Month: February 2020

Georgia 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

GEORGIA / ONLINE 40-HOUR MEDIATION EDUCATION

Georgia 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build your skills. Understand registration.

Develop mediator neutrality, active listening, negotiation, ethics, and practical conflict-resolution skills through VirNet's flexible, online 40-hour foundational training program.

Georgia has separate court-registration rules: The Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (GODR) requires approved, live training for court-connected neutral registration. Its General Civil and Domestic Relations tracks have different hours and supervised-practice requirements.

VirNet's course is entirely self-paced and asynchronous. A VirNet certificate documents course completion; this program is not represented as GODR-approved initial neutral-registration training and does not confer Georgia court registration.

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

Professional education, private mediation, and court registration are not the same credential.

Georgia does not issue a general mediator license. GODR maintains registration for neutrals who serve in Georgia court-connected ADR programs; private practitioners do not ordinarily need GODR registration merely to provide privately arranged mediation.

01 / BUILD PRACTICAL SKILLS

Training for professional development

Attorneys, HR professionals, educators, counselors, business leaders, community professionals, and prospective mediators can develop core conflict-resolution skills through VirNet's self-paced curriculum and guided simulations.

02 / PURSUE COURT REGISTRATION

Choose a GODR-accepted live program

For court-referred matters, review the exact registration category, GODR-approved training, interactive attendance format, practicum or observation requirements, and registration deadline. VirNet's asynchronous course does not meet GODR's live initial-registration training standard.

03 / DEVELOP A PRIVATE PRACTICE

Build a responsible mediation process

Private mediation can draw on foundational education, but competence still depends on ethical judgment, real practice, appropriate specialization, confidentiality, conflict screening, and meaningful experience. A course-completion certificate is not a government credential.

GODR explains that Georgia court-connected practitioners are registered, rather than generically "licensed" or "certified." Registration and selection to a particular court program involve additional requirements.

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
GEORGIA OFFICE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Understand the Georgia track before selecting training.

The Georgia Supreme Court's ADR framework covers multiple types of registered neutrals. The distinctions below are based on GODR's published training and registration guidance, rather than a universal "40-hour Georgia certification" rule.

01

General Civil Mediation

GODR lists 28 hours of approved General Civil Mediation training, followed by either a 12-hour approved practicum or five civil mediation observations totaling at least ten hours. For the observation route, GODR specifies observation of qualified registered mediators and required reporting documentation.

The 28-hour class alone is not the entire initial-registration process. Approval and actual live participation matter.

02

Domestic Relations Mediation

This specialized track calls for 42 hours of approved Domestic Relations training, a bachelor's degree, qualification for General Civil Mediation registration, and either a 12-hour approved Domestic Relations practicum or the required one observation and two co-mediations in domestic-relations matters.

A general 40-hour course does not automatically replace the 42-hour specialty program or its prerequisites.

03

Specialized domestic-violence and other tracks

For Specialized Domestic Violence Mediation, GODR specifies an additional 14-hour approved course and prior registration in both General Civil and Domestic Relations mediation. Other categories, including juvenile and probate mediation, have their own prerequisite sequences.

High-risk and specialized assignments call for additional training, screening, safeguards, and practice competence.

04

Private or organizational mediation

GODR states that neutrals who work exclusively in privately arranged mediations are not required to obtain GODR registration merely for that private work. VirNet's course may support foundational learning for private, business, employment, community, or organizational settings.

Private practice is not unrestricted: contracts, professional rules, court orders, ethical duties, and any specialized role requirements still matter.

PROGRAM APPROVAL AND ELIGIBILITY

Georgia's live-instruction rule is not optional.

The number of training hours is only one consideration. The approved program, method of delivery, hands-on requirements, and application timing determine whether training contributes to GODR initial registration.

01 / LIVE INTERACTIVE FORMAT

Synchronous training for registration

GODR's FAQ states that initial-registration training must be live and interactive. It may be in person or online if delivered synchronously within an approved program. Asynchronous recorded/self-paced instruction is not accepted for initial registration.

GODR training-format FAQ
02 / TRAINING AND PRACTICUM

Identify an approved provider

GODR publishes a directory of approved training categories and providers. After General Civil training, candidates need the applicable approved practicum or documented observations; Domestic Relations has additional prerequisites and practice components.

Approved training providers
03 / REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Submit the complete application on time

GODR states that applications must be submitted within 18 months after completing the qualifying training. It also reviews out-of-state training case by case, without general reciprocity. Confirm the acceptance of any particular program before enrolling.

Registration guidance

VirNet's optional instructor feedback and private coaching do not turn its on-demand course into a live, GODR-approved initial-registration program. Students whose primary goal is Georgia court-connected registration should choose accepted training for that purpose.

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.
GEORGIA MEDIATION PRACTICE

Ethics, confidentiality, safety, and informed training choices.

Georgia's Supreme Court ADR Rules establish the framework for court-connected mediation programs, including mediator qualifications, neutrality, ethical standards, and special considerations for sensitive cases. GODR's Appendix C addresses ethical duties, while Appendix D addresses mediation involving domestic violence.

Confidentiality protections vary with the setting and governing rules. Protections for court-referred mediation should not be promised automatically for every privately arranged conversation. Good mediators identify the applicable agreement, court rules, exceptions, and mandatory reporting duties before making representations about confidentiality.

For students interested in work involving domestic relations, juvenile matters, disability, or significant power imbalances, foundational training alone does not replace specialist education or appropriate case-selection and safety safeguards.

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.

GEORGIA REGISTRATION AND TRAINING QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about mediation training in Georgia.

These answers distinguish VirNet's self-paced learning certificate from the live, approved training required for Georgia court-connected neutral registration.

Does Georgia require 40 hours of training to be a mediator?

Georgia does not impose one universal 40-hour rule for every mediator. GODR General Civil registration calls for 28 hours of approved training plus an approved practicum or qualifying observations, while Domestic Relations registration calls for a 42-hour approved specialized course and additional prerequisites. Private mediation is a different setting.

Is VirNet's self-paced 40-hour course accepted for GODR initial registration?

No. GODR states that training leading to initial registration must be live and interactive and that asynchronous instruction is not permitted. VirNet does not represent its self-paced, on-demand program as GODR-approved initial registration training.

Can I practice private mediation in Georgia without GODR registration?

GODR explains that neutrals who work exclusively in privately arranged mediation are not required to register solely for that purpose. Competence, ethics, appropriate experience, and any professional or contractual requirements remain important.

What training is required for Georgia General Civil Mediation registration?

GODR lists a 28-hour approved General Civil training course followed by either a 12-hour approved practicum or observations of five civil mediations totaling at least ten hours, with the appropriate reporting forms. Completing a 28- or 40-hour online program without those elements is not equivalent.

What are Georgia's Domestic Relations Mediation requirements?

GODR lists an approved 42-hour Domestic Relations course, qualification for General Civil registration, a bachelor's degree, and either an approved 12-hour domestic-relations practicum or the required observation and two co-mediations. Students should verify every prerequisite before enrolling.

Does Georgia permit live online mediator training?

Yes, in the specific circumstances GODR permits. Approved, synchronous online training may meet its live-interactive standard. A recorded or entirely asynchronous course is different and does not meet GODR's initial-registration requirement.

What if my mediator training was completed outside Georgia?

GODR says it reviews out-of-state training case by case and does not provide automatic reciprocity. The training format, curriculum, instructor credentials, and all other requirements matter. Obtain a specific determination rather than assuming that an out-of-state 40-hour certificate will count.

How soon must a Georgia neutral-registration application be submitted?

GODR states that applications must generally be submitted within 18 months after completing the qualifying training. Applicants who miss the required timeframe may need to repeat training. Check current GODR instructions when preparing an application.

Is additional domestic-violence training required?

For the specialized Georgia Domestic Violence Mediation category, GODR lists an additional 14-hour approved course and prior registration in General Civil and Domestic Relations mediation. It is not satisfied automatically by a general foundational mediation certificate.

Is mediation confidential under Georgia law?

Georgia Supreme Court ADR Rules provide important confidentiality protections for qualifying court-connected mediation, subject to defined scope and exceptions. Private mediations may require a separate analysis of applicable law and agreements. Do not assume identical protections attach to every mediation context.

Can VirNet's course help Georgia professionals with business, HR, or community conflict?

Yes. Its 40-hour foundational curriculum teaches listening, reframing, neutrality, interest-based negotiation, ethics, practice scenarios, and agreement-development techniques. Employers, professional associations, and court programs may impose their own separate qualification requirements.

What distinguishes VirNet's three enrollment tiers?

Self-Directed ($775) emphasizes independent study; Instructor-Guided ($1,475) includes structured personalized feedback; Private Coaching ($3,275) adds five individual coaching sessions. All use VirNet's foundational curriculum. None changes the course from self-paced to a GODR-approved live training program.

Before enrolling for a court-registration goal: Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution rules, provider-approval lists, and application requirements may change. Ask GODR directly to confirm the training provider, format, prerequisites, and registration eligibility. This page provides educational information, not legal advice or a promise of GODR acceptance.
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.

Ohio 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

OHIO / ONLINE 40-HOUR MEDIATION EDUCATION

Ohio 40-Hour Mediation Training. Learn the skills. Understand the court pathways.

Build practical skills in listening, mediator neutrality, interest-based negotiation, ethics, and agreement development through VirNet's flexible, self-paced 40-hour online mediation curriculum.

Ohio makes an important distinction: The state does not generally license individual mediators, while courts require specific approved training and may impose additional local qualifications. Ohio's mediator-training provisions are now found in Rule 6.04 of the Rules of Superintendence.

VirNet offers foundational, asynchronous mediation education. Its completion certificate is not an Ohio Supreme Court mediator credential, and the course is not represented as a Supreme Court-approved Fundamentals or specialized family/divorce training program for court referrals.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction
CHOOSE YOUR PATH BEFORE YOU ENROLL

A 40-hour course can support your learning without being a court qualification.

Ohio's Supreme Court explains that individual mediators are not generally licensed or certified by the state. Court-referral work, however, is governed by court rules, approved training, and sometimes individual court requirements.

01 / PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Develop practical mediation skills

Professionals in law, human resources, education, leadership, counseling, community work, and business can study facilitation, negotiation, neutrality, process design, and simulated mediation conversations at their own pace.

02 / COURT-CONNECTED MEDIATION

Confirm approved training first

For court referrals, Ohio's Rule 6.04 generally calls for Supreme Court-approved Fundamentals of Mediation Training or a specified exception. Family and other specialized assignments have further prerequisites; local courts may impose additional conditions.

03 / PRIVATE PRACTICE

Build competence and ethical safeguards

Private mediation is a different setting from court appointment. Foundational education can be useful, but students should consider subject-matter knowledge, screening, confidentiality, experience, insurance, and applicable professional obligations.

VirNet's training is online and on demand. Approval of a particular Ohio court training program is distinct from completing a 40-hour general curriculum.

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
SUPREME COURT OF OHIO / RULE 6.04

Which Ohio mediation work do you want to do?

The requirements depend on the work, the referral source, the case type, and the local court. The former Rule 16.23 was renumbered as Rule 6.04 effective July 1, 2026.

01

Private, workplace, and organizational mediation

Ohio does not impose a general state licensing or individual certification system on all mediators. VirNet's foundational course may help develop negotiation, communication, ethics, and process skills for privately arranged matters and professional development.

Private work may still be subject to contracts, professional rules, employer expectations, and relevant statutes.

02

General court-referred mediation

Under Sup.R. 6.04(A), a court-connected mediator generally completes Supreme Court-approved Fundamentals of Mediation Training unless a specified exception applies. Ohio's training standards describe a 16-hour fundamentals program with required interactive components.

A self-paced, 40-hour general course should not be assumed to replace this approved fundamentals requirement.

03

Family and divorce court referrals

Sup.R. 6.04(B) establishes additional qualifications, including a bachelor's degree or equivalent education acceptable to the court, two years of professional experience with families, general fundamentals eligibility, and approved Specialized Family or Divorce Mediation Training. Ohio describes that specialized family course as a 40-hour approved advanced program.

A general 40-hour certificate is not interchangeable with the specialized, approved family/divorce training.

04

Domestic abuse and child protection

Family-related court referrals can require additional approved Specialized Domestic Abuse Issues and Mediation Training, subject to the rule's limited exceptions. Abuse, neglect, and dependency referrals require further approved child-protection training and relevant experience.

Specialized safety training, screening practices, and local court qualifications should be verified before accepting referrals.

OHIO COURT MEDIATION TRAINING

Approved training, specialized practice, and local court selection.

For court-connected practice, the course sponsor's approval and the training format matter just as much as the number of hours printed on a completion certificate.

FUNDAMENTALS

Supreme Court-approved introductory training

Sup.R. 6.04(A) specifies approved Fundamentals of Mediation Training, with defined exceptions for some previous training and experience. Ohio's published Fundamentals standards describe a minimum 16-hour course, including interactive learning. VirNet's asynchronous general course is not represented as a replacement.

Ohio court training information
FAMILY / DIVORCE

Advanced specialization is separate

Family and divorce court referrals invoke Sup.R. 6.04(B), including approved specialized training and experience with families. Ohio identifies the approved Specialized Family or Divorce Mediation course as a 40-hour advanced program; it is not simply any course of the same duration.

Ohio court family-mediation guidance
LOCAL RULES / SAFETY

Additional requirements may apply

Individual courts can have rules concerning selection, mentorship, prior experience, continuing education, or liability coverage. Specialized domestic-abuse and child-protection cases may require additional Supreme Court-approved training and safeguard procedures.

Ohio outside approved training list
Training decision: If your primary goal is appointment to an Ohio court roster, confirm program-specific acceptance with the relevant court or the Ohio Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Section before choosing a course. The self-paced VirNet training may still serve a different professional-development goal.
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.
OHIO UNIFORM MEDIATION ACT

Understand the difference between mediation privilege and confidentiality.

Ohio adopted the Uniform Mediation Act in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2710. In covered settings, the Act establishes important privileges for mediation communications in legal proceedings, subject to statutory exceptions. A communication does not become protected merely because it was discussed during a mediation.

Ohio's Supreme Court emphasizes that privilege and broader confidentiality are different. Privilege addresses disclosure in proceedings; keeping information private outside proceedings may also depend on participants' agreements, applicable rules, and other law. The Act does not protect every mediation in every setting.

Ethical mediators also screen for conflicts of interest and concerns affecting impartiality, consider power imbalance and safety, disclose relevant qualifications on request, and avoid providing legal advice while serving as a neutral.

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.

OHIO MEDIATOR TRAINING QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about mediation training in Ohio.

These answers distinguish professional-development learning from the separately approved courses required for certain Ohio court-referral pathways.

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

Ohio does not have a universal 40-hour training requirement or a general state license for individual mediators. Ohio courts have specific approved-training requirements, while a 40-hour specialized family/divorce program applies to certain court-referred family matters. Requirements depend on the setting.

Does Ohio license or certify individual mediators?

No general individual state mediator license or certification is issued by the Supreme Court of Ohio. It does approve certain court-connected mediation training programs. Completing an approved program is not the same as being a "Supreme Court certified mediator."

Is VirNet's on-demand 40-hour course approved for Ohio court referrals?

VirNet does not represent this self-paced program as an Ohio Supreme Court-approved Fundamentals of Mediation or specialized family/divorce training course. Students seeking court referrals should confirm required approved training and local rules with the relevant Ohio court before enrolling.

What is Ohio Supreme Court Rule 6.04?

Sup.R. 6.04 is Ohio's court-mediator education and training rule. It generally addresses approved Fundamentals of Mediation Training and additional qualifications for domestic relations, juvenile, domestic-abuse, child-protection, and other specified referrals. The former Rule 16.23 was renumbered to Rule 6.04 on July 1, 2026.

What is Ohio Fundamentals of Mediation Training?

For most applicable court-connected mediation, Rule 6.04(A) requires Supreme Court-approved Fundamentals of Mediation Training unless a listed exception applies. Ohio's published program standards describe at least 16 hours of required content and interactive components. A separate self-paced 40-hour certificate is not automatically equivalent.

Do I need 40 hours of specialized family/divorce training?

For court-referred domestic relations or juvenile matters covered by Sup.R. 6.04(B), approved Specialized Family or Divorce Mediation Training is required in addition to the applicable fundamentals and professional prerequisites. Ohio identifies that specialized program as 40 hours; it is distinct from general foundational training.

What professional experience is expected for Ohio family court mediation?

Rule 6.04(B) describes a bachelor's degree or court-accepted equivalent education and at least two years of professional experience working with families, together with the applicable required training. Individual courts may have additional selection standards.

Is domestic-abuse training also required?

For specified family-related court referrals, approved Specialized Domestic Abuse Issues and Mediation Training is required unless a limited rule-based exception applies. Ohio training standards describe a 14-hour specialized program. Domestic-abuse risk screening and safety procedures are important regardless of the training route.

Are child-protection cases a separate specialization?

Yes. For referrals involving abuse, neglect, and dependency, Rule 6.04 includes further approved Specialized Child Protection Mediation Training and significant experience mediating family disputes, in addition to other relevant requirements.

Can Ohio mediators offer private business or workplace mediation?

Ohio does not impose a general state-issued mediator license on every privately arranged mediation. Private practitioners still need appropriate competence, ethical screening, legal compliance, clear agreements, and any credentials required by their clients or professional roles. VirNet's course can provide foundational learning.

What is the Ohio Uniform Mediation Act?

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2710 addresses mediation communications, privilege, exceptions, confidentiality, mediator disclosures, and other subjects. Privilege in formal proceedings differs from confidentiality outside them; both depend on the context and applicable legal rules.

What are VirNet's current tuition options?

Self-Directed ($775) provides the foundational course; Instructor-Guided ($1,475) adds structured personal feedback; Private Coaching ($3,275) adds five individual coaching sessions. All tiers use the self-paced training curriculum; no tier changes the course into an Ohio Supreme Court-approved court-training program.

Check the current requirements: Supreme Court-approved training lists, local court rules, and specialized qualifications may change. A VirNet completion certificate does not itself establish court eligibility. This page is educational information, not a representation of Ohio court approval or legal advice.
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.

Illinois 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

ILLINOIS / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION EDUCATION

Illinois 40-Hour Mediation Training. Learn the skills. Understand the rules.

Build a practical foundation in mediation with VirNet's flexible, on-demand 40-hour course. Work through progressive modules in negotiation, listening, impartiality, ethics, communication, and simulated dispute resolution.

Illinois's 2026 Supreme Court Rule 99 update emphasizes training recognized by the local judicial circuit for covered court programs. Completing any 40-hour course is not automatically equivalent to circuit recognition, mediator appointment, or court-roster approval.

Planning to mediate for an Illinois court? Ask the particular circuit or program whether it recognizes this course and its asynchronous learning format before enrolling for that purpose.

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

What can you do with 40 hours of mediation education in Illinois?

A strong foundational course is useful across many careers, but an employer, community program, or judicial circuit may require additional experience, subject-specific training, supervised practice, or provider approval.

01 / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Build practical conflict-resolution skills

Lawyers, educators, business owners, HR professionals, consultants, community leaders, and other learners can develop structured listening, option generation, reframing, and interest-based negotiation skills.

02 / COURT-CONNECTED MEDIATION

Check the specific circuit's recognition

Rule 99's updated baseline includes circuit-recognized skills training, with a supervision alternative. Local procedures may impose further qualifications. VirNet does not claim Illinois judicial-circuit recognition without confirmation.

03 / PRIVATE MEDIATION PRACTICE

Prepare for competent, ethical practice

Private mediation work calls for sound process design, clear engagement agreements, appropriate ethical boundaries, insurance considerations, and specialized knowledge for particular disputes. A course certificate documents training, not state licensure.

VirNet's certificate records completion of its 40-hour curriculum. It does not itself establish court appointment, endorsement, a state-issued professional license, or eligibility for any specific mediation program.

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
ILLINOIS COURT RULES AND PRIVATE PRACTICE

Four mediation settings. Four reasons to verify your training.

Illinois has a statewide court-mediation framework, but court programs are operated through individual circuits and may address different case types. The appropriate pathway depends on where, and for whom, you hope to mediate.

01

Civil and other Rule 99 court programs

Under the March 1, 2026 version of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 99(h), mediators participating in covered programs must complete 40-hour mediation skills training recognized by the local circuit, or be supervised by a mediator who has completed such recognized training.

A particular circuit can set additional mediator-selection, specialty, practice, registration, and conduct requirements. Forty hours alone does not establish recognition or placement.

02

Parenting-time and family court mediation

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905 directs judicial circuits to establish mediation programs for specified child-related disputes and requires local rules addressing mediator expertise and mandatory training. Some circuits prescribe specialized family mediation courses and additional professional credentials.

For example, the 17th Judicial Circuit's family program describes a circuit-approved, specialized 40-hour course plus degree and other qualifications. A general civil mediation curriculum is not automatically equivalent.

03

Residential eviction and foreclosure programs

Rule 99.2, effective March 1, 2026, creates a framework for residential eviction mediation programs and builds on Rule 99. Mortgage foreclosure programs are governed by Rule 99.1. These settings may integrate legal aid, court procedures, and specialized program operations.

Program acceptance, training, supervision, and onboarding should be confirmed with the specific administering circuit or provider.

04

Private, workplace, community, and organizational mediation

Many professionals study mediation to strengthen negotiations, offer private dispute-resolution services, or support workplace and community dialogue. This is distinct from being included on a court list or representing yourself as court-certified.

Private mediators must still assess their competence, applicable law, confidentiality obligations, conflicts of interest, and any requirements imposed by a contracting organization.

Official Illinois court rules: Rule 99 (2026) Rule 905 (family) Rule 99.2 (eviction)
HOW TO VERIFY AN ILLINOIS TRAINING PATHWAY

The 40-hour requirement is not the entire application.

Illinois combines a statewide court-rule baseline with local circuit recognition and program-specific qualification rules. Before selecting a course for court work, determine which court program you are actually applying to join.

STEP 01 / RECOGNIZED PROGRAM

Ask which courses the circuit accepts

Rule 99(h) focuses on 40-hour skills training recognized by the local circuit, or supervision by an appropriately trained mediator. Confirm in writing whether the target circuit accepts this particular curriculum and self-paced format; do not rely on the hour count alone.

Read Rule 99
STEP 02 / FAMILY SPECIALIZATION

Review local parenting-mediation rules

For parenting-time and allocation-of-parental-responsibilities matters, Rule 905 requires local mediator expertise and training standards. The 17th Circuit illustrates why a family roster may also require a related graduate or law degree, specialized screening instruction, and insurance.

See 17th Circuit family-mediation rules
STEP 03 / PRACTICE AND ONBOARDING

Clarify your next steps

Ask whether you must document observations, mentorship, supervision, years of professional practice, insurance, continuing education, application approval, or pro bono service. Requirements can differ by case type and circuit.

Find current Illinois Supreme Court rules

VirNet does not represent its asynchronous, AI-assisted course as recognized or approved by any Illinois circuit absent express documentation. For court-related goals, contact the intended program or chief judge's designee before enrolling.

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, CONFIDENTIALITY AND TRAINING CHOICES

Build mediation judgment alongside technical skills.

VirNet's national curriculum covers mediator neutrality, preparation, difficult conversations, communication, ethical decision-making, and participant-directed agreement development. In Illinois, those skills should be applied with attention to the state's law and the rules of the program where a mediator is serving.

Illinois has adopted the Uniform Mediation Act, 710 ILCS 35. Among other topics, it addresses privilege for mediation communications, statutory exceptions, and mediator conflict-of-interest disclosures. The law's confidentiality and privilege protections have limits; the exact setting and any controlling court rules also matter.

Rule 99's revised framework addresses mediation access, local program procedures, costs, and court oversight. Family and housing matters may involve separate safety, training, or participant-protection protocols. Those are reasons to investigate the relevant program, not reasons to assume every mediation assignment has the same requirements.

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.

ILLINOIS TRAINING QUESTIONS

Illinois 40-hour mediation training: questions and answers.

These answers distinguish VirNet's foundational education from Illinois court and program qualifications. When eligibility matters, confirm with the circuit or program that makes the decision.

Does Illinois require 40 hours of mediation training?

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 99(h), as amended effective March 1, 2026, establishes a baseline for mediators in covered court programs: 40-hour skills training recognized by the local circuit, or supervision by a mediator who completed such recognized training. Different programs can have further requirements. It is not a universal license for every private mediator.

Does the VirNet course qualify me for an Illinois court roster?

Not automatically. VirNet provides a 40-hour self-paced education certificate, but it is not represented as recognized or approved by any specific Illinois judicial circuit. Ask the circuit or program to confirm its recognition of this exact provider, curriculum, and delivery format.

What changed in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 99 in 2026?

The amendment effective March 1, 2026 added an express minimum training-or-supervision standard for Rule 99 programs, emphasizing training recognized by the local circuit. It also updates provisions for remote access, cost, court operations, and other program safeguards.

Can I use the program to prepare for private mediation work in Illinois?

Yes, as foundational education and skill development. Private practice involves additional professional responsibilities, including assessing competence, obtaining suitable experience, handling confidentiality and conflicts, and complying with any applicable law or organizational requirements. Course completion is not state licensure.

Is this an approved family or parenting-time mediator training program?

VirNet does not make that claim. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905 and individual circuits establish special requirements for parenting-related court mediation. Some local rules require a circuit-approved, specialized family mediation course, relevant professional credentials, insurance, and screening or safeguarding instruction.

Is family mediation training different from ordinary civil mediation training?

Often, yes. Parenting disputes may involve children, family dynamics, safety screening, and other specialized subject matter. A general foundational 40-hour course should not be assumed to meet a circuit's approved family-mediation requirements.

What about eviction or mortgage foreclosure mediation in Illinois?

Illinois Rules 99.2 and 99.1 provide additional frameworks for residential eviction and mortgage foreclosure mediation programs. Program operations, mediator selection, and any specialized onboarding must be confirmed locally. A general course does not guarantee participation.

Do I have to be an attorney to take VirNet's mediation course?

No. The national VirNet curriculum welcomes learners from law, education, HR, counseling, business, community service, and other fields. Some Illinois court-related rosters or assignments may have separate education, licensure, or professional-experience requirements.

Is mediation confidential under Illinois law?

Illinois's Uniform Mediation Act, 710 ILCS 35, provides privileges and confidentiality-related rules, including exceptions and limits. Individual court programs may also have applicable procedures. The scope of protection depends on the facts and governing law; mediation does not make every document or communication automatically privileged.

Does a certificate of completion mean I am a state-certified Illinois mediator?

No. A VirNet certificate documents successful completion of VirNet's training. It is not a state license, a court appointment, a judicial-circuit recognition decision, or a guarantee of admission to an Illinois mediation program.

Can I complete all three VirNet enrollment tiers online?

The curriculum is delivered online and on demand. The Self-Directed option emphasizes independent progress; Instructor-Guided adds structured feedback; and Private Coaching includes five individualized sessions. None of these tiers should be described as Illinois court-approved without express confirmation by the target program.

What should I ask before paying for court-related training?

Identify the exact Illinois circuit and mediator role, then ask whether it recognizes the provider and self-paced course format, what role-play or supervision requirements apply, and whether you need other qualifications or a separate application. Obtain a written answer if court eligibility will determine your purchase.

Important: This is general information, not individualized legal advice or a ruling by an Illinois court. Rules, local policies, and provider-recognition practices can change. Obtain current confirmation directly from the intended court or program.
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.

Pennsylvania 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

PENNSYLVANIA / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

Pennsylvania 40-Hour Mediation Training. Practical skills for meaningful resolution.

Develop the skills to help people navigate difficult conversations, uncover interests, and work toward durable agreements. VirNet's flexible, on-demand 40-hour course combines foundational concepts with applied exercises, mediation scenarios, and guided reflection.

Pennsylvania does not require one statewide license for all private mediators. Court-connected and specialized mediation roles may have separate qualifications, training, experience, and approval requirements. VirNet awards a certificate of course completion, not a Pennsylvania court appointment or state-issued credential.

Planning to mediate custody matters or join a judicial district's roster? Confirm its current qualifications and acceptance of your training 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 Pennsylvania?

A comprehensive foundation can strengthen your professional work or prepare you to explore private mediation. Specialized court programs apply their own eligibility rules.

01 / SKILLS

Learn the mediation process

Study impartiality, listening, reframing, questioning, interests-based negotiation, option generation, ethics, and the progression from opening to agreement.

02 / APPLICATIONS

Bring skills to your work

Use mediation concepts in employment, education, business, nonprofit, community, and other settings where collaborative problem-solving matters.

03 / CREDENTIALS

Verify the specific program

Private mediation does not have a universal Pennsylvania license. Courts and referral programs may evaluate education, training type, professional background, and actual mediation experience.

VirNet's certificate documents successful course completion. It does not itself establish eligibility for a Pennsylvania court roster, a custody-mediator role, or any program-specific designation.

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

PENNSYLVANIA MEDIATION PATHWAYS

Where might mediation training fit your goals?

The skills are broadly useful, but the route into practice depends on the cases you want to handle and the organization selecting the mediator.

01

Private and workplace mediation

Develop capabilities for consensual employment, business, contract, education, community, and organizational disputes. Clients and referring organizations may expect relevant experience, insurance, specialized knowledge, and clear ethical practices.

A training certificate is evidence of education, not proof of competence for every dispute or authorization to provide legal advice.

02

Civil court-connected programs

Pennsylvania judicial districts can use local rules and program requirements for civil mediation. Allegheny County's civil pro bono mediator program, for example, lists 40 hours of training and five mediated cases for non-attorney applicants.

Those Allegheny requirements are program-specific, not a uniform statewide civil mediator standard.

03

Custody and family mediation

Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1940.4 identifies education, relevant experience, approved custody mediation and domestic/family violence or child-abuse training, liability insurance, supervised case experience, and continuing education.

A general 40-hour basic mediation course is not a substitute for the specific training and supervised experience described by the custody rule.

04

Government and community resolution

Government agencies, community programs, and institutional dispute-resolution initiatives may use mediation for workplace, administrative, and other conflicts. The Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel operates a mediation program using trained agency attorneys.

Program participation and mediator selection are governed by the sponsoring organization's policies, not solely by a course certificate.

Explore Pennsylvania resources: Allegheny County civil mediation Pa.R.C.P. 1940.4 PA OGC mediation program

COURT-CONNECTED / SPECIALIZED QUALIFICATIONS

A 40-hour certificate is a beginning—not automatic court eligibility.

Pennsylvania's courts and individual mediation programs may consider different qualifications. Verify the rules of the judicial district and subject area in which you hope to serve.

CUSTODY / RULE 1940.4

Specialized training and supervised cases

Rule 1940.4 sets minimum qualifications for mediators in voluntary custody mediation, including a bachelor's degree and relevant experience; specified approved training in custody mediation and family violence or child abuse; professional liability insurance; and at least four supervised cases totaling ten hours. It also calls for 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

Read Rule 1940.4 →
ALLEGHENY / CIVIL PRO BONO

A concrete local program example

Allegheny County's civil pro bono mediator criteria distinguish attorney and non-attorney applicants. Non-attorney applicants are asked for 40 hours of mediation training, experience mediating at least five cases, and strong process skills. Attorney applicants face different professional criteria.

See Allegheny program requirements →
LOCAL RULES / REFERRAL PANELS

Confirm the appointing program's standards

County-level court procedures and referral panels may have additional or different expectations for training, experience, credentials, availability, and application review. A program's use of the term “qualified mediator” does not mean that every 40-hour course is automatically accepted.

Find Pennsylvania court resources →

VirNet does not represent this on-demand program as approved by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, a custody mediation training approver, or a particular judicial district. Ask the program directly whether it accepts the precise course and delivery 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.

PENNSYLVANIA LAW & ETHICAL PRACTICE

Protect the process. Understand confidentiality's limits.

Pennsylvania's 42 Pa.C.S. § 5949 generally privileges mediation communications and documents, limiting compelled disclosure and admissibility. The statute includes defined exceptions, including certain settlement enforcement issues, qualifying threats or harmful conduct in criminal matters, fraudulent communications relevant to enforcing or setting aside a settlement, and independently existing documents.

Good mediation practice also requires informed participation, impartiality, disclosure and management of conflicts of interest, competence, and attention to the safety and circumstances of the participants. Family and custody mediation demands additional training and safeguards.

In custody matters, 23 Pa.C.S. § 3901 addresses court mediation programs and local rules, including restrictions connected to domestic violence and child abuse. Always confirm the current rules and screening practices that apply to the particular proceeding.

Primary legal references: 42 Pa.C.S. § 5949  |  Pa.R.C.P. 1940.4  |  PA OGC mediation 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.

PENNSYLVANIA / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about mediation training in Pennsylvania

Explore foundational education, private practice, and the additional requirements that can apply to court-connected mediation.

Does Pennsylvania require a statewide license to practice private mediation?

Pennsylvania does not have a single universal licensing requirement for all private mediators. Specific courts, programs, employers, and referral organizations may impose qualifications or require particular credentials or experience.

Will VirNet's 40-hour course certify me as a Pennsylvania court mediator?

No. VirNet issues a certificate of completion for its on-demand foundational course. Court-related eligibility and appointments are determined by the relevant judicial district or program, and may require additional training, experience, education, insurance, or approval.

Are 40 hours required for every Pennsylvania court mediator?

No uniform 40-hour requirement applies to every Pennsylvania court mediation setting. For example, Allegheny County's civil pro bono program asks non-attorney applicants for 40 hours of training and five mediated cases, while custody mediation is governed by different qualifications under Rule 1940.4.

What qualifications apply to Pennsylvania custody mediators?

Pa.R.C.P. 1940.4 identifies relevant education and experience, specified approved custody and family-violence or child-abuse training, professional liability insurance, four supervised cases totaling at least ten hours, and ongoing continuing education. Local rules can add requirements.

Does VirNet's course count as an approved custody mediation program?

VirNet does not claim that this on-demand basic course is approved for the specialized custody mediation training required by Rule 1940.4. Confirm accepted training directly with the appropriate court or approved program before enrolling for that purpose.

Is mediation confidential in Pennsylvania?

42 Pa.C.S. § 5949 generally protects mediation communications and documents from compelled disclosure and admission in proceedings. The statute includes specific exceptions, including settlement enforcement, certain criminal conduct, fraudulent communications relevant to a settlement dispute, and independently existing documents.

Can I use mediation training in workplace or business disputes?

Yes. Mediation and facilitated-negotiation skills can support HR, leadership, education, business, community, and other professional work. The nature of your role, relevant law, participant consent, and ethical boundaries remain important.

Can I take the course online from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or elsewhere in Pennsylvania?

Yes. VirNet's course is on-demand and accessible online. If your goal is a specific court program or professional designation, verify whether that program accepts online or asynchronous training before relying on the course for eligibility.

What should I do after completing the 40-hour course?

Build supervised or mentored practice experience, identify your intended mediation specialty, learn the applicable ethical and confidentiality rules, and contact the relevant court or referral organization to determine its precise qualification process.

This page provides general educational information, not legal advice or a claim of state certification, court appointment, or approval of VirNet's course for a specialized Pennsylvania program. Verify current requirements with the relevant 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.

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