Month: February 2020

Arkansas 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

ARKANSAS / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

Arkansas 40-Hour Mediation Training. Learn the skills. Understand the standards.

Build practical mediation skills through VirNet's flexible, self-paced 40-hour online curriculum. Explore structured dialogue, impartiality, conflict analysis, negotiation, and durable agreement writing.

Arkansas has a formal certification system for mediators who handle eligible circuit-court referrals. A 40-hour completion certificate can document foundational education, but Arkansas ADR Commission approval of a training course and certification of an individual mediator are separate decisions.

If you intend to seek Arkansas circuit-court certification, contact the Arkansas ADR Commission before enrolling to verify whether it approves this specific course and delivery format, and what additional Arkansas coursework or experience applies.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction

UNDERSTAND THE DISTINCTIONS

What does a 40-hour course mean in Arkansas?

Arkansas distinguishes completing mediation education from qualifying for certification on the Arkansas ADR Commission's circuit-court mediator roster.

01 / EDUCATION

Build mediation fundamentals

Study the mediation process, neutral facilitation, interest-based negotiation, ethics, communication, and practical agreement development.

02 / COURSE APPROVAL

Verify Commission acceptance

Arkansas circuit-court certification rules call for training approved by the Arkansas ADR Commission. Do not assume any 40-hour course, including an online course, is approved.

03 / INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATION

Plan beyond the certificate

Certification can require qualifying education or experience, practical observation or co-mediation, Arkansas-specific training, and compliance with Commission standards.

VirNet issues a course-completion certificate; it is not an Arkansas ADR Commission certification, approval letter, or promise of roster eligibility.

CHOOSE THE TRAINING EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOU

One course. Three levels of support.

Every option includes the same 40-hour foundational curriculum. Select the amount of personal feedback and mentoring that aligns with your learning style and goals.

40-HOUR CERTIFICATE PATHWAY

Self-Directed

Full course access with independent study

$775

Complete the 10-module program on your schedule with lessons, assessments, practical simulations, and downloadable course resources. Individualized instructor grading or coaching is not included.

View course & enroll
FIVE PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS

Private Coaching

Instructor feedback plus five private sessions

$3,275

Everything in Instructor-Guided, plus five one-on-one sessions with Dr. Earwicker to discuss your technique, professional goals, and growth as a mediator.

View course & enroll

Select a training option to review the full course details, current tuition, and enrollment instructions. Any applicable promotion will be displayed on the course enrollment page.

SKILLS WITH REAL-WORLD APPLICATION

What you will learn to do.

Good mediation is both a thoughtful process and a set of skills that improve with practice. The curriculum develops these capabilities together.

01

Listen beyond positions

Identify emotions, interests, assumptions, and information gaps without prematurely choosing sides.

02

Guide a clear process

Practice introductions, issue identification, negotiation, impasse management, and appropriate closure.

03

Respond to challenging dynamics

Work thoughtfully with frustration, power differences, difficult conversations, and cultural context.

04

Develop practical options

Support brainstorming, evaluation of proposals, and careful agreement development.

05

Build professional habits

Explore ethics, neutrality, preparation, boundaries, and pathways for continuing mediator development.

10 PROGRESSIVE MODULES

A comprehensive introduction to the practice of mediation.

The course progresses from foundational ideas to more complex simulations and professional applications. These five learning areas summarize the content across the ten course modules; they are not separate enrollment products.

01

Foundations and the mediator role

The purposes, principles, ethics, and major approaches of mediation.

02

Communication and negotiation

Listening, reframing, empathy, interest-based bargaining, and productive questioning.

03

Difficult situations and power

Impasse, strong emotions, de-escalation, cultural responsiveness, and participant safeguards.

04

Structure, agreements, and practice

Stages of a mediation, option development, drafting, and realistic simulations.

05

Professional pathways

Online dispute resolution, professional boundaries, practice planning, and ongoing development.

Want to inspect the actual lessons? Each course page includes a curriculum view and course details before enrollment.

View the existing course curriculum

ARKANSAS MEDIATION PATHWAYS

Put foundational skills to work in different settings.

Mediation education can support professional practice, workplace dialogue, community programs, and preparation for formal court-connected pathways. Each setting has its own expectations.

01

Civil circuit-court mediation

Arkansas maintains a certified mediator roster for circuit-court referrals. Civil applicants must meet Commission rules, including approved basic training and applicable education and practical-experience standards.

Confirm course approval, out-of-state training requirements, and the current certification application process.

02

Domestic relations and family disputes

Domestic-relations certification has specialized family-mediation training requirements. Basic mediation education alone should not be presented as a complete family-court credential.

Commission standards identify a family-specific training pathway and practical requirements; verify the current rule.

03

Workplace and organizational conflict

Managers, HR professionals, attorneys, educators, and organizational leaders can apply mediation techniques to difficult conversations and facilitated problem-solving.

Internal workplace skills do not automatically confer court-roster status or legal authority to practice another profession.

04

Community, business, and private mediation

Foundational skills can support work with neighborhood, contractual, property, and commercial disputes, subject to competence, party consent, and any program-specific requirements.

Professional judgment, supervised practice, and subject-matter knowledge remain essential.

Official references: Arkansas ADR Commission Certification and conduct rules

ARKANSAS CIRCUIT-COURT STANDARDS

Understand the certification requirements before selecting training.

The Arkansas ADR Commission certifies mediators for eligible circuit-court referrals. Its published rules differentiate civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate categories.

CIVIL DIVISION

Approved basic training and experience

Arkansas civil certification standards call for at least 40 hours of Commission-approved mediation training, plus applicable education, practical experience, ethics, and application requirements. Out-of-state courses can trigger an additional Arkansas-specific course requirement.

Review the current certification rules →
DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Family-specific training is required

Published Commission standards describe either an approved 40-hour family mediation course or an approved 40-hour basic course plus additional family-mediation training. Applicants must also meet other category-specific standards.

Verify family mediator standards →
APPROVAL AND RENEWAL

Ask about approval, roster, and CME

The Commission maintains its roster and regulates certified mediators. Arkansas Judiciary states certified mediators must complete six hours of continuing mediation education annually to renew certification.

Review course approval information →

Important: VirNet is not represented here as an Arkansas ADR Commission-approved training provider. Request written confirmation from the Commission if approval is necessary for your intended certification pathway.

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Let's discuss your training goals.

Whether you are comparing the three course pathways or exploring how the training fits a particular role, we can explain the program and point you toward the questions to ask your local court or credentialing authority.

For a useful response, share your state, intended practice setting, and any specific training requirements you've been given.

General VirNet contact page

Ask about the 40-hour course

Have a question about learning format, guidance options, or state-specific needs? Our training inquiry form is available directly below this section.

For enrollment questions, include your city/state, intended mediation role, and the option you are considering.

Tell us about your goals, questions about the curriculum, or concerns about enrollment. If you are trying to meet a particular training requirement, please share what you have been told by the relevant court or organization.
Save and Resume Later
PRACTICE, REFLECT, IMPROVE

Practice difficult conversations before mediating real ones.

Interactive role-play is a distinctive part of the training. Through realistic, AI-assisted scenarios, you take the mediator's role, practice responding in real time, and reflect on the choices you made.

Scenarios increase in complexity as you advance, including workplace, interpersonal, and multifaceted disputes. They give you opportunities to experiment with questions, reframing, neutrality, and ways of moving a conversation forward.

The technology is a learning tool; it is not a substitute for supervised practice or any state-required live training component.

A PRACTICE-ORIENTED DESIGN

From understanding a technique to trying it.

  1. Study the skills and frameworks.
  2. Apply them in an interactive scenario.
  3. Reflect on what happened and what you would adjust.
  4. Receive additional instructor feedback if your tier includes it.

ARKANSAS LAW AND ETHICAL PRACTICE

Confidentiality, neutrality, and informed participation.

Arkansas Code § 16-7-206 addresses confidentiality of communications and records in dispute resolution proceedings, subject to statutory limitations and court review when other disclosure obligations are implicated.

Arkansas ADR Commission standards separately address mediator conduct, conflicts of interest, disclosure, impartiality, and the process of mediation. The precise obligations may depend on the case and the forum.

Training helps learners recognize these issues; applying the law responsibly requires consulting current statutes, court rules, and professional guidance.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Learn from the mediator who built the course.

Dr. Benjamin J. Earwicker brings together hands-on mediation, civil rights and organizational dispute resolution, and years of teaching negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. All three enrollment paths share his 40-hour curriculum; the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching options add individualized instruction.

Explore Dr. Earwicker's professional background
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Earwicker brings experience in conflict resolution, administrative dispute processes, higher education, and mediation training. He has taught negotiation and alternative dispute resolution at the University of Idaho College of Law and developed the curriculum used in VirNet's online 40-hour course. His professional experience informs a practical approach: establish a trustworthy process, understand the dynamics beneath a dispute, give participants meaningful choices, and help them evaluate workable options. For students who want additional instruction, the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching tiers provide direct access to Dr. Earwicker's individualized feedback.
Teacher courses:
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Instructor-Guided

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
29
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Self-Directed

Complete your 40-hour basic mediation skills training online and on-demand, with in-course support and resources you can utiliz...
70
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Private Coaching

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
9
62 Lectures
40 Hours
REAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Hear from people who completed the training.

Students describe their experiences with the self-paced format, interactive role-play simulations, curriculum progression, and personal feedback. Browse their full comments below to see which aspects of the program mattered most to them.

Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee any particular outcome or professional credential.

ARKANSAS QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Common questions about Arkansas mediation training.

Start with the purpose of your training, then confirm any program-specific eligibility requirements.

Does completing VirNet's 40-hour course make me an Arkansas certified mediator?

No. VirNet provides training and a completion certificate. Arkansas ADR Commission certification for eligible circuit-court cases is a separate process with additional qualifications and Commission decisions.

Is VirNet's online course approved by the Arkansas ADR Commission?

We do not claim Commission approval of this specific course. If your goal requires approved training, contact the Commission before enrolling and ask about this course, its online/on-demand delivery format, and any supplemental Arkansas-specific training.

Is 40 hours enough for Arkansas civil court mediation?

Not by itself. The Commission's civil standards address approved training as well as education, practical experience, ethical requirements, and the certification application process.

Can I use a basic 40-hour course for Arkansas family mediation?

Domestic-relations certification requires specialized family-mediation preparation. Commission rules describe an approved family training route or basic training combined with additional family training, along with other qualifications.

Can mediation skills be useful outside the court roster?

Yes. Foundational skills can be useful in workplace, organizational, community, and private conflict resolution. Competence, ethics, program rules, and any applicable professional licensing restrictions still matter.

What should I ask before registering?

Identify the organization or roster you want to join. Ask whether VirNet's particular curriculum, course hours, online format, certificate, and practical exercises satisfy its rules, and what experience or additional training is needed.

For authoritative certification guidance, consult the Arkansas ADR Commission. This page describes educational options and does not guarantee eligibility or approval.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers before you enroll.

Learn what the program includes, what a completion certificate means, and what additional steps might apply in your jurisdiction.

Is the course entirely online?

Yes. The foundational course is offered online and on demand, with video learning materials, assignments, quizzes, and interactive practice exercises. Confirm any synchronous or in-person requirements imposed by your intended court or certification program.

How do the three enrollment options differ?

All three include the complete curriculum. Self-Directed is independent study. Instructor-Guided includes feedback on two assignments in each of ten modules. Private Coaching adds five individual coaching sessions with Dr. Earwicker.

Do I need a legal degree or prior mediation experience?

No particular professional degree is required to enroll in this foundational course. Certain courts or specialized programs may impose additional qualifications for their own rosters or credentials.

Will I earn a certificate?

A certificate of completion is available after successful completion of the program and its requirements. It documents training completion and is not itself a government license, court appointment, or guarantee of eligibility.

Will this qualify me to mediate for courts in my state?

Possibly, but not automatically. Court-connected programs may require approved training providers, specific instructional formats, subject-matter instruction, screening, mentoring, or separate applications. Verify the exact jurisdiction and roster requirements before enrolling for that purpose.

Can I start a private mediation practice after the course?

The course builds foundational skills and introduces professional pathways, but starting a practice also requires careful attention to ethical duties, local rules, business formation, insurance considerations, and the scope of services offered.

How do the interactive role-play exercises work?

Students work through realistic, AI-assisted practice conversations while taking the mediator role, then reflect on the communication and process choices they made. Guided tiers add personalized review as described in the course.

Can I study on evenings or weekends?

Yes. The online curriculum is self-paced, making it possible to organize study around professional and family schedules. Individual coaching appointments in the Private Coaching option must be arranged.

What if I have questions about my state or enrollment?

Review the relevant court or program requirements and contact VirNet with your state and intended mediation role. We can explain the course format, but final eligibility and recognition decisions belong to the governing authority.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Start building your mediation skills.

One 40-hour curriculum, three ways to learn, and a practical focus on the conversations mediators actually navigate. Choose your preferred level of support and review the course before enrolling.

Arizona 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

ARIZONA / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION EDUCATION

Arizona 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build skills. Explore your pathway.

Develop practical mediation skills through VirNet's flexible, self-paced 40-hour curriculum. Learn neutrality, negotiation, communication, professional ethics, and structured problem-solving across ten progressive modules.

Arizona offers private, community, workplace, and court-connected opportunities, but training and roster expectations differ by program. VirNet provides foundational online education—not automatic approval for any Arizona court or mediator panel.

Before enrolling to satisfy a specific court, volunteer-panel, or employer requirement, ask that organization whether it accepts this course's on-demand format and certificate.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction

CHOOSE TRAINING THAT FITS YOUR GOAL

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in Arizona?

A completion certificate documents education. The requirements for conducting a mediation, joining a volunteer panel, or accepting court referrals are separate questions.

01 / CORE COMPETENCIES

Build useful mediation skills

Learn to listen for interests, structure dialogue, manage impasse, facilitate negotiation, and develop clear agreements. These skills apply across professional contexts.

02 / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Check the program's conditions

The Arizona Attorney General's Conflict Resolution Program lists at least 40 hours of basic training and current mediation-facilitation experience for volunteer panel applicants. Admission is not automatic.

03 / COURT REFERRALS

Verify court-specific eligibility

Court-connected work, especially family mediation, can involve local roster approvals, specialized coursework, experience, and other qualifications beyond basic mediation education.

VirNet awards its own course-completion certificate; it does not represent Arizona state licensure, court certification, or authorization to serve on a particular roster.

ARIZONA MEDIATION PATHWAYS

Different settings. A shared foundation in careful practice.

People study mediation for different reasons. These are possible applications of mediation skills—not a list of jobs or credentials guaranteed by a 40-hour course.

01

Workplace and organizational conflict

HR professionals, managers, employment practitioners, and organizational leaders can use mediation techniques to approach disagreement, employee concerns, and difficult decisions more constructively.

Training is educational; employer procedures, confidentiality duties, and applicable law still govern practice.

02

Community and civil-rights mediation

Community programs and public-sector initiatives may engage volunteers or trained neutrals. Arizona's Attorney General describes a volunteer panel addressing civil-rights and other disputes.

Panel admission may require current experience and program approval in addition to basic training.

03

Private civil and business disputes

Mediation skills support discussions involving contracts, business relationships, property, and other civil matters. Professional competence also depends on relevant subject knowledge and responsible practice development.

A general course does not establish expertise in every dispute category or guarantee referrals.

04

Family and court-connected programs

Family mediation and court programs can involve screening, specialized training, experience, and local approval. Some family-mediator rosters specify training well beyond an introductory general course.

Confirm the currently applicable county, court, or roster requirements before choosing a program.

Official starting points: Arizona Attorney General Conflict Resolution Program Arizona Judicial Branch

CHOOSE THE TRAINING EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOU

One course. Three levels of support.

Every option includes the same 40-hour foundational curriculum. Select the amount of personal feedback and mentoring that aligns with your learning style and goals.

40-HOUR CERTIFICATE PATHWAY

Self-Directed

Full course access with independent study

$775

Complete the 10-module program on your schedule with lessons, assessments, practical simulations, and downloadable course resources. Individualized instructor grading or coaching is not included.

View course & enroll
FIVE PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS

Private Coaching

Instructor feedback plus five private sessions

$3,275

Everything in Instructor-Guided, plus five one-on-one sessions with Dr. Earwicker to discuss your technique, professional goals, and growth as a mediator.

View course & enroll

Select a training option to review the full course details, current tuition, and enrollment instructions. Any applicable promotion will be displayed on the course enrollment page.

THE EXPERIENCE

The flexibility of online learning, with opportunities to actually mediate.

Moving through this course is more than watching videos. Structured instruction, knowledge checks, realistic simulations, and reflection activities help connect mediation concepts to concrete decisions and conversations.

You can work through the self-paced curriculum wherever you have reliable internet access. If you select guided instruction or coaching, the program also incorporates individualized feedback and mentorship as described in your enrollment tier.

Inside the course

  • Video lessons explaining mediation principles and practical techniques
  • Readings, downloadable outlines, and supplemental learning resources
  • Quizzes and exercises to reinforce each topic
  • Interactive, AI-assisted practice conversations
  • Reflection and application assignments
  • A final evaluation and certificate process after completing required coursework
SKILLS WITH REAL-WORLD APPLICATION

What you will learn to do.

Good mediation is both a thoughtful process and a set of skills that improve with practice. The curriculum develops these capabilities together.

01

Listen beyond positions

Identify emotions, interests, assumptions, and information gaps without prematurely choosing sides.

02

Guide a clear process

Practice introductions, issue identification, negotiation, impasse management, and appropriate closure.

03

Respond to challenging dynamics

Work thoughtfully with frustration, power differences, difficult conversations, and cultural context.

04

Develop practical options

Support brainstorming, evaluation of proposals, and careful agreement development.

05

Build professional habits

Explore ethics, neutrality, preparation, boundaries, and pathways for continuing mediator development.

ARIZONA COURT AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Forty hours may be one step—not the entire qualification.

Arizona's mediation opportunities are administered in different settings. A program's specific eligibility rules, acceptance of online instruction, and practical-experience expectations should guide your training decision.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Conflict Resolution Program volunteers

The Arizona Attorney General says applicants to its volunteer panel must have completed at least 40 hours of basic mediation training and have current experience facilitating mediations. The panel's selection and opportunities vary.

Read the program's requirements →
COURT ROSTERS

Local and family mediation referrals

Some Arizona court-connected rosters require approved family-specific training, additional domestic-violence and child-abuse instruction, experience, insurance, or other qualifications. The exact rules depend on the court and roster.

Find your court and verify eligibility →
PRIVATE PRACTICE

Responsible professional development

Private mediation practice calls for skills, relevant knowledge, screening, ethics, and appropriate professional safeguards. A certificate of course completion alone is not proof of competence for every case type.

Review the preparation checklist →

If a specific organization requires live observation, supervised mediation, an approved provider, or a specialty course, do not assume VirNet's on-demand program replaces those requirements.

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Let's discuss your training goals.

Whether you are comparing the three course pathways or exploring how the training fits a particular role, we can explain the program and point you toward the questions to ask your local court or credentialing authority.

For a useful response, share your state, intended practice setting, and any specific training requirements you've been given.

General VirNet contact page

Ask about the 40-hour course

Have a question about learning format, guidance options, or state-specific needs? Our training inquiry form is available directly below this section.

For enrollment questions, include your city/state, intended mediation role, and the option you are considering.

Tell us about your goals, questions about the curriculum, or concerns about enrollment. If you are trying to meet a particular training requirement, please share what you have been told by the relevant court or organization.
Save and Resume Later
PRACTICE, REFLECT, IMPROVE

Practice difficult conversations before mediating real ones.

Interactive role-play is a distinctive part of the training. Through realistic, AI-assisted scenarios, you take the mediator's role, practice responding in real time, and reflect on the choices you made.

Scenarios increase in complexity as you advance, including workplace, interpersonal, and multifaceted disputes. They give you opportunities to experiment with questions, reframing, neutrality, and ways of moving a conversation forward.

The technology is a learning tool; it is not a substitute for supervised practice or any state-required live training component.

A PRACTICE-ORIENTED DESIGN

From understanding a technique to trying it.

  1. Study the skills and frameworks.
  2. Apply them in an interactive scenario.
  3. Reflect on what happened and what you would adjust.
  4. Receive additional instructor feedback if your tier includes it.

ARIZONA MEDIATION LAW AND PRACTICE

A solid foundation includes knowing the rules of your setting.

VirNet's course teaches broadly applicable concepts—neutrality, self-determination, process design, communication, negotiation, confidentiality, and ethical judgment. Arizona mediators must also understand the law and rules governing the particular matters they handle.

A.R.S. § 12-2238 addresses the confidentiality of mediation communications and contains specific exceptions, including circumstances involving disclosure requirements and written settlement agreements. Confidentiality is important, but it is not absolute.

For family and court-connected matters, applicable court rules, safety screening, local procedures, and roster criteria can add further responsibilities. A general certificate does not substitute for specialized legal or procedural preparation.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Learn from the mediator who built the course.

Dr. Benjamin J. Earwicker brings together hands-on mediation, civil rights and organizational dispute resolution, and years of teaching negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. All three enrollment paths share his 40-hour curriculum; the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching options add individualized instruction.

Explore Dr. Earwicker's professional background
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Earwicker brings experience in conflict resolution, administrative dispute processes, higher education, and mediation training. He has taught negotiation and alternative dispute resolution at the University of Idaho College of Law and developed the curriculum used in VirNet's online 40-hour course. His professional experience informs a practical approach: establish a trustworthy process, understand the dynamics beneath a dispute, give participants meaningful choices, and help them evaluate workable options. For students who want additional instruction, the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching tiers provide direct access to Dr. Earwicker's individualized feedback.
Teacher courses:
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Instructor-Guided

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
29
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Self-Directed

Complete your 40-hour basic mediation skills training online and on-demand, with in-course support and resources you can utiliz...
70
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Private Coaching

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
9
62 Lectures
40 Hours
REAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Hear from people who completed the training.

Students describe their experiences with the self-paced format, interactive role-play simulations, curriculum progression, and personal feedback. Browse their full comments below to see which aspects of the program mattered most to them.

Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee any particular outcome or professional credential.

ARIZONA 40-HOUR TRAINING FAQ

Questions about Arizona mediation training.

These answers help you distinguish foundational learning from program-specific qualification.

Does Arizona have one statewide mediator certification that this course grants?

No. VirNet provides a certificate documenting completion of its own 40-hour curriculum, not an Arizona-issued mediator credential or guaranteed acceptance by a court, government program, or private organization. Verify requirements with the program in which you intend to serve.

Will VirNet's 40-hour course qualify me for the Arizona Attorney General's volunteer panel?

The Attorney General's Conflict Resolution Program identifies at least 40 hours of basic mediation training and current mediation-facilitation experience for applicants. Course completion alone does not guarantee eligibility, panel admission, or program acceptance of the delivery format. Contact the program directly before enrolling for that purpose.

Can I use this training to join a family court mediator roster?

Do not assume so. A particular court or roster may require approved family mediation training, additional specialty instruction, professional experience, or other criteria. Ask the relevant Arizona court for its current rules and whether it accepts this course.

Is the course fully online, and does it include mediation practice?

Yes. VirNet's curriculum is on-demand and includes interactive AI-assisted role-play, reflection, and applied exercises. Those activities are educational and should not be represented as court-supervised live mediations or as satisfying any program's observation or experience requirement without its confirmation.

What does Arizona law say about confidentiality in mediation?

A.R.S. § 12-2238 provides mediation confidentiality protections and identifies exceptions. Anyone practicing in Arizona should review the current statute and the rules applicable to the particular case or program rather than assuming all discussions and records are categorically protected.

Which VirNet enrollment option should I choose?

All three options share the same 40-hour foundational curriculum. Self-Directed is independent study; Instructor-Guided includes individualized feedback; and Private Coaching adds five one-on-one sessions. Choose based on the guidance you want, after separately confirming any Arizona program requirement.

Training and eligibility requirements may change. VirNet is an independent education provider and does not claim endorsement by the Arizona courts or Attorney General's Office.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers before you enroll.

Learn what the program includes, what a completion certificate means, and what additional steps might apply in your jurisdiction.

Is the course entirely online?

Yes. The foundational course is offered online and on demand, with video learning materials, assignments, quizzes, and interactive practice exercises. Confirm any synchronous or in-person requirements imposed by your intended court or certification program.

How do the three enrollment options differ?

All three include the complete curriculum. Self-Directed is independent study. Instructor-Guided includes feedback on two assignments in each of ten modules. Private Coaching adds five individual coaching sessions with Dr. Earwicker.

Do I need a legal degree or prior mediation experience?

No particular professional degree is required to enroll in this foundational course. Certain courts or specialized programs may impose additional qualifications for their own rosters or credentials.

Will I earn a certificate?

A certificate of completion is available after successful completion of the program and its requirements. It documents training completion and is not itself a government license, court appointment, or guarantee of eligibility.

Will this qualify me to mediate for courts in my state?

Possibly, but not automatically. Court-connected programs may require approved training providers, specific instructional formats, subject-matter instruction, screening, mentoring, or separate applications. Verify the exact jurisdiction and roster requirements before enrolling for that purpose.

Can I start a private mediation practice after the course?

The course builds foundational skills and introduces professional pathways, but starting a practice also requires careful attention to ethical duties, local rules, business formation, insurance considerations, and the scope of services offered.

How do the interactive role-play exercises work?

Students work through realistic, AI-assisted practice conversations while taking the mediator role, then reflect on the communication and process choices they made. Guided tiers add personalized review as described in the course.

Can I study on evenings or weekends?

Yes. The online curriculum is self-paced, making it possible to organize study around professional and family schedules. Individual coaching appointments in the Private Coaching option must be arranged.

What if I have questions about my state or enrollment?

Review the relevant court or program requirements and contact VirNet with your state and intended mediation role. We can explain the course format, but final eligibility and recognition decisions belong to the governing authority.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Start building your mediation skills.

One 40-hour curriculum, three ways to learn, and a practical focus on the conversations mediators actually navigate. Choose your preferred level of support and review the course before enrolling.

Alaska 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

ALASKA / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

Alaska 40-Hour Mediation Training. Learn the skills. Explore the pathways.

Build practical mediation skills through VirNet's flexible, online 40-hour curriculum. Develop your ability to facilitate difficult conversations, identify interests, manage impasse, and help parties craft workable agreements.

Alaska does not have a single statewide license for private mediators. However, courts, family-related appointments, and professional organizations may have distinct qualifications. A course-completion certificate documents training—not a state-issued mediator credential or an appointment guarantee.

For court-connected or specialized work, verify the applicable qualifications and whether online basic training is accepted before enrolling.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction

UNDERSTAND THE DISTINCTIONS

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in Alaska?

Foundational education can support private mediation and professional development, but specialized roles may require more than basic training.

01 / EDUCATION

Learn the mediation process

Practice impartial facilitation, conflict assessment, active listening, option development, ethical judgment, and clear agreement drafting.

02 / PRIVATE PRACTICE

Build competence and credibility

Alaska does not issue one statewide license for private mediators. Training, supervised experience, subject-matter competence, and professional standards still matter.

03 / SPECIALIZED ROLES

Check additional criteria

Parenting coordinators, court-sponsored programs, and professional associations may evaluate training, professional background, experience, or additional coursework.

VirNet's certificate confirms course completion; it is not an Alaska Court System appointment, professional association membership, or independent state certification.

CHOOSE THE TRAINING EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOU

One course. Three levels of support.

Every option includes the same 40-hour foundational curriculum. Select the amount of personal feedback and mentoring that aligns with your learning style and goals.

40-HOUR CERTIFICATE PATHWAY

Self-Directed

Full course access with independent study

$775

Complete the 10-module program on your schedule with lessons, assessments, practical simulations, and downloadable course resources. Individualized instructor grading or coaching is not included.

View course & enroll
FIVE PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS

Private Coaching

Instructor feedback plus five private sessions

$3,275

Everything in Instructor-Guided, plus five one-on-one sessions with Dr. Earwicker to discuss your technique, professional goals, and growth as a mediator.

View course & enroll

Select a training option to review the full course details, current tuition, and enrollment instructions. Any applicable promotion will be displayed on the course enrollment page.

10 PROGRESSIVE MODULES

A comprehensive introduction to the practice of mediation.

The course progresses from foundational ideas to more complex simulations and professional applications. These five learning areas summarize the content across the ten course modules; they are not separate enrollment products.

01

Foundations and the mediator role

The purposes, principles, ethics, and major approaches of mediation.

02

Communication and negotiation

Listening, reframing, empathy, interest-based bargaining, and productive questioning.

03

Difficult situations and power

Impasse, strong emotions, de-escalation, cultural responsiveness, and participant safeguards.

04

Structure, agreements, and practice

Stages of a mediation, option development, drafting, and realistic simulations.

05

Professional pathways

Online dispute resolution, professional boundaries, practice planning, and ongoing development.

Want to inspect the actual lessons? Each course page includes a curriculum view and course details before enrollment.

View the existing course curriculum

ALASKA MEDIATION PATHWAYS

Apply mediation skills across Alaska's communities and organizations.

Different practice settings call for different preparation. Explore possible directions while checking each program's current expectations.

01

Private civil and business mediation

Foundational mediation skills can support consensual resolution of contractual, property, commercial, and neighborhood disputes, subject to the mediator's competence and the parties' agreement.

A private mediator's training certificate is not a substitute for legal advice, licensing in another profession, or specialized expertise.

02

Family and parenting-plan disputes

The Alaska Court System offers court-sponsored parenting-plan dispute resolution in certain custody and divorce cases, while parties may also retain private mediators.

Family cases demand additional attention to safety, power imbalances, domestic violence screening, and applicable court requirements.

03

Workplace and organizational dialogue

HR professionals, managers, educators, attorneys, and community leaders can use facilitation and negotiation skills to address workplace and organizational conflict.

Training develops skills; it does not itself establish a protected professional title or court-connected appointment.

04

Parenting coordination and advanced practice

Alaska Court System guidance identifies at least 40 hours of mediation training as one component of parenting coordinator preparation, alongside specialized training and relevant professional experience.

Basic training alone does not qualify someone to serve as a parenting coordinator.

Official resources: Parenting coordination guidance Court family mediation overview

ALASKA COURT AND PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

Know which standards apply to your intended role.

Alaska's mediation landscape does not use one statewide certification requirement for every mediator. Specific courts, programs, and associations set their own expectations.

COURT-ORDERED CIVIL MEDIATION

Civil Rule 100 governs the process

Alaska Civil Rule 100 addresses court-ordered mediation, including appointment, participation, procedure, confidentiality, and domestic-violence safeguards. It does not make every 40-hour course a court-approved credential.

Read Alaska Civil Rule 100 →
FAMILY AND PARENTING COORDINATION

Additional qualifications may apply

The Alaska Court System describes parenting coordinator qualifications that include at least 40 hours of mediation training, specialized parenting-coordination instruction, relevant family-related experience, and other competencies.

Review parenting coordinator qualifications →
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

Membership is a separate decision

Professional Mediators of Alaska lists a 40-hour mediation course among its professional membership criteria, along with continuing training, mediation experience, adherence to standards, and liability insurance.

Review current membership criteria →

Neither Alaska court appointment nor Professional Mediators of Alaska membership is guaranteed by completing VirNet's training. Contact the relevant program to verify acceptance of this particular course and format.

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Let's discuss your training goals.

Whether you are comparing the three course pathways or exploring how the training fits a particular role, we can explain the program and point you toward the questions to ask your local court or credentialing authority.

For a useful response, share your state, intended practice setting, and any specific training requirements you've been given.

General VirNet contact page

Ask about the 40-hour course

Have a question about learning format, guidance options, or state-specific needs? Our training inquiry form is available directly below this section.

For enrollment questions, include your city/state, intended mediation role, and the option you are considering.

Tell us about your goals, questions about the curriculum, or concerns about enrollment. If you are trying to meet a particular training requirement, please share what you have been told by the relevant court or organization.
Save and Resume Later
PRACTICE, REFLECT, IMPROVE

Practice difficult conversations before mediating real ones.

Interactive role-play is a distinctive part of the training. Through realistic, AI-assisted scenarios, you take the mediator's role, practice responding in real time, and reflect on the choices you made.

Scenarios increase in complexity as you advance, including workplace, interpersonal, and multifaceted disputes. They give you opportunities to experiment with questions, reframing, neutrality, and ways of moving a conversation forward.

The technology is a learning tool; it is not a substitute for supervised practice or any state-required live training component.

A PRACTICE-ORIENTED DESIGN

From understanding a technique to trying it.

  1. Study the skills and frameworks.
  2. Apply them in an interactive scenario.
  3. Reflect on what happened and what you would adjust.
  4. Receive additional instructor feedback if your tier includes it.

ALASKA LAW AND ETHICAL PRACTICE

Protect confidentiality. Screen for safety. Support informed decisions.

Alaska Civil Rule 100(g) addresses confidentiality in court-ordered civil mediation. It provides for private proceedings and limits mediator testimony, while preserving duties imposed by statute. Do not assume identical protections apply automatically to every private mediation.

In family matters, Alaska law and court rules place particular importance on domestic-violence safeguards. Mediators should assess suitability, safety, voluntariness, and power imbalances before and throughout the process.

Training should also reinforce impartiality, conflicts screening, party self-determination, informed consent, and clear, implementable agreements.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Learn from the mediator who built the course.

Dr. Benjamin J. Earwicker brings together hands-on mediation, civil rights and organizational dispute resolution, and years of teaching negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. All three enrollment paths share his 40-hour curriculum; the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching options add individualized instruction.

Explore Dr. Earwicker's professional background
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Earwicker brings experience in conflict resolution, administrative dispute processes, higher education, and mediation training. He has taught negotiation and alternative dispute resolution at the University of Idaho College of Law and developed the curriculum used in VirNet's online 40-hour course. His professional experience informs a practical approach: establish a trustworthy process, understand the dynamics beneath a dispute, give participants meaningful choices, and help them evaluate workable options. For students who want additional instruction, the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching tiers provide direct access to Dr. Earwicker's individualized feedback.
Teacher courses:
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Instructor-Guided

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
29
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Self-Directed

Complete your 40-hour basic mediation skills training online and on-demand, with in-course support and resources you can utiliz...
70
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Private Coaching

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
9
62 Lectures
40 Hours
REAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Hear from people who completed the training.

Students describe their experiences with the self-paced format, interactive role-play simulations, curriculum progression, and personal feedback. Browse their full comments below to see which aspects of the program mattered most to them.

Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee any particular outcome or professional credential.

ALASKA MEDIATION TRAINING FAQ

Questions about training and practice in Alaska.

Understand what foundational training provides—and what to confirm before pursuing specialized roles.

Does Alaska require a statewide mediator license?

Alaska does not have a single statewide license for private mediators. Courts, programs, employers, and professional associations may still impose training, experience, insurance, or other requirements for specific work.

Will this course certify me as an Alaska mediator?

No. VirNet provides a certificate of course completion, not a state-issued mediator license, a court appointment, or professional association membership.

Can I use the 40 hours toward parenting coordinator qualifications?

The Alaska Court System lists at least 40 hours of mediation training among several parenting coordinator qualifications. Other training, experience, and professional background requirements apply. Confirm that the relevant decision-maker accepts VirNet's particular course and delivery format before enrolling for that purpose.

Does Alaska offer court-sponsored family mediation?

Yes. The Alaska Court System describes parenting-plan dispute resolution in certain custody and divorce matters. Court-sponsored services and private mediation have different procedures and participation requirements.

Are mediation conversations confidential in Alaska?

Alaska Civil Rule 100 provides protections for court-ordered civil mediation, subject to its terms and statutory duties. Confidentiality in private or other program settings depends on the applicable law, rules, and agreements. Ask about the scope and limits before mediation begins.

Does the course qualify me for Professional Mediators of Alaska membership?

The association identifies a 40-hour mediation course as one component of professional membership, but it also lists additional experience, training, ethical commitments, and insurance requirements. The association decides membership eligibility; completion of this course does not guarantee acceptance.

Can I complete the training online while living anywhere in Alaska?

VirNet's online format is designed for remote access, including communities beyond Alaska's major population centers. Confirm your technology access and review any in-person or live-session requirements imposed by the program you hope to join.

This information is educational, not legal advice or an eligibility determination. Court rules and professional program requirements can change; verify current standards with the relevant organization.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers before you enroll.

Learn what the program includes, what a completion certificate means, and what additional steps might apply in your jurisdiction.

Is the course entirely online?

Yes. The foundational course is offered online and on demand, with video learning materials, assignments, quizzes, and interactive practice exercises. Confirm any synchronous or in-person requirements imposed by your intended court or certification program.

How do the three enrollment options differ?

All three include the complete curriculum. Self-Directed is independent study. Instructor-Guided includes feedback on two assignments in each of ten modules. Private Coaching adds five individual coaching sessions with Dr. Earwicker.

Do I need a legal degree or prior mediation experience?

No particular professional degree is required to enroll in this foundational course. Certain courts or specialized programs may impose additional qualifications for their own rosters or credentials.

Will I earn a certificate?

A certificate of completion is available after successful completion of the program and its requirements. It documents training completion and is not itself a government license, court appointment, or guarantee of eligibility.

Will this qualify me to mediate for courts in my state?

Possibly, but not automatically. Court-connected programs may require approved training providers, specific instructional formats, subject-matter instruction, screening, mentoring, or separate applications. Verify the exact jurisdiction and roster requirements before enrolling for that purpose.

Can I start a private mediation practice after the course?

The course builds foundational skills and introduces professional pathways, but starting a practice also requires careful attention to ethical duties, local rules, business formation, insurance considerations, and the scope of services offered.

How do the interactive role-play exercises work?

Students work through realistic, AI-assisted practice conversations while taking the mediator role, then reflect on the communication and process choices they made. Guided tiers add personalized review as described in the course.

Can I study on evenings or weekends?

Yes. The online curriculum is self-paced, making it possible to organize study around professional and family schedules. Individual coaching appointments in the Private Coaching option must be arranged.

What if I have questions about my state or enrollment?

Review the relevant court or program requirements and contact VirNet with your state and intended mediation role. We can explain the course format, but final eligibility and recognition decisions belong to the governing authority.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Start building your mediation skills.

One 40-hour curriculum, three ways to learn, and a practical focus on the conversations mediators actually navigate. Choose your preferred level of support and review the course before enrolling.

Alabama 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

ALABAMA / ONLINE 40-HOUR MEDIATION EDUCATION

Alabama 40-Hour Mediation Training. Develop your skills. Know your pathway.

Explore principled negotiation, mediator neutrality, active listening, ethical practice, and realistic conflict-resolution simulations in VirNet's flexible, self-paced 40-hour program.

Important for Alabama: The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution distinguishes an approved 20-hour general/civil training program from an approved 40-hour domestic-relations training program for its court roster. Hours alone do not establish provider approval or roster eligibility.

VirNet's online course awards a course-completion certificate, not registration on Alabama's State Court Mediator Roster. Confirm any required program approval, live attendance, and eligibility directly with the Center before enrolling for a court-roster goal.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction
START WITH THE ROLE YOU WANT

Foundational mediation education and Alabama court registration are different goals.

Alabama welcomes mediation across private, workplace, community, and court-connected settings. Your training decision should begin with the type of disputes you want to mediate and whether an Alabama court or program must approve your qualifications.

01 / PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Strengthen communication and negotiation

Educators, attorneys, managers, HR professionals, counselors, community leaders, and aspiring mediators can develop skills through structured practice. VirNet's on-demand format is designed for this learning goal.

02 / ALABAMA COURT ROSTER

Verify provider approval and credentials

The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution administers the State Court Mediator Roster. Its general/civil and domestic-relations registration standards impose different approved-training and experience requirements. VirNet does not claim its asynchronous course meets these roster-approved training requirements.

03 / PRIVATE MEDIATION

Prepare for responsible practice

Voluntary, privately arranged mediation is different from a court appointment. Training can provide a foundation, but ethical practice still requires assessing competence, conflicts, confidentiality, safeguarding, and suitable professional experience.

A VirNet certificate confirms completion of its curriculum. It is not an Alabama professional license, a state-issued mediation certification, roster approval, or a judicial appointment.

CHOOSE THE TRAINING EXPERIENCE THAT FITS YOU

One course. Three levels of support.

Every option includes the same 40-hour foundational curriculum. Select the amount of personal feedback and mentoring that aligns with your learning style and goals.

40-HOUR CERTIFICATE PATHWAY

Self-Directed

Full course access with independent study

$775

Complete the 10-module program on your schedule with lessons, assessments, practical simulations, and downloadable course resources. Individualized instructor grading or coaching is not included.

View course & enroll
FIVE PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS

Private Coaching

Instructor feedback plus five private sessions

$3,275

Everything in Instructor-Guided, plus five one-on-one sessions with Dr. Earwicker to discuss your technique, professional goals, and growth as a mediator.

View course & enroll

Select a training option to review the full course details, current tuition, and enrollment instructions. Any applicable promotion will be displayed on the course enrollment page.

THE EXPERIENCE

The flexibility of online learning, with opportunities to actually mediate.

Moving through this course is more than watching videos. Structured instruction, knowledge checks, realistic simulations, and reflection activities help connect mediation concepts to concrete decisions and conversations.

You can work through the self-paced curriculum wherever you have reliable internet access. If you select guided instruction or coaching, the program also incorporates individualized feedback and mentorship as described in your enrollment tier.

Inside the course

  • Video lessons explaining mediation principles and practical techniques
  • Readings, downloadable outlines, and supplemental learning resources
  • Quizzes and exercises to reinforce each topic
  • Interactive, AI-assisted practice conversations
  • Reflection and application assignments
  • A final evaluation and certificate process after completing required coursework
SKILLS WITH REAL-WORLD APPLICATION

What you will learn to do.

Good mediation is both a thoughtful process and a set of skills that improve with practice. The curriculum develops these capabilities together.

01

Listen beyond positions

Identify emotions, interests, assumptions, and information gaps without prematurely choosing sides.

02

Guide a clear process

Practice introductions, issue identification, negotiation, impasse management, and appropriate closure.

03

Respond to challenging dynamics

Work thoughtfully with frustration, power differences, difficult conversations, and cultural context.

04

Develop practical options

Support brainstorming, evaluation of proposals, and careful agreement development.

05

Build professional habits

Explore ethics, neutrality, preparation, boundaries, and pathways for continuing mediator development.

10 PROGRESSIVE MODULES

A comprehensive introduction to the practice of mediation.

The course progresses from foundational ideas to more complex simulations and professional applications. These five learning areas summarize the content across the ten course modules; they are not separate enrollment products.

01

Foundations and the mediator role

The purposes, principles, ethics, and major approaches of mediation.

02

Communication and negotiation

Listening, reframing, empathy, interest-based bargaining, and productive questioning.

03

Difficult situations and power

Impasse, strong emotions, de-escalation, cultural responsiveness, and participant safeguards.

04

Structure, agreements, and practice

Stages of a mediation, option development, drafting, and realistic simulations.

05

Professional pathways

Online dispute resolution, professional boundaries, practice planning, and ongoing development.

Want to inspect the actual lessons? Each course page includes a curriculum view and course details before enrollment.

View the existing course curriculum
ALABAMA COURT RULES AND MEDIATION PRACTICE

Four settings. Different expectations for your training.

Alabama does not use one blanket 40-hour course requirement for every type of mediation. The distinction between approved court-roster training, domestic-relations specialization, and independent professional education matters.

01

General civil court mediation

Under the Center's April 2026 mediator-registration standards, the general roster training component calls for an approved 20-hour mediation training program within the preceding two years, including mock mediation exercises and ethics education. Two hours of Alabama mediator ethics must be included or separately completed.

The training requirement is only one part of roster eligibility; applicants also need to satisfy qualifying professional-experience or other pathways, good character, and other conditions. The Center makes registration decisions.

02

Domestic relations and family mediation

For the domestic-relations roster, the Center specifies an approved 40-hour course focused on domestic-relations issues, completed within the preceding two years, with the required Alabama ethics component. The standards reference ACR certification or a program the Center finds equivalent or superior.

A broad, 40-hour foundational course is not automatically the specialized, approved domestic-relations training contemplated by these standards. Family dispute work may also require specialized safety and violence screening competencies.

03

Court appointment and other court programs

Alabama Civil Court Mediation Rule 4 generally provides that a court-appointed mediator must be registered with the Center, unless the court finds good cause otherwise. Other specific programs may impose additional selection, training, or practice requirements.

A judge's exceptional good-cause authority is not an alternative training credential. Verify requirements with the relevant court or program before advertising yourself as eligible for court appointments.

04

Private and organizational conflict resolution

Parties may voluntarily arrange private mediation, and professionals may use mediation skills in workplaces, business negotiations, education, and community settings. The court-appointment rule is not a universal licensing statute for every private dispute-resolution conversation.

Students who want a private practice should consider training depth, experience, safety and ethical standards, insurance, and any particular requirements imposed by clients or referring organizations.

BEFORE YOU ENROLL FOR COURT-RELATED WORK

Approval, course format, and professional qualifications all matter.

The word approved is essential in Alabama's roster standards. A course can teach valuable mediation skills without being approved by the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution for a particular roster category.

STEP 01 / CONFIRM APPROVED TRAINING

Ask the Center about this exact program

Ask whether the Center has approved the specific course, its curriculum, trainer, role-play experience, and online asynchronous delivery format for general or domestic-relations roster purposes. Do not infer approval from its 40-hour duration.

Read the Center's registration standards
STEP 02 / CHECK DELIVERY FORMAT

Do not assume on-demand study is accepted

Published guidance from an Alabama training provider describes live, in-person delivery for roster-approved courses. Because the Center controls approval and policies can change, get written confirmation directly from it rather than relying on another provider's description.

Review published Alabama trainer guidance
STEP 03 / REVIEW THE FULL APPLICATION

Plan for experience, ethics, and registration

Besides approved training, the April 2026 standards provide alternative professional-experience pathways, good-character review, ethics obligations, and registration procedures. Some applicants must document mediation experience. A qualifying training certificate is not itself registration.

See the current roster application

VirNet has not represented the Self-Directed, Instructor-Guided, or Private Coaching tiers as Center-approved courses. Additional instructor feedback or individualized coaching does not, by itself, change the official approval status of the underlying online program.

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Let's discuss your training goals.

Whether you are comparing the three course pathways or exploring how the training fits a particular role, we can explain the program and point you toward the questions to ask your local court or credentialing authority.

For a useful response, share your state, intended practice setting, and any specific training requirements you've been given.

General VirNet contact page

Ask about the 40-hour course

Have a question about learning format, guidance options, or state-specific needs? Our training inquiry form is available directly below this section.

For enrollment questions, include your city/state, intended mediation role, and the option you are considering.

Tell us about your goals, questions about the curriculum, or concerns about enrollment. If you are trying to meet a particular training requirement, please share what you have been told by the relevant court or organization.
Save and Resume Later
PRACTICE, REFLECT, IMPROVE

Practice difficult conversations before mediating real ones.

Interactive role-play is a distinctive part of the training. Through realistic, AI-assisted scenarios, you take the mediator's role, practice responding in real time, and reflect on the choices you made.

Scenarios increase in complexity as you advance, including workplace, interpersonal, and multifaceted disputes. They give you opportunities to experiment with questions, reframing, neutrality, and ways of moving a conversation forward.

The technology is a learning tool; it is not a substitute for supervised practice or any state-required live training component.

A PRACTICE-ORIENTED DESIGN

From understanding a technique to trying it.

  1. Study the skills and frameworks.
  2. Apply them in an interactive scenario.
  3. Reflect on what happened and what you would adjust.
  4. Receive additional instructor feedback if your tier includes it.
ETHICS, PRIVACY, AND PARTICIPANT SAFETY

Strong mediation skills require sound ethical judgment.

VirNet's curriculum introduces neutrality, informed choice, process design, listening, conflict dynamics, confidentiality, and participant-directed agreements. Alabama mediators also need to understand the state's own Code of Ethics for Mediators and any court or program rules that apply to their assignments.

Alabama Civil Court Mediation Rules address privacy, confidentiality, the mediator's authority, and termination of mediation. Those rules have limits and are not interchangeable with the Uniform Mediation Act framework used in some other states. Mediators should avoid promising absolute confidentiality or legal outcomes.

Alabama Code Section 6-6-20 contains important domestic-violence safeguards. It restricts court-ordered mediation in specified protective-order and custody/visitation circumstances, calls for screening in court-referred mediation, and provides conditions for mediation where domestic or family violence is identified. General introductory training should not be represented as sufficient specialist preparation for those sensitive settings.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Learn from the mediator who built the course.

Dr. Benjamin J. Earwicker brings together hands-on mediation, civil rights and organizational dispute resolution, and years of teaching negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. All three enrollment paths share his 40-hour curriculum; the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching options add individualized instruction.

Explore Dr. Earwicker's professional background
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Earwicker brings experience in conflict resolution, administrative dispute processes, higher education, and mediation training. He has taught negotiation and alternative dispute resolution at the University of Idaho College of Law and developed the curriculum used in VirNet's online 40-hour course. His professional experience informs a practical approach: establish a trustworthy process, understand the dynamics beneath a dispute, give participants meaningful choices, and help them evaluate workable options. For students who want additional instruction, the Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching tiers provide direct access to Dr. Earwicker's individualized feedback.
Teacher courses:
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Instructor-Guided

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
29
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Self-Directed

Complete your 40-hour basic mediation skills training online and on-demand, with in-course support and resources you can utiliz...
70
62 Lectures
40 Hours
Dr. Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D.

40-Hour Basic Mediation Certification - Private Coaching

Achieve your 40-hour basic mediation skills training with instructor review and feedback from Dr. Earwicker twice in each of th...
9
62 Lectures
40 Hours
REAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Hear from people who completed the training.

Students describe their experiences with the self-paced format, interactive role-play simulations, curriculum progression, and personal feedback. Browse their full comments below to see which aspects of the program mattered most to them.

Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee any particular outcome or professional credential.

IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU ENROLL

A 40-hour training certificate is a foundation, not automatic state certification.

After successfully completing the program's requirements, students may obtain a certificate documenting completion of the 40-hour basic mediation training. What that certificate qualifies you to do depends on the court, program, employer, or jurisdiction.

Some court-connected programs require specific approved providers, live or synchronous instruction, observed exercises, subject-specific training, mentoring, supervised cases, or additional credentials. Private mediation practice and eligibility for a court roster may have different requirements.

Before enrolling for a particular credential, compare the course format with the current requirements of the relevant state, court, or roster administrator. Written confirmation from that authority is preferable when requirements are unclear.

ALABAMA TRAINING AND ROSTER QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about mediation training in Alabama.

These answers distinguish VirNet's foundational training certificate from Alabama's State Court Mediator Roster requirements. Ask the Alabama Center directly to confirm eligibility.

Does Alabama require a 40-hour course to become a mediator?

Not for every setting. The Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution's April 2026 State Court Mediator Roster standards distinguish approved 20-hour general/civil training from approved 40-hour domestic-relations training. Voluntary private mediation and court appointments are also different contexts. Forty hours alone does not establish roster eligibility.

Can VirNet's 40-hour online course put me on Alabama's State Court Mediator Roster?

No automatic eligibility is promised. VirNet's course is self-paced foundational training and is not represented as approved by the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution for the general or domestic-relations roster. The Center, not a course provider, determines whether applicant qualifications and training satisfy its standards.

What does Alabama require for general civil mediation roster training?

The Center's published April 2026 standards call for a 20-hour mediation training program approved by the Center within the preceding two years. Training must include mock exercises and ethics, including two hours of Alabama mediator ethics either within the approved course or separately. Separate education, professional experience, good character, and other requirements also apply.

What is different about domestic-relations mediator registration?

The domestic-relations roster calls for a specialized, approved 40-hour course concerning domestic relations issues within the preceding two years, with two hours of Alabama ethics in the course or separately. The Center also sets distinct professional background criteria. A general 40-hour course is not necessarily equivalent.

Does Alabama accept asynchronous online training for court-roster approval?

Do not assume it does. Published Alabama provider guidance describes live, in-person instruction for roster-approved training. The Center controls approval and may revise its policies. Ask the Center directly about the specific program and fully asynchronous delivery format, preferably in writing, before enrolling for that purpose.

Is being on the Alabama mediator roster the same as course certification?

No. A private provider can issue a completion certificate, but the Alabama State Court Mediator Roster is maintained by the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution. The Center evaluates training, qualifications, ethics, and registration documentation; a certificate alone is not a roster listing or judicial appointment.

Must an Alabama court appoint only a registered mediator?

Under Alabama Civil Court Mediation Rule 4, a court-appointed mediator generally must be registered with the Center unless the court finds good cause otherwise. Private mediation voluntarily arranged by parties is a different matter. A possible judicial exception should not be presented as a promise that unapproved training qualifies an applicant.

Can non-attorneys seek Alabama mediator registration?

The Center's standards include qualifying pathways for certain non-attorneys based on education, management or administrative experience, and documented mediation experience, alongside requirements for training, ethics, and good character. Applicants should review the current roster standards for their circumstances.

Does this course satisfy Alabama's domestic-violence mediator requirements?

VirNet does not claim that it does. Alabama Section 6-6-20 contains specific domestic or family violence screening and safety protections in court-referred mediation, and specialized training may be required. Do not rely on a general 40-hour certificate as evidence of specialized domestic-violence qualification.

Is mediation confidential in Alabama?

Alabama Civil Court Mediation Rules address mediation privacy and confidentiality, subject to their scope, exceptions, and any other governing law. A mediator should not promise that all records, conduct, or communications are categorically protected. The Alabama Code of Ethics also addresses professional responsibilities.

Can I take this course for business, HR, education, or community work?

Yes. VirNet's course is intended to build general conflict-resolution skills, including listening, neutrality, interest-based negotiation, reframing, process design, and simulated mediations. A student or employer should separately evaluate whether any particular role or organization requires approved training or additional experience.

How do the three VirNet enrollment options differ?

All three provide access to the online 40-hour curriculum. Self-Directed emphasizes independent progress; Instructor-Guided includes structured personalized feedback; Private Coaching adds five individual sessions. None of the tiers is represented as Alabama roster-approved solely because it includes more instructor involvement.

Important: This page provides general educational information, not legal advice or a representation by the Alabama Center. Its published standards were revised in April 2026 and may change. Obtain current written confirmation about course approval and roster eligibility before purchasing training for an official credential.
YOUR NEXT STEP

Start building your mediation skills.

One 40-hour curriculum, three ways to learn, and a practical focus on the conversations mediators actually navigate. Choose your preferred level of support and review the course before enrolling.

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