Is role-play live and supervised?
Mediation is a performance skill. Look for time in the mediator chair, realistic parties, observation, a defined score sheet, and feedback from an experienced mediator.
ADR Training Guide
How to choose an ADR school or mediation training program.
People searching for alternative dispute resolution training often see programs that sound alike but offer very different levels of practice, feedback, and professional preparation. Use this guide to compare them clearly.
What to Compare
Five questions reveal whether an ADR program teaches practice or only presents information.
Do the trainers mediate real cases?
Practicing mediators can connect listening, ethics, caucus, power dynamics, and settlement language to situations they encounter in actual court and community settings.
Does the course cover the full process?
A strong basic program moves from mediator role and confidentiality through opening statements, storytelling, issue identification, option generation, impasse management, and agreement writing.
Is progress documented?
Ask how attendance, quizzes, practice sessions, instructor feedback, contact hours, and completion records are tracked and how the final certificate can be verified.
Does the school explain what comes next?
Training is the foundation, not automatic court approval. Ethical programs explain the difference between a course certificate and jurisdiction-specific licensing, rostering, observation, apprenticeship, or co-mediation requirements.
WBGR Program
What students receive from WBGR ADR Institute.
WBGR’s online 40-hour basic facilitative mediation training combines structured instruction with synchronous class sessions and live supervised role-play.
Training components
- Four instructional units and twelve module topics
- Live cohort sessions with instructor pacing
- Supervised mediation role-play and written feedback
- Ethics, neutrality, confidentiality, and Maryland Rule 17 depth
- Quizzes, learning records, and documented contact hours
- Certificate of completion with public verification
Who the training serves
The program is designed for aspiring mediators, lawyers, students, educators, ministry and community leaders, organizational professionals, and people seeking a structured foundation in conflict resolution.
National access, local responsibility: students may train online from across the United States, but each student must confirm the mediator eligibility rules that apply in the state, court, or program where they intend to practice.
After Training
The professional pathway continues after the 40-hour course.
1. Complete foundational training
Build the basic facilitative mediation framework and document the required training hours.
2. Check jurisdiction requirements
Review the standards of the state, court, agency, community mediation center, or private panel where you want to serve.
3. Build supervised experience
Apply for observation, apprenticeship, mentorship, and co-mediation opportunities with qualified programs and experienced mediators.
4. Develop a practice area
Continue training for the settings you plan to serve, such as civil, family, landlord-tenant, workplace, community, sports, or entertainment disputes.
Start Here
Review the full curriculum, instructor experience, tuition, and enrollment details.
WBGR ADR Institute publishes the program scope clearly so prospective students can decide whether the training fits their goals before enrolling.