Certification of Mediation Training Programs

(a) Certified training programs for mediators who are seeking certification as a mediator for matters in superior court shall consist of a minimum of forty hours of instruction. The curriculum of such programs shall include the following topics: (1) Conflict resolution and mediation theory. (2) Mediation process and techniques, including the process and (3) (4) (5) techniques of trial court mediation. Communication and information gathering skills. Standards of conduct for mediators, including, but not limited to, the Standards of Professional Conduct for Mediators. Statutes, rules, and practices governing mediated settlement conferences in North Carolina. (6) Demonstrations of mediated settlement conferences. (7) (8) (9) Simulations of mediated settlement conferences, involving student participation as the mediator, attorneys, and disputants, which shall be supervised, observed, and evaluated by program faculty. Satisfactory completion of an exam by all students, testing their familiarity with the statutes, rules, and practices governing mediated settlement conferences in North Carolina. Technology and how to effectively utilize technology during a mediation. (b) Certified training programs for mediators who are already certified as family financial mediators shall consist of a minimum of sixteen hours. The curriculum of such programs shall include the topics in subsection (a) of this rule and a discussion of the mediation and culture of insured claims. There shall be at least two simulations as described in subsection (a)(7) of this rule. (c) A training program must be certified by the Commission before a mediator’s attendance at the program may be used to satisfy the training requirement under Rule 8(a). Certification does not need to be given in advance of attendance. Training programs attended prior to the promulgation of these rules or attended in other states may be approved by the Commission if they are in substantial compliance with the standards set forth in this rule. (d) To complete certification, a training program shall pay all administrative fees required by the NCAOC upon the recommendation of the Commission. History Note. 373 N.C. 663; 378 N.C. 757. 28 TOC Rule 10