From 1 July 2024 there are changes to the mediation accreditation system in Australia. The National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) is transitioning to the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Practitioner Accreditation System (AMDRAS).
We encourage mediators to review the changes and compliance requirements. AMDRAS includes a new tiered accreditation structure and specific categories for non-determinative dispute resolution specialists. Enrolment for NMAS accreditation has now ceased. Current NMAS practitioners have until 31 December 2025 – or the expiry of their accreditation – to transition to AMDRAS.
As an RMAB, ADC is working with its mediators during the transition period. When an ADC mediator’s accreditation comes up for renewal (don’t forget to ask us for a re-accreditation form a month or so before your accreditation expires), ADC will confirm the re-accreditation under AMDRAS. For a summary of key changes, please refer to the table below. For further details please see the MSB website HERE.
National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) | Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Practitioner Accreditation System (AMDRAS) |
Enrolments for NMAS accreditations cease after 30 June 2024. | NMAS students enrolled before 1 July 2024 have a two-year period to complete training as well as 6 months to assess and another 6 months to accredit. |
NMAS rules will apply for applicants still in the training process, or who are pending their assessment or accreditation. | NMAS students enrolled before 1 July 2024 have a two-year period to complete training as well as 6 months to assess and another 6 months to accredit. |
Mediators are accredited under the NMAS and become registered practitioners. | All existing NMAS mediators will remain Registered Practitioners without meeting the newly imposed AMDRAS standards until 31 December 2025 or from the expiry of their accreditation. From this date of expiry, Registered Practitioners are required to renew their accreditation under the AMDRAS standards. |
NMAS has one level of accreditation which is the National Accreditation, that is granted after the successful completion of NMAS. | AMDRAS will have three levels of accreditation: 1. Accredited Mediator 2. Advanced Mediator 3. Leading Mediator Current NMAS National Accreditation holders that qualify for either the Advanced or Leading Mediator Accreditation may apply to advance their accreditation under the AMDRAS tiered system. |
NMAS did not define or recognise non-determinative dispute resolution specialist categories. | Under AMDRAS, Registered Practitioners under NMAS who qualify may apply for and become a Specialist Practitioner. |