Professional Mediation, Worldwide.
IMI is a non-profit initiative driving transparency and standards in mediation, worldwide.
With the Vision of Professional Mediation Worldwide: Promoting Consensus and Access to Justice, we set and achieve high mediation standards.
These standards are independent measures of quality, and are created in consultation with stakeholders and practitioners around the world, under the guidance of the IMI Task Force.
Globally recognised accreditation for every stage and specialism of mediation practice. Independent verification of mediation competence, ethics, and professional standards.
IMI Individual Accreditation recognises mediators and mediation professionals who meet internationally established standards of competence, ethics, and professional practice. Each accreditation pathway is assessed by a dedicated Qualifying Assessment Programme (QAP), ensuring that recognition reflects rigorous, independently verified criteria rather than self-certification.
IMI offers various accreditation pathways, each designed for a distinct area of mediation practice:
IMI Qualified Mediator: For mediators who have completed a training programme meeting IMI’s globally recognised competency criteria, demonstrating foundational readiness to practise across jurisdictions.
IMI Certified Mediator: For experienced mediators who have undergone an additional assessment of practical competence, confirming a higher level of demonstrated skill in live or simulated mediation settings.
IMI Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor: For lawyers and advisors who represent parties in mediation, recognising specialised skill in advocacy and strategy within the mediation process.
IMI Intercultural Mediator: For mediators with verified competence in managing the cultural dynamics of cross-border and multicultural disputes.
IMI ODR Mediator: For mediators qualified to conduct mediation through online dispute resolution platforms, reflecting the skills required for effective virtual mediation practice.
Each pathway has its own training and/or assessment body, fee structure, and renewal requirements, allowing mediators to pursue the credential or combination of credentials most relevant to their practice.
IMI Certified Mediators and Mediation Advocates are world-leading, highly experienced professionals who have been independently certified to meet international standards. IMI Qualified Mediators have completed accredited initial training and are at the beginning of their mediation career. These distinctions provide independent assurance of a mediator’s skills, knowledge, and ethical practice.
The standards behind these qualifications are developed in consultation with stakeholders and practitioners worldwide under the guidance of IMI Task Forces. They ensure consistency, professionalism, and credibility in mediation, giving parties confidence in the mediator’s ability to handle disputes effectively.
How to Find a Mediator?
IMI Qualified Mediators have completed high-quality training that meets international standards. This means that parties can trust they have the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to facilitate mediation effectively. IMI certification provides assurance of professionalism, neutrality, and competence, helping you select a mediator with confidence, whether for personal, commercial, or cross-border disputes.
IMI Certified Mediator Training Programs ensure mediators maintain the highest standards of practice, giving parties access to experts who are equipped to manage complex and sensitive disputes.
Meeting international standards also ensures consistency and reliability, so you can have confidence in the quality of the mediation process.
IMI-recognized training and assessment programs are delivered by independent organizations whose programs have been appraised against IMI standards.
Use this directory to find a program that supports your professional pathway: foundational mediator training, assessment for highly experienced mediator or advocate/advisor, or assessment leading to an IMI specialization.
As a general guide, Recognized Mediator Training Program (RMTP) deliver foundational mediator training, while Qualifying Assessment Program (QAP) and their variations assess experienced professionals against the relevant IMI standards to determine their eligibility for certification or specialization.
Which Program Is Right for You?
The program you need depends on your experience and the level of professional recognition you are seeking:
- Recognized Mediator Training Program (RMTP): For individuals undertaking foundational mediator training and developing the knowledge and practical skills required for mediation practice. Completion of an eligible RMTP may provide a pathway towards recognition as an IMI Qualified Mediator, subject to the applicable IMI requirements and processes.
- Qualifying Assessment Program (QAP): For experienced mediators seeking assessment against IMI standards to achieve IMI Certified Mediator status, subject to the applicable IMI requirements and processes. QAPs assess an applicant’s mediation experience, knowledge, and skills. They are not introductory mediator training programs.
- Mediation Advocacy Qualifying Assessment Program (MA-QAP): For experienced mediation advocates or advisors seeking assessment against the IMI standards for certification as an IMI Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor, subject to the applicable IMI requirements and processes. MA-QAPs assess professional experience, knowledge, and skills in representing or advising clients in mediation.
- Intercultural Competence Qualifying Assessment Program (ICQAP): For experienced mediators seeking assessment for the IMI Intercultural Competence Specialization, subject to the applicable IMI requirements and processes. These programs assess competence in working effectively across cultural differences in mediation and related dispute-resolution processes.
- Online Dispute Resolution Qualifying Assessment Program (ODR-QAP): For experienced mediators seeking assessment for the IMI Online Mediation Specialization, subject to the applicable IMI requirements and processes. These programs assess competence in conducting mediation through online and technology-enabled processes.
Search for a Program
Search the directory by program type, organization, location, or language to identify an IMI-recognized program that meets your professional needs.
Each recognized program determines its own:
- admission and eligibility requirements;
- program dates and delivery methods;
- assessment procedures;
- fees; and
- application processes.
Please contact the relevant organization directly for detailed information before applying.
Have Your Program Recognized by IMI
Gaining IMI recognition for your training or assessment program demonstrates that your curriculum and methodology meet internationally established standards for quality and professional competence.
Through the IMI program appraisal process, training and assessment programs are independently reviewed against the applicable IMI standards. These standards have been developed through international consultation with experienced practitioners, professional bodies and other stakeholders, with input from IMI’s independent committees and specialized Task Forces.
IMI recognition demonstrates your organization’s commitment to quality, transparency, integrity and alignment with international good practice in mediation training and professional assessment. This can strengthen participant confidence, enhance your program’s credibility and position it within an international network committed to quality and continual improvement in the mediation profession.
Why Seek IMI Recognition?
International Standards
IMI-recognized programs have been independently appraised against rigorous international standards for mediation training or professional assessment.
Independent Quality Assurance
Recognition provides a quality control system through independent appraisal by the IMI Appraisal Committee, together with ongoing monitoring and periodic audit requirements.
Professional Recognition Pathways
Alignment with IMI standards enables your program to support applicable professional pathways. Depending on the program type, these may include recognition as an IMI Qualified Mediator, certification as an IMI Certified Mediator or IMI Certified Mediation Advocate/Advisor, or an IMI Specialization.
Visibility and Professional Standing
Recognized programs may use the relevant IMI program logo in accordance with IMI’s brand guidance and may be listed in IMI’s international program directory.
How to Apply
The application process begins with three simple steps:
Step 1: Tell Us About Your Organization
Complete a short form with your organization’s basic details. This allows the IMI team to review your request and prepare the next steps.
Step 2: Pay the Application Processing Fee
Once your organization’s details have been reviewed, you will receive an email with instructions for settling the applicable non-refundable application processing fee.
Step 3: Complete the Program Application
After payment has been confirmed, your organization will receive access to the application form for the program type you would like to have recognized.
The formal appraisal begins once the completed application and all required supporting information have been submitted.
Discover IMI & Supported Events
The IMI Events platform brings together a wide range of activities designed to support mediators, dispute resolution professionals, educators, and organisations at every stage of their professional journey. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills, stay informed about emerging trends, or connect with peers and industry leaders, the IMI Events platform offers access to a variety of events, including skills training workshops, webinars, conferences, panel discussions, networking sessions, and other educational or professional gatherings.
Browse IMI and supported events to find your next professional development opportunity and secure your spot!
Submit Your Event to the IMI Events Platform
The IMI Events platform features a list of both IMI events and supported events submitted by organisations. This calendar is dedicated to highlighting mediation community events alongside our regular IMI updates shared via our blog, newsletter, and social media channels. If you would like IMI to collaborate on or support your upcoming event, please submit an application.
Share your initiatives so that we may amplify them with the IMI network and the mediation community at large!
Stay Informed.
Supported by the Mediation Community Worldwide.
“At its best, mediation offers faster, more cost-effective, and more constructive outcomes while preserving relationships that are often lost in litigation and arbitration. But mediation cannot function in isolation. It needs structured frameworks, professional standards, and strong legal integration to… Read More”
“It is very exciting how much our program has expanded since going online and IMI is to thank for much of that growth. Our applicants are from across Canada and various countries in the world. Last year we had two… Read More”
“IMI has undertaken a task of immense importance, not merely in developing standards of practice for conflict resolution, but in creating the foundation for an enormous increase in international conflict resolution capacity. If we are to solve global problems we… Read More”
“Mediation has come a long way, but still has much further to go. The field now needs to evolve quickly into a true profession. High minimum practice and ethical standards need to be set, made transparent and achieved internationally; users… Read More”
Benefits of Mediation.
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Support IMI.
IMI is wholly reliant on grants and contributions from stakeholders.
Thank you for your contribution – it supports furthering of IMI’s Vision and Mission, worldwide.
