online assessments such as web dramas, self-assessments, interviews, peer reviews, user feedback, or other in-practice skill evaluations.
Note that MA-QAPs may assess further practical skills.
See full criteria for Mediation Advocates/Advisors
How to Apply.
Confirm that you have participated as an advocate or advisor in at least 10 mediations or 100 hours in that capacity.
Use the Find a Program tool to locate an approved MAQAP — specialist organisations authorised to assess mediation advocates and advisors against IMI’s standards.
Find a MAQAPWork through the MAQAP’s assessment process. On successful completion, the MAQAP submits your details to IMI for listing.
Add your areas of expertise, languages, practice locations, and a professional photo.
€165 per year (excluding VAT where applicable). IMI’s DEI Policy may apply.
IMI DEI PolicyBenefits of Being an IMI Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor.
01. Formal recognition of a distinct professional skill
Mediation advocacy is not the same as litigation advocacy. This credential demonstrates excellence in the specific demands of representing parties in mediation — independently assessed.
02. Internationally recognised
IMI Mediation Advocate/Advisor status is recognised internationally, supporting your practice across jurisdictions.
03. Listed in the IMI global directory
Your profile appears as a certified mediation advocate/advisor, accessible to clients, counsel, and institutions worldwide.
04. Sets clear expectations with clients
Clients know their advocate’s skills in this distinct area have been independently assessed and verified.
05. Client trust through public feedback
Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible so that potential clients can review your track record.
Maintaining Your Accreditation.
€165 per year (excluding VAT where applicable). IMI’s DEI policy may apply.
Pay annually, keep your IMI profile up to date, maintain an active mediation practice, and abide by the IMI Code of Professional Conduct. IMI recommends updating your optional Feedback Digest at least every two years.
If the annual contribution is not paid and no waiver is granted, a one-year grace period applies. After this period, the listing is removed and the practitioner may no longer use the IMI designation, logos, or represent themselves as IMI listed.
Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible on your IMI profile — no login required — and is reviewed by anyone considering appointing you. Collecting feedback is optional but strongly encouraged. Newly listed practitioners are encouraged to add their first feedback within six months of listing.
Your Feedback Profile.
Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible on your IMI profile — no login required — and is reviewed by anyone considering appointing you. Collecting feedback is optional but strongly encouraged.
Collecting feedback
How to request feedback from parties and counsel after a mediation.
IMI Mediation Logbook
Record mediations and request feedback automatically through the IMI Logbook.
Guidelines for Reviewers
Share this with parties and counsel before they complete a feedback form.
Feedback request form
Send a formal request to a party or counsel asking them to review your practice.
Begin your IMI journey.
Join our community of IMI Certified Mediators, Advocates, and Specialised Mediators.
IMI is a non-profit foundation, currently funded through mediator listing contributions and donations from mediators/ADR Patrons, as well as the organisation’s application processing fees and RMTP listing fees. IMI’s revenue is used to cover IMI’s costs, mostly related to the upkeep of the IMI website and organising events, and to support the further development of mediation standards worldwide. Your contributions are therefore vital to IMI’s ongoing work towards the shared vision of Professional Mediation Worldwide: Promoting Consensus and Access to Justice.
