IMI Certified Mediator.
The international gold standard for experienced mediators — independently assessed, globally recognised.
IMI Certified Mediator 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 Qualifying Assessment Program (QAP), giving clients and institutions confidence that your credentials have been verified.
Eligibility.
At least 200 hours of mediation practice, or at least 20 mediations conducted as the mediator.
Successful completion of an approved Qualifying Assessment Program (QAP).
Commitment to the IMI Code of Professional Conduct.
Competency Criteria.
IMI, via its Independent Appraisal Committee, certifies “Qualifying Assessment Programs” (QAPs) as having the capability to assess individuals against IMI’s standards. To have a QAP, an organisation’s program must meet the established criteria for QAPs, published elsewhere on this website.
The below have been adapted and simplified from the criteria for QAPs, for use as guidelines by users who are attempting to establish whether their experience may meet the requirements for IMI Certification or Specialisation. The criteria for QAPs are authoritative.
Note that Qualifying Assessment Programs are accessible on an equal basis, regardless of Applicants’ professional affiliations, gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.
Mediatior Experience
Applicants must have a substantial level of experience as a mediator — a minimum 200 hours or 20 mediations suffice.
Mediation Knowledge
Applicants must have a strong understanding of general mediation theory and practice. These may be assessed using methods such as written tests, essays, reports, theses, or interviews.
Mediation Skills
Applicants must be effective using the mediation process and techniques. Evaluations/assessments may be based on roleplay or live action assessments, and may include videotaped and online assessments such as web dramas, self-assessments, interviews, peer reviews, user feedback, and other in-practice skill evaluations
Qualifying Assessment Programs may have higher entrance standards than these, but they will never be lower. Read through the requirements of the Qualifying Assessment Program you are interested in carefully.
How to Apply.
Confirm that you meet the minimum requirements — 200 hours or 20 mediations — before approaching a QAP.
QAPs are approved organisations authorised to assess mediators against IMI’s international standards. Use the Find a Program tool to locate a QAP in your region or area of practice.
Find a QAPWork through the QAP’s assessment process. Each QAP has its own format. On successful completion, the QAP submits your details to IMI.
Add your areas of expertise, languages, practice locations, and a professional photo.
The annual listing contribution for Certified Mediators is €165 per year (excluding VAT where applicable). IMI’s DEI Policy may apply.
IMI’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policy and Fee SchemeBenefits of Being IMI Certified.
01. Independently verified credentials
Clients can verify your qualifications and public feedback through your transparent IMI profile.
02. Required by leading institutions
The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) and Florence Chambers require IMI Certification. Many other centres and courts give preference to IMI Certified professionals.
03. Cross-recognition
Being IMI Certified makes you automatically eligible for SIMI certification — and vice versa. One assessment, two international credentials.
04. Listing in a global directory
Publicly searchable by businesses, lawyers, courts, and individuals worldwide.
05. Client trust through public feedback
Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible and allows potential clients access to your reviews.
06. A quality mark that sets you apart
Rigorous, independently benchmarked — the use of the IMI Certified logo distinguishes you nationally and internationally.
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.