Individual Accreditation.
IMI accreditation signals to clients, institutions, and appointing bodies that you have met rigorous, independently assessed international standards. Whether you are beginning your career or building on years of practice, there is a clear pathway to the credential that reflects where you are — and where you are headed.
The professional starting point for mediators who have completed internationally recognised training.
IMI Qualified status is awarded to mediators who have completed their foundational training through an IMI Recognised Mediator Training Programme (RMTP). It provides early-career practitioners with internationally recognised professional standing, a listing in the IMI global directory, and a clear pathway towards growth in skill and experience.
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.
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.
For experienced mediators who work across cultures — and can demonstrate it.
Cross-border disputes present unique challenges. Parties bring different expectations about process, communication, authority, and decision-making. The IMI Intercultural Mediator credential recognises practitioners who have developed the skills to navigate those differences effectively — independently assessed against international standards.
IMI Intercultural Specialised 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 Intercultural Qualifying Assessment Program (ICQAP), giving clients and institutions confidence that your credentials have been verified.
For experienced mediators who conduct mediation online — to an internationally recognised standard.
Online mediation is not simply in-person mediation moved to a screen. It requires distinct skills: managing technology, adapting facilitation for a remote environment, ensuring equitable participation, and maintaining process integrity without physical presence. The IMI ODR Mediator credential recognises practitioners who have developed those skills and been independently assessed.
IMI ODR Specialised 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 ODR Qualifying Assessment Program (ODRQAP), giving clients and institutions confidence that your credentials have been verified.
Where are you in your career.
Not sure which credential applies to you? Start here.
Completed initial training. Ready for your first professional credential.
Become IMI Qualified.
Active mediator developing your practice and working toward full certification.
Join our Young Mediator’s Initiative (YMI).
Substantial practice. Ready for independent assessment against international standards.
Become IMI Certified.
Set yourself apart. Build specialised accreditations.
Become a Specialised Mediator.
Accreditation Pathways.
IMI offers five pathways across two professional roles and two specialisations. Each has a dedicated page with full eligibility requirements, competency criteria, and step-by-step application guidance.
01 Qualified Mediator
For: For mediators who have completed an IMI Recognized Mediator Training Programme (RMTP).
Minimum requirement: Completion of an approved RMTP. No minimum mediations required.
02 Certified Mediator
For: For experienced mediators seeking internationally recognised certification.
Minimum requirement: 200 hours or 20 mediations, assessed by an approved QAP.
03 Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor
For: For experienced advocates and advisers who represent parties in mediation.
Minimum requirement: 10 mediations or 100 hours as advocate or adviser, assessed by an MAQAP.
04 Intercultural Mediator
Specialisation — standalone credential
For: For mediators who regularly work across cultures and borders.
Minimum requirement: 200 hours or 20 mediations, assessed by an approved ICQAP.
05 ODR Mediator
Specialisation — standalone credential
For: For mediators who conduct mediation in digital environments.
Minimum requirement: 200 hours or 20 mediations + specific online experience, assessed by ODR-QAP.
The two specialisations — IMI Intercultural Mediator and IMI ODR Mediator — are standalone credentials.
They can be held independently or alongside IMI Certified Mediator status.
Each carries a separate annual listing contribution of €165 (excluding VAT where applicable).
How It Works.
The accreditation process follows a consistent pathway across all designations.
Review the five pathways above and identify which credential aligns with your current experience and goals.
All IMI certification is delivered through approved programmes — RMTPs for initial training, QAPs for assessment. Use the Find a Program tool to locate a provider near you.
Find a ProgramThe training/assessing organisation will train and evaluate you against IMI’s internationally recognised competency criteria.
On successful completion, your RMTP or QAP submits your details to IMI.
You can self-register for IMI Qualified status.
Complete your profile and pay the annual listing contribution to appear in the global directory.
IMI Qualified Self RegistrationOn the Fence? 10 Reasons Why.
Mediation is a profession where reputation is everything. IMI certification is the clearest, most recognised signal in the world that yours has been independently verified.
IMI accrediation is the closest designation there is to a gold standard for mediation — recognised by leading centres, courts, and institutions worldwide.
01. Global Recognition
Join a globally recognised standard for mediation professionals.
Being listed as IMI Qualified or Certified Mediator signals that you meet internationally recognised standards of competence and professionalism.
02. Access to Work
Increase your visibility to mediation users worldwide.
IMI’s global “Find a Mediator” directory connects mediators with businesses, lawyers, institutions, and individuals seeking qualified professionals.
03. Strong online visibility
Improve your online professional presence.
Your IMI profile increases your digital visibility and helps potential clients easily find and verify your mediation credentials.
04. Professional Credibility
Strengthen your professional credibility.
IMI certification allows clients and institutions to verify your qualifications, experience, and feedback through a transparent professional profile
05. Demonstrate Professional Standards
Meet the growing demand for transparent professional standards.
Over 90% of users expect mediators to demonstrate verified training, experience, and adherence to recognised professional standards.
06. Stand Out From Other Mediators
Stand out in a competitive professional field.
Not everyone can become IMI accredited—it is a quality mark that distinguishes you nationally and internationally. IMI Certification is the closest designation there is to a ‘gold standard’ for mediation
07. Eligibility for International Panels
Expand opportunities with international institutions.
Many mediation centres, courts, and dispute resolution providers recognise IMI certification when selecting mediators for their panels. For example, the Singapore International Mediation Centre and Florence International Mediation Chambers require all their mediators to be IMI Certified.
08. Additional Credential Opportunities
Access additional professional recognition pathways.
IMI certification can support eligibility for other international mediation credentials and professional networks. IMI Certified Mediators are automatically eligible for certification by the Singapore International Mediation Institute, and vice versa.
09. Contribute to the Development of Mediation Profession
Be a part of positive change.
IMI Certified Mediators can participate in task forces, mentorship initiatives, and global projects that advance mediation practice worldwide. For example, you may be interested in becoming a Mentor to vetted Young Mediators Initiative member
10. Promotion through IMI
Benefit from IMI’s global outreach and promotion.
IMI actively promotes mediation and highlights its certified professionals and their professional success through events, campaigns, and professional networks.
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.
Once you are listed with IMI, collecting and displaying feedback from parties, counsel, and colleagues is one of the most effective ways to build credibility and attract new work. Your Feedback Digest is publicly visible on your IMI profile — no login required — and is reviewed by anyone considering appointing you.
Get accredited with IMI.
Join a global network of independently assessed mediation professionals.
