FMC Certification Application
FMC is the leading body providing professional training and certifications for practitioners of family mediation in Canada. The certification assessments are anchored in the high standards of the FMC Code of Professional Conduct and guidelines as well as FMC’s ongoing engagement in the international mediation community. The methodology of conducting and documenting assessments strongly emphasizes the candidate’s skills.
Note, to apply for Certification you must be an FMC member. Please review the FMC Certification Process before beginning any application.
FMC Certification Types
Family Relations Mediator (FRM)
- Standard & Advanced Certification Levels
Elder Mediator (EM)
- Standard & Advanced Certification Levels
Comprehensive Family Mediator (CFM)
- Standard & Advanced Certification Levels
*Child Protection Mediator (CPM)
- *COMING SOON!
- Standard & Advanced Certification Levels
Family Relations Mediator (Cert.FRM)
FMC asserts the need for the national standard in the field of family mediation and is guided by the Family Mediation Canada Members Code of Professional Conduct. It is imperative that Family Mediators grow their competency, specializing in issues of family restructuring and that they work toward deepening their sensitivities in this important area. The goal of the FMC Family Mediation program is to promote a consistent standard for family mediators through certification and continuing education. The general public can be assured that FMC certified Family Mediators are both committed and competent to work professionally and ethically in this developing field of practice.
The Certified Family Relations Mediator Standard certification includes all the requirements listed in the Family Relations Mediation Advanced Certification application form, excluding the requirement of completing a video role play, self-assessment, and written exam. This certification level is considered an entry level of Family Mediation certification for those newly entering the field and those family mediators currently offering a Family Mediation service who would benefit from additional education and training specific to Family Mediation. The expectation is that once applicants have experienced the Standard Certification, they will then aspire to continue to move forward to the Cert.FRM Advanced level. The advanced level is that which includes the video role play, self-assessment and written exam. Family Mediators who wish to offer Family Mediation training will be required to hold the Cert.FRM Advanced level of certification.
All currently certified Family Mediators – those who have already completed a role play, self-assessment, and written exam as part of their certification & were previously designated “Cert.FRM” – will move to the advanced level and be entitled to use the “Cert.FRM Advanced” designation.
The Cert.FRM Advanced designation reflects the highest standards in education, training, and experience for Family Relations Mediators in Canada. Our Certification Program embodies a comprehensive training process as well as a rigorous assessment of each Family Mediation candidate. FMC’s Certification Program also requires on-going training.
With the two tracks for achieving the “Cert.FRM Advanced” designation, (Part A and B), candidates can opt to complete the entry level of certification (Cert.FRM Standard) (Part A) first, and then at some later date complete the remaining requirements (Part B) to attain the advanced designation (Cert.FRM Advanced). OR a candidate can move directly to the Cert.FRM Advanced process from the outset. (Direct Process). The requirements for the latter – called the Direct route in the table below – are as follows:
CERTIFIED FAMILY RELATIONS MEDIATOR STANDARD
At least 80 hours of basic conflict resolution and mediation theory education and skills training, including intercultural training AND at least 100 hours of further related education and training including:
- At least 35 hours of training on the family dynamics of separation and divorce
- At least 14 hours on child law: custody, access, guardianship, support, child protection and abduction law
- At least 21 hours of training including instruction on power imbalances and the dynamics and effects of family abuse on family members
- At least 7 hours of training on financial issues relating to separation, divorce and family reorganization
- At least 7 hours of training on ethical issues relating to the mediation process
- At least 7 hours on drafting memoranda of understanding
CERTIFIED FAMILY RELATIONS MEDIATOR ADVANCED
The second level of certification (Advanced) requires the applicant to pass a written exam and a role play which is then assessed by qualified mediator assessors. This Advanced level allows the applicant to display the knowledge of the skills required of a mediator and obtain feedback for self-assessment and improvement. The rigorous evaluation makes FMC certification credible in the marketplace.
| Price Breakdown | Cert.FRM Standard | Cert.FRM Advanced | Cert.FRM Advanced (Direct) |
| Application | $225.00 | $0 (Already Obtained Standard) | $175.00 |
| Assessment | No Role Play or Exam | $600.00 | $525.00 |
| TOTAL | $225.00 | $600.00 | $700.00 |
Mediators seeking certification are required to hold General Membership with Family Mediation Canada ($140/year)
Candidates on the roster to become a certified Family Mediator will have opportunities to demonstrate their sensitivities and knowledge, empathic qualities, values, mediation skills and abilities. They will demonstrate their commitment to professional development and self-determination and enhance their learning in the required areas while demonstrating learning in the general area of family restructuring and couple separation related issues.
Levels of Certification
Cert.FRM Standard
Includes all the requirements listed in the Family Relations Mediation Advanced Certification application form excluding the role play, self-assessment and written exam.
Cert.FRM Advanced
Requires the candidate to submit a video role play, self-assessment and successfully complete the written exam.
Cert.FRM Advanced (Direct)
Proceed directly to the Cert.FRM Advanced certification process.
Elder Mediator (Cert.EM)
FMC recognizes the need for a national standard in the field of elder mediation and is guided by the Elder Mediation International Network’s Code of Ethics. Specializing in issues of aging assures competency for Elder Mediators and that they have worked toward deepening their sensitivities in this important area. The goal of both FMC Elder Mediation program and the international EMIN program is to promote a consistent standard for elder mediators through certification and continuing education. The general public can be assured that FMC certified Elder Mediators are both committed and competent to work professionally and ethically in this developing field of practice.
The newly introduced Certified Elder Mediator Standard certification includes all the requirements listed in the Elder Mediation Advanced Certification application form, excluding the requirement of completing a video role play, self-assessment and written exam. The new certification level is considered an entry level of Elder Mediation certification for both those newly entering the field and those family mediators currently offering an Elder Mediation service who would benefit from additional education and training specific to Elder Mediation. The expectation is that once applicants have experienced the Standard certification they will then aspire to continue to move forward to the Cert.EM Advanced level which would be required for Elder Mediators to offer Elder Mediation training.
EMIN Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults: EMIN SVA Guidelines Mar2021
The newly introduced Standard Elder Mediator certification includes all the requirements listed in the Elder Mediation Advanced Certification application form, excluding the requirement of completing a video role play, self-assessment and written exam. The new certification level is considered an entry level of Elder Mediation certification for both those newly entering the field and those family mediators currently offering an Elder Mediation service who would benefit from additional education and training specific to Elder Mediation. The expectation is that once applicants have experienced the Standard certification they will then aspire to continue to move forward to the Cert.EM Advanced level. The advanced level is that which includes the video role play, self-assessment and written exam. Elder Mediators who wish to offer Elder Mediation training will be required to hold the Cert.EM Advanced level of certification.
All currently certified Elder Mediators – those who have already completed a role play, self-assessment and written exam as part of their certification & were previously designated “Cert.EM” – will move to the advanced level and be entitled to use the “Cert.EM Advanced” designation.
The Cert.EM Advanced designation reflects the highest standards in education, training and experience for elder mediators. Our Certification Program embodies a comprehensive training process as well as a rigorous assessment of each Elder Mediation candidate. FMC’s Certification Program also requires on-going training.
The Elder Mediation International Network’s Code of Ethics was developed with input from around the world and continues to be the ‘gold standard’ for elder mediators. It serves as the basis for FMC’s Certification Program. This Code has been adapted to meet the unique requirements of elder mediators in Canada and throughout the world.
With the two tracks for achieving the “Cert.EM Advanced” designation, (Part A and B), candidates can opt to complete the entry level of certification (Cert.EM Standard) (Part A) first, and then at some later date complete the remaining requirements (Part B) to attain the advanced designation (Cert.EM Advanced). OR a candidate can move directly to the Cert.EM Advanced process from the outset. (Direct Process). The requirements for the latter – called the Direct route in the table below – are as follows:
- Current, formal certification in basic conflict resolution and family mediation.
- Registered as a member of Family Mediation Canada
- Complete 100 hours of age-related Elder Mediation education and training in the following subject areas:
- Intergenerational dynamics, current and future profiles of seniors in Canada; family life cycle; family dynamics
- recognizing and responding to elder abuse & neglect
- knowledge of legislation relevant to elder mediation, capacity and elder abuse
- identifying and dealing with power dynamics involving and affecting older people with and without capacity
- the nature and impact of bereavement, grief and loss
- the impact of ageism, sexism and cultural diversity
- understanding dementia & age-related diseases and how to assess, manage and accommodate capacity issues
- financial & estate issues for identifying areas of concern
- ethics and ethical issues
- facilitating and writing agreements
- Advance Care Directives – Power of Attorney & Guardianship
- Experience – 5 role plays and/or actual Elder Mediation cases
- Role play recording & self-assessment (guidelines provided)
- Pass 3 hour invigilated exam
| Price Breakdown | Cert.EM Standard | Cert.EM Advanced | Cert.EM Advanced (Direct) |
| Application | $225.00 | $0 (already obtained Standard) | $175.00 |
| Assessment | No role play or exam | $600.00 | $525.00 |
| TOTAL | $225.00 | $600.00 | $700.00 |
Mediators seeking certification are required to hold General Membership with Family Mediation Canada ($140/year)
Candidates on the roster to become a certified Elder Mediator will have opportunities to demonstrate their sensitivities and knowledge, empathic qualities, values, mediation skills and abilities. They will demonstrate their commitment to professional development and self-determination and enhance their learning in the general area of ageing and age-related issues, self-empowerment and self-determination while demonstrating learning in the general area of age-related issues.
Levels of Certification
Cert.EM Standard
Includes all the requirements listed in the Elder Mediation Advanced Certification application form excluding the role play, self-assessment and written exam. For an application for Cert.EM Standard
Cert.EM Advanced
Requires the candidate to submit a video role play, self-assessment and successfully complete the written exam. For an application for Cert.EM Advanced
Cert.EM Advanced (Direct)
Proceed directly to the Cert.EM Advanced certification process.
Comprehensive Family Mediator (Cert.CFM)
FMC asserts the need for the national standard in the field of family mediation and is guided by the Family Mediation Canada Code of Professional Conduct. It is imperative that Family Mediators grow their competency, specializing in issues of family restructuring and that they work toward deepening their sensitivities in this important area. The goal of the FMC Family Mediation program is to promote a consistent standard for family mediators through certification and continuing education. The general public can be assured that FMC certified Family Mediators are both committed and competent to work professionally and ethically in this developing field of practice.
The Certified Comprehensive Family Mediator Standard Mediator includes all the requirements listed in the Comprehensive Family Mediation Advanced Certification application form, excluding the requirement of completing a video role play, self-assessment, and written exam. This certification level is considered an entry level of Comprehensive Family Mediation certification both for those newly entering the field, and those Family Mediators currently offering a Comprehensive Family Mediation service who would benefit from additional education and training specific to Family Comprehensive Mediation. The expectation is that once applicants have experienced the Standard Family Comprehensive Mediator Certification, they will then aspire to continue to move forward to the Cert.CFM Advanced level. The advanced level is that which includes the video role play, self-assessment and written exam. Comprehensive Family Mediators who wish to offer Family Mediation training will be required to hold the Cert.CFM Advanced level of certification.
All currently Certified Comprehensive Family Mediators – those who have already completed a role play, self-assessment and written exam as part of their certification & were previously designated “Cert.CFM” – will move to the advanced level and be entitled to use the “Cert.CFM Advanced” designation.
The Cert.CFM Advanced designation reflects the highest standards in education, training, and experience for Family Mediators in Canada. Our Certification Program embodies a comprehensive training process as well as a rigorous assessment of each Comprehensive Family Mediation candidate. FMC’s Certification Program also requires on-going training.
With the two tracks for achieving the “Cert.CFM Advanced” designation, (Part A and B), candidates can opt to complete the entry level of certification (Cert.CFM Standard) (Part A) first, and then at some later date complete the remaining requirements (Part B) to attain the advanced designation (Cert.CFM Advanced). OR a candidate can move directly to the Cert.CFM Advanced process from the outset. (Direct Process). The requirements for the latter – called the Direct route in the table below – are as follows:
CERTIFIED COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY MEDIATOR STANDARD
At least 80 hours of basic conflict resolution and mediation theory education and skills training, including intercultural training AND at least 150 hours of further related education and training including:
- At least 35 hours of training on the family dynamics of separation and divorce
- At least 14 hours on child law: custody, access, guardianship, support, child protection and abduction law
- At least 21 hours of training including instruction on power imbalances and the dynamics and effects of family abuse on family members
- At least 42 hours training on legal and financial issues relating to separation, divorce and family reorganization
- At least 7 hours of training on ethical issues relating to the mediation process
- At least 7 hours on drafting memoranda of understanding
CERTIFIED COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY MEDIATOR ADVANCED
The second level of certification (Advanced) requires the applicant to pass a written exam and a role play which is then assessed by qualified mediator assessors. This Advanced level allows the applicant to display the knowledge of the skills required of a mediator and obtain feedback for self-assessment and improvement. The rigorous evaluation makes FMC certification credible in the marketplace.
| Price Breakdown | Cert.CFM Standard | Cert.CFM Advanced | Cert.CFM Advanced (Direct) |
| Application | $225.00 | $0 (Already Obtained Standard) | $175.00 |
| Assessment | No Role Play or Exam | $600.00 | $525.00 |
| TOTAL | $225.00 | $600.00 | $700.00 |
Mediators seeking certification are required to hold General Membership with Family Mediation Canada ($140/year)
Candidates on the roster to become a Certified Comprehensive Family Mediator will have opportunities to demonstrate their sensitivities and knowledge, empathic qualities, values, mediation skills and abilities. They will demonstrate their commitment to professional development and self-determination and enhance their learning in the required areas while demonstrating learning in the general area of family restructuring and couple separation related issues.
Levels of Certification
Cert.CFM Standard
Includes all the requirements listed in the Family Mediation Advanced Certification application form excluding the role play, self-assessment and written exam.
Cert.CFM Advanced
Requires the candidate to submit a video role play, self-assessment and successfully complete the written exam.
Cert.CFM Advanced (Direct)
Proceed directly to the Cert.CFM Advanced certification process.
*Child Protection Mediator (Cert.CPM)
Child Protection Mediation (CPM) is a specialized area of family mediation, proven very effective, when families experience and must address matters of family violence, answer questions about the health and safety of their child/ren and develop effective parental and residential plans for the future. Mediators enhance the families’ ability to appropriately communicate and interact with community resources. CPM is one form of mediation focused on situations where children, youth, and care providers are deemed ‘high risk.’
When Provincial Directors of Child Protective Services [CPS] have determined, through an initial investigation, that a child is at risk, or maybe become at risk of harm, a child protection file is opened with just cause. Supplementary circumstances may also exist that would cause a CPS Worker, by way of the Director, to take a child into care or to open a supervision case on a child/ren. In such matters the CPS policy is to immediately advise parents and/or care providers that their child/ren have been taken into care and highlight, in writing, the reasons for such action(s.) Legislatively, it is at this point or at the earliest opportunity, that the CPS worker recommends, in writing, to the parent/care provider the reasons for the action and that they engage legal counsel and/or a mediator to assist with the building of an acceptable residential plan and a communication plan going forward.
The Director and/or the court determines whether litigation, a supervision order, or children must be taken into permanent care should ensue. Matters like this are determined only by the court and accurate data. Should the court or the family decide an opportunity to resolve matters regarding a child can be arrived at by engaging a mediator to assist with a plan of care, services to parents or guardians, placements, services to the child, concerns about legal proceedings, visits, limitations, and so on can be addressed. Child protection social workers are an extension of the Director of CPS and the usual first course of action preferred in the progression and interaction between the Director, the child and the parent. Should the trauma of lawful actions proceed, frequently the cessation of communications prevents the voices of participants from being heard.
While the court has a duty to approve and oversee agreements reached by mediation participants. Progressive family courts prefer to allow families a forum in which they might discuss and explore common ground in the presence of an independent third party leading the discussions. Child protection mediation, in these instances, reduces the numbers of cases going through the courts (through pre-application agreements) and for many, they considerably reduce the amount of court time taken up managing highly volatile and contested issues. Trained child protection mediators use the participants’ own potential to shift quickly from intensely adversarial roles to more collaborative, problem solving roles. Additionally, mediators must have a good working relationship with family resource professionals who support the families’ parenting plans, in the community going forward. Experience and the success of child protection mediation has been built on professional and community safety net supports grounding successful, efficient, and long-lasting resolutions.
Coming Soon.
Coming Soon.
Coming Soon.
FMC is the leading body providing professional training and certifications for practitioners of family mediation in Canada
Long reaching and long lasting benefits.