Month: February 2020

Professional Development Mediation Training Online

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT / ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

Build stronger conflict-resolution skills. Put them to work.

Learn the foundations of mediation through VirNet's flexible, 40-hour online course. Develop practical skills in communication, negotiation, neutrality, and facilitated problem-solving—on your schedule.

Designed for working professionals, aspiring mediators, and people who regularly navigate difficult conversations.

A certificate of completion documents VirNet coursework. Court-roster eligibility, licensing, and third-party recognition depend on the applicable jurisdiction or organization.

A PRACTICAL SKILL SET

For professionals who work with people, decisions, and conflict.

Mediation skills extend beyond formal dispute resolution. This training provides a structured approach to listening, facilitating difficult conversations, and helping people consider workable options.

01 / LAW & ADR

Attorneys and aspiring mediators

Build familiarity with mediation structure, professional boundaries, negotiation, and the transition from advocacy to facilitation.

02 / ORGANIZATIONS

HR, managers, and workplace leaders

Practice responding to interpersonal tensions, reframing disagreements, and guiding conversations without taking over decisions.

03 / HELPING PROFESSIONS

Educators, counselors, and community professionals

Strengthen listening, neutrality, communication, and collaborative problem-solving across challenging human situations.

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.

LEARN / PRACTICE / REFLECT

More than lectures. A chance to practice the work.

VirNet combines concise instruction with practical application. Across ten modules, learners build their skills through video lessons, outlines, quizzes, reflections, and AI-assisted role-play scenarios.

THE FOUNDATIONS

Learn the mediation process

Explore mediator ethics and neutrality, listening and reframing, interest-based negotiation, challenging dynamics, and agreements.

APPLIED PRACTICE

Work through realistic scenarios

Take the mediator role in increasingly complex simulated disputes, then reflect on your questions, interventions, and choices.

FLEXIBLE FORMAT

Study on your schedule

Access the on-demand course without attending a fixed weekly class. Progress through the required activities at a pace that works for you.

CHOOSE YOUR SUPPORT

Decide how much feedback you want

Self-Directed learners work independently; Instructor-Guided and Private Coaching add individualized feedback, with coaching sessions in the highest tier.

What the certificate means: Completing VirNet's course earns a course-completion certificate, not automatic state mediator certification, court roster placement, continuing education credit, or authorization to practice in a regulated setting. Confirm outside requirements before enrolling.
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
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

COMMON QUESTIONS

A few things to know before you enroll.

Is the course fully online and self-paced?

Yes. The foundational course is available online and on demand. You can complete lessons and practice exercises on your schedule, subject to the course's completion requirements.

Do I need a law degree or mediation experience?

No. The curriculum is designed to introduce mediation principles to people from many professional backgrounds, including law, HR, education, counseling, business, and community work.

Will I receive personal instructor feedback?

That depends on your enrollment tier. Self-Directed does not include individualized instructor grading or coaching. Instructor-Guided includes feedback on two assignments in each module; Private Coaching adds five one-on-one sessions.

Does the certificate qualify me for court mediation or state certification?

Not automatically. Court programs, employers, professional associations, and state credentialing bodies set their own requirements. Some require approved live instruction, observations, supervised mediations, experience, or other credentials. Verify those standards with the relevant organization before purchasing.

Where can I review the full curriculum and student feedback?

The main 40-hour training page includes a fuller curriculum overview, course options, instructor information, and extensive student testimonials.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Put mediation skills into your professional toolkit.

Compare the three training options, explore the full curriculum, or ask us how the program fits your goals.

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.

New Jersey 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

NEW JERSEY / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION EDUCATION

New Jersey 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build skills. Understand your pathway.

Develop foundational mediation skills with VirNet's flexible, on-demand 40-hour program. Learn a structured process for difficult conversations, negotiation, neutrality, ethics, and practical conflict resolution through ten progressive modules.

New Jersey maintains different training and qualification requirements for court-connected civil, family, and volunteer mediation. VirNet's self-paced program offers foundational education; it is not represented as an approved New Jersey Judiciary roster-training course.

If court roster service is your goal, confirm acceptance of the particular program and delivery format with the New Jersey Judiciary before enrolling.

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

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in New Jersey?

The number of training hours is only one part of the answer. The intended role, course approval, supervised experience, and other qualifications can matter as much as the length of the curriculum.

01 / FOUNDATIONAL EDUCATION

Build mediation and conflict skills

Professionals working in law, business, education, human resources, community settings, and private consulting can benefit from structured instruction in negotiation, listening, reframing, neutrality, and problem-solving.

02 / JUDICIARY ROSTERS

Verify program approval and qualifications

Court roster applications involve program-specific approved training and additional criteria. VirNet does not promise that its self-paced certificate will satisfy New Jersey court roster admission.

03 / PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

Plan beyond a completion certificate

Private mediation practice calls for competent preparation, ethical safeguards, appropriate experience, and state-specific legal knowledge. Some mediation services may also require professional licensure, institutional approval, or specialization.

A VirNet course-completion certificate documents work completed in VirNet's curriculum. It is not a New Jersey Judiciary roster approval, a guarantee of court appointment, or a state-issued professional license.

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
NEW JERSEY COURT RULE 1:40

Four settings. Different entry requirements.

New Jersey's Complementary Dispute Resolution rules distinguish who can serve in particular court-connected mediation programs. These requirements are separate from the educational value of a general introductory mediation course.

01

Civil, General Equity, and Probate roster

The Judiciary's civil roster application calls for a 40-hour approved mediation course, at least a bachelor's degree, five years of relevant professional experience, and documented recent mediation experience, subject to applicable exceptions. It also requires five hours of approved mentoring in at least two cases.

Students trained outside New Jersey or whose qualifying training is older than five years may need the separate six-hour supplemental civil mediation course. The underlying basic training still must be acceptable for roster purposes.

02

Family economic mediation roster

The family economic roster application specifies 40 hours of approved divorce mediation training, plus significant professional qualifications. Attorneys generally must meet New Jersey bar, experience, and matrimonial-practice criteria; qualified nonattorneys have separate advanced-degree and experience routes.

Family roster mentoring generally involves at least two cases and five hours with an approved mentor following conditional approval. Specialized domestic-violence economic mediation requires additional authorized training.

03

Special Civil Part and municipal volunteers

New Jersey court rules describe an 18-hour basic mediation skills pathway for certain volunteer mediators in the Special Civil Part and municipal courts. This is not the same as admission to the Civil, General Equity, and Probate roster.

Confirm current program availability, the authorized training provider, and any additional local onboarding requirements before choosing a course.

04

Custody, parenting-time, and other private mediation

Custody and parenting-time mediation in the Judiciary has distinct behavioral-science, training, and supervised-clinical-experience standards, with additional provisions governing authorized court staff. Meanwhile, parties may sometimes select a private mediator who is not on the civil roster; that does not make the person a Judiciary-approved roster mediator.

A general 40-hour course is not a substitute for specialized family, court staff, or custody/parenting-time qualifications.

COURT APPROVAL IS NOT DETERMINED BY HOURS ALONE

A 40-hour certificate and roster eligibility are different things.

For Judiciary roster work, prospective mediators must assess the approval of the exact training program, the format and practice components required by Rule 1:40-12, and their own professional and mentoring qualifications.

STEP 01 / APPROVED TRAINING

Check the exact program

New Jersey specifies approved civil and family training pathways. A course labeled '40-hour mediation training' does not automatically meet Rule 1:40-12. Confirm whether the particular course, delivery format, observation, role-play, and subject matter satisfy the roster you intend to join.

Review civil roster criteria
STEP 02 / EXPERIENCE AND MENTORING

Meet the separate credentials

Approved training alone does not complete an application. Civil applicants normally need qualifying experience and at least two mentored matters totaling five hours. Family economic applicants face specialized professional and mentoring standards; court approval is not guaranteed.

Review family economic roster criteria
STEP 03 / SUPPLEMENTAL AND ONGOING EDUCATION

Understand additional hours

Certain civil applicants trained out of state or more than five years earlier must complete a six-hour New Jersey supplemental civil course. Approved roster mediators generally also have a four-hour annual continuing mediator education obligation.

Review Judiciary Civil CDR Resource Book

VirNet's on-demand format, including interactive AI-assisted exercises, is not represented as satisfying the live supervision, course approval, observation, or mentoring provisions applicable to New Jersey rosters. Obtain an individualized determination from the Judiciary before relying on the course for those purposes.

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.
NEW JERSEY MEDIATION LAW AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Foundational skills matter. Local court rules matter too.

VirNet's national curriculum emphasizes neutrality, self-determination, structured problem-solving, ethics, listening, negotiation and simulated practice. In New Jersey, anyone seeking to work in a Judiciary program must also learn the procedural rules and professional obligations specific to that setting.

New Jersey's Uniform Mediation Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:23C-1 et seq., establishes privileges and rules governing mediation communications, with exceptions. Court Rule 1:40-4 also addresses mediation procedure and confidentiality. Those rules should be studied together with Judiciary program requirements and applicable mediator standards.

Family economic mediation can involve particularly sensitive disclosures and safety considerations. Additional domestic-violence-related qualifications may be necessary for designated cases. Court staff custody and parenting-time mediation operates under its own training framework, which was revised in 2025.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / NEW JERSEY

Questions about training, court rosters and New Jersey mediation.

These answers explain how VirNet's self-paced foundational course differs from New Jersey's Judiciary-approved training and mediator-qualification pathways.

Is VirNet approved by the New Jersey Judiciary as a mediation roster-training provider?

VirNet offers a 40-hour, self-paced foundational mediation education program. We do not represent this course as a New Jersey Judiciary-approved civil, family, or volunteer mediator roster-training program. Confirm program approval directly with the Judiciary before using a course for an application.

Will completing VirNet's 40-hour course place me on a New Jersey court mediator roster?

No. A course-completion certificate alone does not confer court approval. Different rosters have their own approved-training, education, experience, mentoring, application, and continuing-education criteria.

What does New Jersey require for the Civil, General Equity, and Probate mediator roster?

The Judiciary's published civil roster criteria generally call for an approved 40-hour mediation course, relevant educational and professional experience, evidence of recent qualifying mediation, and mentoring in at least two cases totaling five hours. Verify the current requirements and available exceptions directly with the Judiciary.

Does New Jersey accept 40-hour mediation training completed out of state?

Its published civil roster materials describe a six-hour supplemental civil mediation requirement for applicants whose basic training was completed out of state or more than five years before roster application. This does not mean every out-of-state course is accepted as approved basic training; check approval of the original course separately.

What about family economic mediation?

New Jersey has a separate family economic roster process. Its published application calls for 40 hours of approved divorce mediation training, specialized professional qualifications, and at least five hours of mentoring in two family matters after conditional approval. Do not assume general civil or asynchronous training meets those conditions.

Is family custody and parenting-time mediation governed by the same rules?

No. Court-connected custody and parenting-time mediation involves separate qualifications concerning mediation training, behavioral or social sciences, and supervised experience. New Jersey also updated qualifications for designated court staff and judicial law clerks in 2025. Seek guidance on the specific role.

Do Special Civil Part or municipal volunteers need 40 hours?

Rule 1:40-12 includes an 18-hour basic training requirement for certain Special Civil Part and municipal volunteer mediators. The availability of assignments and authorized training providers must be checked with the relevant Judiciary program; this pathway is distinct from the civil roster.

Does New Jersey require continued education after approval?

Published civil and family economic roster materials generally require at least four hours of annual continuing mediation education. Specific reporting and subject-matter rules depend on the applicable Judiciary program.

Can I study mediation online for professional development in New Jersey?

Yes. VirNet's on-demand program is designed to teach foundational mediation and negotiation skills for professional development. That educational purpose should not be confused with accepted court-roster training or a New Jersey professional license.

What New Jersey law should a prospective mediator know?

New Jersey's Uniform Mediation Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:23C-1 et seq., and Court Rule 1:40 are important starting points, together with applicable court program guidance and confidentiality/privilege rules. The details depend on the type of mediation work.

Which VirNet course tier should I select?

All three options include the same foundational 40-hour curriculum. Self-Directed ($775) is independent study; Instructor-Guided ($1,475) includes individualized assignment feedback; Private Coaching ($3,275) adds five private sessions. These added support options do not turn VirNet's course into New Jersey Judiciary-approved roster training.

For a court roster application, verify approved training, the mentoring process, and any recent rule changes with the New Jersey Judiciary before paying for an on-demand course.

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.

Michigan 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

MICHIGAN / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

Michigan 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build skills. Understand your next steps.

Develop practical conflict-resolution skills through VirNet's flexible online mediation course. Explore impartial facilitation, communication, interest-based negotiation, ethical practice, and agreements that work in real life.

Michigan has specific qualification rules for mediators serving on court rosters and in court-connected programs. VirNet's certificate documents course completion; it does not establish State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) approval or independently qualify you for a Michigan court roster.

If your objective is court-roster eligibility, contact the Michigan SCAO or your intended court/program to confirm approved training and additional requirements before enrolling.

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

KNOW WHAT YOUR TRAINING PROVIDES

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in Michigan?

Foundational mediation education and Michigan court-roster qualification are related, but they are not the same thing.

01 / FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS

Learn a structured process

Develop skills in listening, reframing, identifying interests, managing impasse, ethical decision-making, and supporting informed agreements.

02 / PRIVATE & WORKPLACE USE

Apply skills in your field

Attorneys, HR professionals, educators, leaders, and aspiring private mediators can apply conflict-resolution techniques within their existing roles and competencies.

03 / COURT-CONNECTED WORK

Verify approval first

Michigan court-roster rules require SCAO-approved training and other credentials or experience. An online 40-hour course is not automatically approved for that purpose.

VirNet issues a certificate of completion for its training. That certificate is not a Michigan mediator license, SCAO training approval, court-roster appointment, or promise of program acceptance.

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

MICHIGAN PRACTICE PATHWAYS

Find the right place for your mediation skills.

Michigan recognizes several distinct mediation settings. Each can call for a different combination of training, experience, and professional qualifications.

01

Private civil and business disputes

Use mediation principles in contract, business, property, organizational, and other consensual dispute-resolution settings. Parties can select a mediator by agreement, subject to the applicable rules and context.

Under MCR 2.411(B)(1), a mediator stipulated to by the parties in a referred civil case need not meet the court-roster qualifications in MCR 2.411(F); that is not a blanket exemption from professional competence or other legal duties.

02

General civil court mediation

Michigan's MCR 2.411 governs general civil mediation referrals and specifies qualifications for roster-eligible mediators, including approved training, education or experience, and observed/supervised practice.

This VirNet course is not represented as SCAO-approved. Check the approved-program pathway before relying on it for a court-roster application.

03

Domestic relations mediation

MCR 3.216 addresses family and domestic relations mediation, including specialized qualifications, approved training, observation, and supervised mediation. Safety screening is especially important.

Michigan's SCAO standards also describe an 8-hour domestic-violence screening training requirement for domestic relations roster mediators.

04

Community and workplace conflict

Community dispute resolution centers, employers, schools, and nonprofit organizations offer settings in which facilitation and mediation skills can be valuable.

Michigan's Community Dispute Resolution Program has its own SCAO-related training and volunteer standards; contact an individual center about its onboarding process.

Michigan primary authorities: Michigan Court Rules (MCR 2.411 and 3.216) SCAO Mediation Training Standards

MICHIGAN COURT AND PROGRAM STANDARDS

Court-roster eligibility requires more than a 40-hour certificate.

The Michigan State Court Administrative Office approves qualifying training programs. Court rules separately address the education, experience, and supervised practice required for particular rosters.

GENERAL CIVIL / MCR 2.411(F)

Approved training and practical experience

General civil roster eligibility requires SCAO-approved training; a J.D. or graduate conflict-resolution degree, or 40 hours of qualifying mediation experience over two years; observation of two proceedings; and one mediation conducted to conclusion under an approved mediator's supervision and observation.

Read MCR 2.411 →
DOMESTIC RELATIONS / MCR 3.216(G)

Specialized family qualifications

Domestic relations roster applicants must meet an identified professional education, licensure, or family-counseling experience pathway; complete approved domestic relations training; observe two mediations; and conduct one supervised mediation. SCAO standards also address eight hours of domestic-violence screening training.

Review SCAO domestic relations standards →
COMMUNITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Centers follow program standards

Michigan's Community Dispute Resolution Program calls for neutral mediators with at least 40 hours of training in a State Court Administrator-approved course of study or an applicable internship pathway. Individual centers also maintain training and experience records.

Read the CDRP manual →

Michigan allows SCAO-approved trainers to conduct approved online training in certain circumstances. Online delivery by itself does not establish SCAO approval; VirNet's self-paced course is not advertised as an SCAO-approved roster-training program. Confirm your intended program's current requirements directly.

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

MICHIGAN MEDIATION LAW AND ETHICS

Build a careful, ethical practice—and verify the rules that apply.

Michigan Court Rule 2.412 addresses confidentiality and disclosure of mediation communications in covered proceedings. The scope and exceptions matter: do not promise absolute confidentiality, or assume every private conversation is protected in the same way.

For domestic relations mediation, MCR 3.216 requires reasonable inquiry and continuing screening for coercion or violence that could make mediation unsafe or prevent a voluntary resolution. Safety and self-determination must guide decisions about suitability.

Michigan's court-connected standards emphasize impartiality, honest disclosure, conflicts awareness, and respect for each participant's ability to make informed decisions. Continuing training requirements apply to approved roster mediators.

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.

MICHIGAN MEDIATION TRAINING FAQ

Questions about 40-hour training in Michigan.

Clear distinctions help you choose training that aligns with your intended professional setting.

Does Michigan require all private mediators to hold a state license?

Michigan's court rules establish qualifications for court-connected rosters, but they do not create one universal state-issued mediator license for every private mediation setting. The requirements depend on the work, referral source, and any applicable professional obligations.

Will VirNet's course make me an SCAO-approved Michigan mediator?

No. VirNet provides a certificate documenting completion of its 40-hour training. We do not represent this course as approved by Michigan's State Court Administrative Office, and course completion alone does not satisfy the full requirements for a court roster.

What does MCR 2.411 require for general civil roster mediators?

The rule requires SCAO-approved training, qualifying education or mediation experience, observation of two general civil mediations, and one supervised mediation conducted to conclusion. The rule also provides a process for special approval in certain circumstances.

Can Michigan approve online mediator training?

Yes, SCAO standards permit approved trainers to offer online training in specified circumstances. That does not mean all online courses are approved. Confirm the exact provider, program, delivery format, and intended use with the SCAO or receiving court.

What additional training applies to domestic relations mediation?

MCR 3.216 requires approved domestic relations mediation training, specified professional or experience qualifications, observation, and supervised mediation. SCAO standards additionally address an eight-hour domestic-violence screening program for domestic relations roster mediators.

Can I mediate a Michigan civil case if the parties choose me?

MCR 2.411(B)(1) permits parties to stipulate to a mediator who does not meet the roster qualifications in MCR 2.411(F), subject to the rule's requirements. That exception should not be confused with court-roster approval or a guarantee of suitability for a particular dispute.

Does Michigan protect mediation communications?

MCR 2.412 addresses confidentiality and disclosure for covered mediation communications, subject to exceptions and limitations. Specific private mediations or specialized programs may involve additional rules or agreements; review the applicable protections before making confidentiality promises.

Can I take VirNet's course from anywhere in Michigan?

Yes. VirNet's on-demand training is designed for online participation across Michigan. If you need training for a particular court, community center, or professional designation, verify in advance that the program accepts this course and format.

This page provides educational information, not a determination of eligibility or legal advice. Michigan court rules, training standards, and program policies may change. Verify current requirements with the responsible authority.

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.

North Carolina 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

NORTH CAROLINA / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

North Carolina 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build practical skills. Know your pathway.

Develop a strong foundation in mediation through VirNet's flexible, on-demand 40-hour course. Learn how to guide difficult conversations, identify underlying interests, navigate impasse, and support durable, participant-driven agreements.

North Carolina's Dispute Resolution Commission (NCDRC) separately certifies mediators serving designated court programs. Its court-approved training has specific curriculum and delivery requirements. VirNet's self-paced certificate confirms course completion; it is not NCDRC certification and this course is not represented as NCDRC-approved training.

Seeking superior court or family financial mediator certification? Verify the exact training, delivery format, and applicant prerequisites with the NCDRC before enrolling.

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

YOUR TRAINING / YOUR GOALS

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in North Carolina?

A 40-hour foundation can serve professional development and private conflict-resolution work. Court-program certification is a separate, more specialized process.

01 / PRACTICAL COMPETENCE

Develop the mediator's toolkit

Explore neutrality, active listening, reframing, productive questioning, negotiation, ethical judgment, and the structure of a complete mediation process.

02 / WORKPLACE & COMMUNITY

Apply skills across settings

Attorneys, HR teams, educators, nonprofit leaders, business professionals, and aspiring private mediators can use foundational skills in their existing roles.

03 / COURT CERTIFICATION

Confirm approval and format

The NCDRC certifies court mediators and training programs. For superior court training, its remote-training guidelines call for live instruction with participants on video, not a self-paced course.

VirNet provides a certificate of completion for this course. It is not a state-issued mediator credential, an NCDRC-approved training certificate, or a guarantee of appointment to any North Carolina court roster.

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

NORTH CAROLINA MEDIATION PATHWAYS

Where can mediation training take you?

Private mediation, court-connected civil cases, family financial matters, and specialized programs require different combinations of training, experience, and authorization.

01

Private and organizational mediation

Use foundational skills in employment, business, contract, education, community, and other consensual dispute-resolution settings. Practical experience, ethical boundaries, and appropriate subject-matter knowledge remain important.

NCDRC court-program certification should not be confused with a universal state license for all consensual private mediation.

02

Superior Court civil mediation (MSC)

North Carolina's Mediated Settlement Conference program uses NCDRC-certified mediators. The ordinary training route calls for at least 40 hours of Commission-certified trial court mediation training plus Rule 8 professional qualifications and other application requirements.

NCDRC-approved remote MSC training must be live and interactive, with participants on video throughout. VirNet's on-demand format is not a substitute for that requirement.

03

Family Financial Settlement (FFS)

District court family financial mediation has separate NCDRC requirements, including qualifying professional background, family-law prerequisites, approved training, observations, and application approval. Some already-qualified applicants may use a 16-hour supplemental route.

A general 40-hour mediation course does not automatically meet the Commission's family-financial training standards.

04

Clerk and specialized court programs

Estate and guardianship mediation before the clerk generally requires prior MSC or FFS certification plus an approved 10-hour subject-specific course. District criminal court mediation follows a different training and apprenticeship structure.

Contact the program that matches your intended practice before choosing a certification track.

Official North Carolina resources: Dispute Resolution Commission Superior Court Rules 8-9 Family Financial certification Clerk program

NCDRC / COURT-PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS

Court-connected mediation requires more than a 40-hour certificate.

The North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission certifies mediators for designated court programs and approves qualifying training programs. Requirements vary by the type of cases you intend to mediate.

SUPERIOR COURT / MSC

Approved 40-hour training and qualifications

MSC Rule 8 requires Commission-certified mediation training (or a qualifying supplemental pathway), together with professional background and other application requirements. The NCDRC's 2025 trainer guidelines require live video participation for approved remote MSC courses.

Read NCDRC remote-training guidelines →
DISTRICT COURT / FFS

Family-law prerequisites and observations

Family Financial Settlement certification ordinarily requires an approved 40-hour FFS course or an eligible 16-hour supplemental course, along with qualifying experience, family-law preparation, observation requirements, and application approval.

Review FFS certification →
OTHER COURT PROGRAMS

Additional training may apply

For estate and guardianship matters before the clerk, qualifying mediators generally need MSC or FFS certification plus 10 hours of approved specialty training. District criminal mediation uses separate training and apprenticeship requirements.

Explore Clerk mediation certification →

Training approval, applicant eligibility, and certification are separate determinations. VirNet does not represent its on-demand course as approved by the NCDRC for MSC, FFS, Clerk, or District Criminal Court certification.

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.

NORTH CAROLINA LAW & ETHICAL PRACTICE

Practice with care. Verify the rules that govern your setting.

North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-38.1 governs mediated settlement conferences in superior court civil actions. It addresses attendance, mediator selection, settlement procedures, and important protections for mediation communications, subject to express exceptions.

For NCDRC-certified mediators, the Commission's Standards of Professional Conduct address ethical responsibilities. Confidentiality, impartiality, competence, conflicts of interest, informed participation, and appropriate professional boundaries should guide every mediation setting.

Confidentiality protections are not absolute. The applicable law and any exceptions depend on the mediation program and the circumstances. Avoid promising that every statement or document will be privileged or inadmissible.

North Carolina references: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.1  |  NCDRC mediator ethics
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.

NORTH CAROLINA / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about mediation training in North Carolina

Understand the distinction between practical education, court-program training approval, and mediator certification before you enroll.

Does North Carolina require every private mediator to be NCDRC-certified?

The NCDRC certifies mediators serving specified court programs. Its court-program certification should not be treated as a universal license requirement for every consensual private mediation. Particular employers, contracts, professional bodies, or referral programs may impose their own standards.

Will VirNet's 40-hour course certify me as a North Carolina superior court mediator?

No. VirNet's on-demand course provides foundational education and a certificate of completion. NCDRC MSC certification requires Commission-certified training or an accepted alternative, professional qualifications, and an approved application. VirNet does not represent this course as NCDRC-approved MSC training.

Can self-paced online training satisfy the NCDRC's approved 40-hour MSC course requirement?

The NCDRC's February 2025 MSC trainer guidelines permit remote instruction, but require that it be live, interactive, and conducted with participants appearing by video throughout. VirNet's self-paced, on-demand format does not meet that live-instruction standard.

What is the difference between MSC and FFS mediator certification?

MSC concerns superior court civil mediated settlement conferences. FFS concerns district court family financial matters. They have different training, professional background, and application requirements, and the FFS track also includes family-law prerequisites and observation requirements.

Can an already-certified mediator take a shorter supplemental course?

Some applicants who qualify through another NCDRC certification track, or who have qualifying out-of-state training and Commission approval, may be eligible for a 16-hour supplemental MSC or FFS course. Confirm eligibility with the Commission before selecting a shorter course.

Do I need to be an attorney to become a North Carolina court mediator?

Not necessarily. NCDRC rules describe attorney and non-attorney qualification routes, but they impose professional background, training, and other requirements that vary by program. Check the current Rule 8 for your chosen track.

Does North Carolina require continuing mediator education?

Yes. The NCDRC currently requires certified MSC and FFS mediators to complete and report two hours of continuing mediator education annually as part of renewal. Verify the current renewal cycle and any applicable exceptions with the Commission.

Is everything said during a North Carolina mediation confidential?

No blanket promise applies to every mediation. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.1 provides important protections for covered superior court settlement conferences but includes exceptions, including specified sanctions, enforcement, disciplinary, and protective proceedings. Other mediation settings may be governed by different rules.

Can I take VirNet's course anywhere in North Carolina?

Yes. The course is delivered online and can be completed remotely for foundational mediation learning. If you are pursuing NCDRC certification or another specific credential, confirm acceptance of the exact course and format before enrolling.

Educational information only, not legal advice or an assertion of North Carolina training approval. Program rules can change. Confirm current requirements directly with the NCDRC or the organization overseeing your intended mediation work.

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.

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