Month: February 2020

New York 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

NEW YORK / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION TRAINING

New York 40-Hour Mediation Training. Learn the process. Explore your pathway.

Build practical mediation skills online with VirNet's structured, flexible course. Explore active listening, impartial facilitation, negotiation, conflict dynamics, ethical practice, and durable agreements.

New York's Unified Court System has a specific training-approval and experience pathway for court-roster mediators under 22 NYCRR Part 146. VirNet's certificate documents course completion; it does not establish Part 146 course approval, court-roster eligibility, or appointment.

If your goal is a New York court roster or a Community Dispute Resolution Center, confirm acceptance of this specific course and delivery format with the intended program 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 New York?

Training for professional development, private mediation, and court-connected service can involve different approval and experience requirements.

01 / PRACTICAL SKILLS

Develop a sound foundation

Practice listening, reframing, interest exploration, caucus decisions, managing impasse, and helping participants evaluate options without directing their outcome.

02 / PROFESSIONAL USE

Bring mediation into your work

Attorneys, human resources professionals, educators, business leaders, and aspiring private mediators can build transferable conflict-resolution skills.

03 / COURT ROSTERS

Distinguish hours from approval

Part 146 requires approved training divided into basic and additional subject-specific components, together with recent mediation experience. Forty hours alone is not enough.

VirNet awards a certificate of completion. New York State's Unified Court System does not issue a general mediator certification through Part 146, and the certificate does not signify an approved Part 146 course.

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 YORK MEDIATION PATHWAYS

Where can mediation skills take you?

New York has distinct private, court-connected, community, and organizational pathways. Match the training you select to the role you actually want.

01

Private civil and business mediation

Parties may seek consensual mediation for business, employment, contract, organizational, and other disputes. Training supports good practice, but experience, subject-matter knowledge, and professional responsibilities still matter.

Part 146 governs specified court rosters; it is not a universal state-issued license for every private mediator.

02

New York trial-court rosters

The Unified Court System uses mediators for civil, family, and other case types. Under Part 146, qualifying court-roster training includes at least 24 approved basic hours and 16 approved additional subject-specific hours, plus recent relevant experience.

The court approves particular courses and trainers; acceptance and roster placement remain subject to local requirements and discretion.

03

Community Dispute Resolution Centers

New York's nonprofit Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) provide community and court-related dispute resolution services. Volunteer training, apprenticeship, and onboarding requirements are administered through the centers and their program standards.

The CDRC pathway is separate from Part 146 court-roster qualifications; ask your local center about training equivalency and apprenticeship.

04

Family, workplace, and organizational settings

Conflict resolution skills are useful in family conversations, workplaces, schools, nonprofit organizations, and professional practice. Specialized cases may require additional training, screening, professional expertise, or program authorization.

For family and matrimonial court rosters, check additional training and intimate-partner-violence continuing-education requirements.

Official New York resources: Part 146 rules Court neutral qualifications Find a CDRC

PART 146 AND LOCAL PROGRAM RULES

New York court-roster qualification involves approved training and experience.

Part 146 sets statewide baseline qualifications for covered court rosters. It expressly does not apply to neutrals serving through the Unified Court System's CDRC Program.

PART 146.4 / TRAINING

24 basic + 16 additional hours

Covered court-roster mediators need at least 24 hours of approved initial mediation training and 16 hours of approved additional training specific to the types of cases they will mediate. A single approved 40-hour program can sometimes meet both components.

Read Part 146 →
EXPERIENCE / APPOINTMENT

Recent cases and local discretion

Part 146 also requires recent experience mediating actual cases in the relevant subject area. Courts may have additional requirements, and placement on a roster is at the discretion of the local Administrative Judge.

Review roster qualifications →
CDRC / SEPARATE PATHWAY

Community-center training and apprenticeship

Community Dispute Resolution Centers follow a distinct pathway involving center-specific training and supervised practice. The New York State Dispute Resolution Association describes a 30-hour basic course and apprenticeship for volunteers; confirm current acceptance rules with your local center.

Find your local CDRC →

Course approval matters: VirNet's online 40-hour course is not represented as a Part 146-approved initial or additional mediation training program. Confirm the exact course, trainer, approval period, and delivery format using the court's approved-course list before relying on training for a roster application.

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 INFORMED CHOICE

Practice with impartiality—and know which rules apply.

Effective mediation requires impartiality, informed participation, appropriate screening, respect for party self-determination, and care in documenting any agreement. New York's court programs and particular mediation settings may impose additional ethics, disclosure, and procedural requirements.

Confidentiality is context-specific. Do not promise that every New York mediation communication is absolutely privileged or undiscoverable. Court program rules, agreements, applicable law, and exceptions can affect what may be disclosed. Explain the scope and limits of confidentiality before the process begins.

For covered Part 146 rosters, mediators generally must complete six hours of relevant continuing education every two years. Family and matrimonial court-roster mediators also have an intimate-partner-violence continuing-education component under court administrative 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.

NEW YORK MEDIATION TRAINING FAQ

Questions about mediation training in New York.

Understand the difference between a course-completion certificate, an approved court-training program, and experience-based roster eligibility.

Does New York issue a general mediator certification?

No. The New York State Unified Court System explains that it does not certify mediators under Part 146. Certain community centers and professional associations may offer their own certification or credentialing pathways, subject to their requirements.

Does VirNet's 40-hour course qualify me for a New York court roster?

Not by itself. Part 146 requires approved training and recent relevant mediation experience. VirNet does not represent this course as Part 146-approved. Courts may impose additional requirements, and roster appointments are discretionary.

What is the 24-hour plus 16-hour training rule?

Part 146.4(b) requires at least 24 hours of approved basic mediation training and 16 hours of approved additional training related to the subject matter of the cases to be mediated. A single approved 40-hour program may cover both, but not every 40-hour course is approved.

Can I use self-paced online training toward Part 146?

Approval applies to specific courses and trainers, not simply the number of hours or whether training is online. Before enrolling for a court-roster goal, check the Unified Court System's current approved-course catalog and confirm that the exact course and format are accepted.

How do I become a volunteer mediator at a New York CDRC?

Contact your local Community Dispute Resolution Center. CDRCs use a separate training and apprenticeship pathway; the New York State Dispute Resolution Association describes a 30-hour basic mediation course followed by an apprenticeship, with possible equivalency review. Ask the individual center about its current process.

Do I need mediation experience for a court roster?

Yes. Part 146 requires recent experience mediating actual cases in the subject area of the roster. Apprenticeships and mentorships can help newer mediators gain relevant experience, but local court programs determine what qualifies.

What continuing education do New York court-roster mediators need?

Covered roster mediators generally must complete six hours of relevant continuing education every two years. Family and matrimonial roster mediators also have a two-hour intimate-partner-violence continuing-education requirement within that period, which may count toward the six hours.

Is everything said in a New York mediation confidential?

Confidentiality is a central feature of mediation, but the applicable protection and exceptions depend on the program, governing law, and agreements. Ask which rules apply to your setting and avoid assuming that every communication is absolutely privileged.

Can I complete VirNet's course while living anywhere in New York?

Yes. VirNet offers online foundational training throughout New York. If you need acceptance by a particular court, CDRC, employer, or professional organization, verify that program's requirements before enrolling.

Educational information only; not legal advice or a representation of state approval. New York court rules and local program requirements can change. Confirm current criteria with the appropriate court or organization.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers before you enroll.

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

Is the course entirely online?

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

How do the three enrollment options differ?

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

Do I need a legal degree or prior mediation experience?

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

Will I earn a certificate?

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

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

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

Can I start a private mediation practice after the course?

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

How do the interactive role-play exercises work?

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

Can I study on evenings or weekends?

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

What if I have questions about my state or enrollment?

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

YOUR NEXT STEP

Start building your mediation skills.

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

Florida 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

FLORIDA / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION EDUCATION

Florida 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build skills. Understand the Florida pathway.

Learn to manage difficult conversations through VirNet's flexible, on-demand 40-hour curriculum. Explore the mediation process, negotiation, neutrality, ethics and practical role-play across ten progressive modules.

Florida has a distinctive Supreme Court mediator certification system. VirNet provides self-paced foundational education, not a Florida Supreme Court-certified initial mediator training program. Court certification requires additional category-specific steps.

If you intend to become a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, verify your intended certification area and approved training provider before paying for any course.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction
CHOOSE TRAINING THAT FITS YOUR GOAL

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in Florida?

A general mediation course and a Florida Supreme Court certified initial training program are not interchangeable. Start by choosing the kind of work you hope to do.

01 / FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS

Learn mediation and conflict resolution

Professionals in business, law, education, human resources and community work may value training in neutrality, listening, reframing, facilitated problem-solving and interest-based negotiation.

02 / COURT CERTIFICATION

Choose an approved Florida training program

For Florida Supreme Court mediator certification, the governing rules require a category-specific Florida Supreme Court certified training program, along with education, mentorship and other qualifications.

03 / ONGOING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Distinguish initial training from CME

Continuing mediator education (CME) is for maintaining an existing Florida certification. Rules allowing recorded presentations for certain CME activities do not convert a self-paced introductory course into approved initial certification training.

VirNet's completion certificate documents completion of its own educational program. It is not a Florida Supreme Court mediator certification, approval of a training program, or a guarantee of professional or court 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
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT CERTIFICATION

Five certification areas. Different preparation pathways.

Florida's Dispute Resolution Center administers five areas of Supreme Court mediator certification. Rule 10.100 requires different foundations for each. The initial training must be certified for the specific area sought; VirNet's general course is not a substitute.

01

County court mediation

Often associated with smaller civil disputes. A first-time applicant generally needs a high school diploma or GED and 100 points, including points for Florida Supreme Court certified county training, education and mentorship. Separate routes exist for certain mediators already certified in other Florida categories.

The approved county training-program standard specifies at least 24 instructional hours; course length alone does not establish certification eligibility.

02

Circuit court mediation

For general circuit-court civil disputes outside the family category. Initial applicants generally need at least a bachelor's degree, 100 qualification points, a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit training program and the required mentorship.

The circuit training-program standard specifies at least 40 instructional hours in a category-approved program, not simply any 40-hour online curriculum.

03

Family mediation

Florida has a specific certification category for family and dissolution-of-marriage matters. Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, 100 points, completion of a certified family mediation training program and required mentorship.

General mediation training should not be described as Florida Supreme Court-approved family mediation training without actual provider/program approval.

04

Dependency mediation

Dependency cases involve distinct legal, child-welfare and participant considerations. Certification generally requires a bachelor's degree, 100 points, an approved dependency mediation training program and mentorship satisfying the current rules.

Foundational skills can be useful, but they do not replace Florida's specific dependency requirements.

05

Appellate mediation

Initial appellate certification requires existing Florida Supreme Court certification in circuit, family or dependency mediation, plus successful completion of a Florida Supreme Court certified appellate training program.

A standalone basic 40-hour course does not meet the prior-certification requirement for this advanced category.

A CRITICAL FLORIDA DISTINCTION

Initial certification takes more than a completion certificate.

Florida evaluates the approved training program, the candidate's qualifications and the steps completed after training. That is why students pursuing court-connected certification should confirm the entire pathway before enrolling.

STEP 01 / APPROVED PROGRAM

Verify the provider and category

Florida's Dispute Resolution Center maintains information about Supreme Court certified mediation training providers. A general course offered nationally does not qualify as a certified Florida program simply because it is 40 hours long.

See certified providers
STEP 02 / POINTS AND MENTORSHIP

Meet the separate eligibility rules

Rules 10.100 and 10.105 specify education, training and mentorship points. Initial county certification generally uses 100 points with 60 mentorship points; family, circuit and dependency routes require 100 points with at least 40 mentorship points, alongside other category-specific minimums.

Review qualification materials
STEP 03 / CME IS A DIFFERENT PROCESS

Do not confuse renewal education with initial training

Florida permits several formats for continuing mediator education under its renewal procedures, potentially including recorded presentations. Initial certification requires a category-approved training program. VirNet does not promise that its course earns Florida CME credit either; eligibility should be checked in advance.

See CME guidance

Under the operating procedures effective May 15, 2026, applicants generally must submit their mediator certification application within two years of completing the requisite Florida-certified training program. Check all current rules and dates with the Dispute Resolution Center.

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.
FLORIDA MEDIATION LAW AND PRACTICE

National mediation skills still require Florida-specific legal knowledge.

VirNet teaches general mediation competencies: neutrality, self-determination, communication, negotiation, ethics, and structured practice. Those skills have wide professional value, but someone mediating in Florida must also understand the requirements that govern the actual setting in which they work.

Florida Statutes Chapter 44 addresses court-connected mediation and the state's Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act. Section 44.405 establishes confidentiality and privilege rules subject to important exceptions. Florida Supreme Court-certified and court-appointed mediators are also subject to the Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, including standards of impartiality, disclosure and professional conduct.

These are Florida-specific sources. Studying a general discussion of the Uniform Mediation Act does not, by itself, explain Florida's governing rules. A course completion certificate also does not confer Florida Supreme Court certification or guaranteed court eligibility.

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 / FLORIDA

Questions about Florida mediation training and court certification.

These answers distinguish the general skills covered by VirNet's self-paced curriculum from the requirements Florida imposes for its Supreme Court mediator certification categories.

Is VirNet a Florida Supreme Court-certified mediator training provider?

VirNet offers a self-paced 40-hour foundational education program and does not represent this course as a Florida Supreme Court-certified initial mediation training program. For Florida Supreme Court mediator certification, review the Dispute Resolution Center's current certified training-provider list and the category-specific rules before enrolling.

Does completing this course make me a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator?

No. Completing VirNet's curriculum documents educational achievement within VirNet's program. Florida Supreme Court certification requires completion of the particular Florida-certified training program and the other applicable education, qualification-point, mentorship, character and application requirements.

What categories of Florida mediator certification exist?

Florida recognizes county court, circuit court, family, dependency and appellate certification categories. The initial route and approved program are different for each; appellate certification additionally requires an existing family, dependency or circuit certification.

Does the Florida Supreme Court require every student to complete a 40-hour course?

No. Required initial certified-program hours differ by category. Florida's published certified training-program standards provide a minimum of 24 instructional hours for county programs and 40 hours for family, circuit and dependency programs; appellate training has a separate standard. Hours alone are not proof that a provider or program is approved.

Can I take self-paced mediation training for general professional development in Florida?

Yes. VirNet's on-demand curriculum can be useful for negotiation, communication, structured dialogue, neutrality and conflict-management skills in a variety of professional settings. That educational value is different from qualifying for a particular Florida court certification.

What are Florida's training and mentorship points?

Under Rule 10.100, first-time county applicants generally need 100 points with defined training, education and mentorship minimums, including 60 mentorship points. First-time circuit, family and dependency applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and 100 points, including 30 points for category-specific certified training and at least 40 mentorship points, plus other minimums. Review your individual pathway with the Dispute Resolution Center.

Is online learning ever allowed for Florida mediator certification training?

Florida has certified training providers offering online programs, but online delivery does not mean that any independently paced course is accepted. The actual program must be Florida Supreme Court certified for the category sought and comply with its approval and participation standards.

Can VirNet's course be used for Florida continuing mediator education (CME)?

Do not assume it will count. Florida has separate CME requirements for maintaining certification, and its rules permit several educational formats. Whether a particular course or activity qualifies for CME must be evaluated against the current CME criteria; VirNet does not guarantee Florida CME credit.

What Florida law should aspiring mediators study?

Florida Statutes Chapter 44 and the Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act, especially sections 44.401 through 44.406, are important starting points. Florida Supreme Court certified and court-appointed mediators must also comply with the Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, including their standards on neutrality and confidentiality.

How do I decide which VirNet training tier is appropriate?

All three VirNet options share the same foundational 40-hour curriculum. Self-Directed ($775) is designed for independent study; Instructor-Guided ($1,475) adds individualized assignment feedback; Private Coaching ($3,275) adds five private coaching sessions. None of these options independently changes the course into a Florida Supreme Court certified initial training program. If that credential is your goal, choose a Florida-certified program for your category.

If your main objective is Florida Supreme Court certification, check the current certified training-provider list and contact the Florida Dispute Resolution Center 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.

Texas 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

TEXAS / 40-HOUR ONLINE MEDIATION EDUCATION

Texas 40-Hour Mediation Training. Learn the skills. Understand the requirements.

Develop a practical foundation in mediation through VirNet's flexible, on-demand 40-hour curriculum. Learn communication, ethics, negotiation, and mediation process skills through ten progressive modules and realistic simulations.

Texas makes important distinctions among private practice, court appointment, and voluntary professional credentialing. Our self-paced course is educational training, not an automatic path to TMCA credentialing or appointment to a Texas court roster.

The Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable and Texas Mediator Credentialing Association currently require fully live, interactive 40-hour training under their standards. VirNet's on-demand, AI-assisted format should not be treated as meeting that requirement.

40 hoursFoundational mediation training
10 modulesProgressive learning and practice
OnlineSelf-paced course access
3 optionsChoose your level of instruction
CHOOSE TRAINING FOR YOUR ACTUAL GOAL

What can a 40-hour course mean in Texas?

The answer depends on your intended work. Texas does not issue a general state mediator license, but a court, dispute-resolution center, employer, or credentialing organization may impose its own requirements.

01 / PRACTICAL DEVELOPMENT

Learn mediation skills

Self-paced study can strengthen negotiation, de-escalation, neutrality, and process-management skills for professionals in law, human resources, education, counseling, and business.

02 / COURT APPOINTMENTS

Ask the appointing court

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §154.052 addresses training for court-appointed impartial third parties, including approval of the training organization by the court. Do not assume that any 40-hour certificate will be accepted.

03 / VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING

Check TMCA's live-training standard

The Texas Mediator Credentialing Association uses its own standards, including a fully live and interactive training requirement. VirNet's asynchronous format does not satisfy that requirement as currently described.

A VirNet completion certificate documents successful completion of VirNet's curriculum. It does not constitute a State of Texas license, TMCA credential, TMTR approval, or a promise of acceptance by a Texas court.

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
TEXAS MEDIATOR QUALIFICATIONS

Four settings. Different standards and decision-makers.

Separating these pathways helps prospective students choose training responsibly. Course hours alone do not establish eligibility for a particular role.

01

Private mediation and professional development

Texas does not generally license mediators through a state occupational-licensing agency. People may seek mediation education for private practice, organizational conflict resolution, or professional skill building. Clients and referral sources may still expect training, experience, ethics, insurance, and subject-matter competence.

VirNet offers foundational education; its completion certificate is not a public credential or evidence of court approval.

02

Court-appointed impartial third parties

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §154.052(a), ordinary court appointment generally requires at least 40 classroom hours of dispute-resolution training through an ADR system or other organization approved by the appointing court. The statute also provides a discretionary exception in appropriate circumstances.

Ask the court whether it accepts your proposed provider, delivery format, supervised experience, and certificate before enrolling for this purpose.

03

TMCA voluntary mediator credentials

TMCA offers voluntary professional credential designations. Its published standards require 40-hour basic training that is fully live and interactive, and higher credential designations require additional mediation experience or advanced training.

VirNet's on-demand program is not represented as TMCA-accepted training; an asynchronous course is not equivalent to live interaction under TMCA's current standard.

04

Family and parent-child dispute mediation

For court appointment in parent-child disputes, §154.052(b) calls for the general training plus an additional 24 hours in family dynamics, child development, and family law, including at least four hours of specified family-violence dynamics instruction. Separately, TMTR maintains a 30-hour family mediation training standard.

These are distinct requirements; VirNet's foundational 40-hour course does not supply the statutory additional family training.

A CRITICAL FORMAT DISTINCTION

Self-paced and live-interactive training are not interchangeable.

VirNet's curriculum uses recorded instruction and AI-assisted practice that students complete on their own schedules. That flexibility can be useful for skills development, but it does not transform the course into the synchronous instruction required by Texas professional standards.

TMTR / MAY 2025 GUIDANCE

Online is possible; asynchronous is different

TMTR's current guidance recognizes online training conducted live and interactively for the entirety of the course, with a trainer affirming compliance. A self-paced recorded course with AI simulations should not be presented as meeting that standard.

Read TMTR's format guidance
TMCA / VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING

Accepted basic training has separate criteria

TMCA states that basic mediation training for its credentials must be fully live and interactive. Its list of accepted training providers and application standards are separate from VirNet's general foundational program.

Review TMCA-accepted training
FAMILY MEDIATION

Additional hours are required for some roles

The Texas court-appointment statute specifies 24 additional family-related hours and four hours addressing family-violence dynamics. TMTR's separate family-training standard describes a 30-hour family course. Students should ask which standard their intended court or program applies.

Review TMTR family training guidance

If your primary goal is TMCA credentialing or a court-connected mediator appointment, obtain the relevant program's specific training requirements first. VirNet can explain its course but cannot determine acceptance on behalf of TMCA, TMTR, or a court.

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.
TEXAS-SPECIFIC PRACTICE AND ETHICS

Use national skills while learning the rules that govern your intended work.

VirNet's ten-module curriculum teaches mediator neutrality, process structure, communication, negotiation, and ethics. Texas practitioners also need familiarity with Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 154, including statutory provisions concerning impartial third parties and mediation confidentiality.

Texas-specific training may also cover professional conduct expectations, referral procedures, court rules, documentation, and local dispute-resolution center policies. These subjects are not automatically satisfied by studying general mediation theory or the Uniform Mediation Act.

TMTR publishes a two-hour Texas-specific mediator short-course standard for individuals whose prior qualifying training lacked Texas-specific content. That short course should not be assumed to cure a separate failure to meet the fully live and interactive basic-training requirement. Confirm eligibility with TMCA or the intended court before relying on it.

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.

TEXAS MEDIATION TRAINING FAQ

Questions about training, courts, and credentials in Texas.

These answers distinguish what VirNet's self-paced course teaches from the qualifications that courts and professional organizations may require.

Does Texas have a general state-issued mediator license?

No. Texas does not have a general state agency that licenses all mediators. Nevertheless, eligibility for court appointments, dispute-resolution centers, private panels, and TMCA professional credentials can involve training, experience, and other requirements.

Does VirNet's on-demand 40-hour course qualify me for TMCA credentialing?

It should not be treated as qualifying basic training under TMCA's current standards. TMCA requires its accepted 40-hour basic training to be fully live and interactive. VirNet's independently paced recorded instruction and AI-assisted practice are not equivalent to that live format. Confirm current requirements directly with TMCA.

Will a Texas court accept this course for appointment under section 154.052?

Do not assume so. Section 154.052(a) generally requires at least 40 classroom hours from an ADR system or organization approved by the appointing court, subject to statutory exceptions. A particular court must determine what it accepts, including the provider and training format. VirNet does not promise court approval.

Does TMTR approve a fully self-paced course with AI-assisted role-plays?

TMTR's published guidance states that online training meeting its standards is conducted live and interactively throughout. An asynchronous course with AI role-play simulations should not be represented as TMTR-approved merely because the simulations are interactive.

What additional training does Texas require for parent-child mediation?

For court appointment in disputes relating to the parent-child relationship, section 154.052(b) specifies the basic training plus an additional 24 hours in family dynamics, child development, and family law, including at least four hours of specified family-violence dynamics instruction. TMTR separately publishes a 30-hour family mediation training standard. VirNet's basic course is not a substitute for those additional requirements.

Can I use the course for professional development even if I do not seek a court credential?

Yes. Learners may take VirNet's 40-hour curriculum to develop foundational mediation, communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. Whether a particular employer, association, licensing board, or continuing-education program gives credit is a separate decision to verify beforehand.

What is the TMTR Texas-specific two-hour short course?

TMTR describes a two-hour program focusing on Texas ADR law, ethics, and professional considerations for learners whose prior training otherwise meets the relevant basic-training standards except for Texas-specific elements. It is not a general substitute for required live and interactive basic training; ask TMCA or the relevant court whether it can help in your circumstances.

Does the Instructor-Guided or Private Coaching tier satisfy TMCA's live-training requirement?

Not automatically. Although those tiers include individualized feedback or private coaching, the underlying basic 40-hour curriculum remains self-paced. Supplemental meetings should not be represented as converting the entire program into the fully live, interactive training required by TMCA.

What certificate does VirNet provide?

After meeting the program's completion requirements, learners may receive documentation of completion of VirNet's foundational 40-hour curriculum. The certificate is not issued by the State of Texas, TMTR, or TMCA and does not itself create eligibility for a court roster or professional credential.

How do I decide whether to enroll?

Identify your immediate goal. For foundational skill development, review VirNet's curriculum and three levels of instructor support. For court appointment or credentialing, obtain the governing body's training standards first and choose a course that satisfies them. You can send VirNet those requirements and ask about our course's specific format.

Texas is a state where the delivery format matters. If court approval or TMCA credentialing is your primary objective, confirm the fully live and interactive training requirements before purchasing 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.

California 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

CALIFORNIA / ONLINE & ON-DEMAND MEDIATION EDUCATION

California 40-Hour Mediation Training. Build skills. Know your pathway.

Explore a practical, self-paced 40-hour mediation course for California professionals and aspiring mediators. Learn core conflict-resolution skills through progressive instruction and interactive simulations, with three options for instructor support.

California has several distinct mediation pathways. Court panels and publicly funded programs set their own qualifications, so this course is a foundation for learning, not an automatic state license or panel credential.

Online enrollment is available nationwide. Students should confirm any required live instruction, observation, experience, or court approval directly with their intended California program before enrolling.

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

What does 40-hour mediation training mean in California?

The answer depends on the type of mediation you want to do. A foundational certificate documents course completion; it does not by itself establish eligibility for every California program.

01 / PRIVATE PRACTICE

Independent mediation services

Learn the basic process, ethics, communication techniques, and practical skills relevant to private mediation. Professional readiness also depends on competence, experience, and the work you plan to accept.

02 / CIVIL COURT PANELS

County-specific qualifications

California superior courts establish eligibility criteria for their civil mediator panels. Training hours may be one part of the requirements, alongside experience, applications, and other conditions.

03 / COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

DRPA-funded services

Programs governed by California's Dispute Resolution Programs Act regulations have particular training requirements, including practical components that must be checked separately.

You can use VirNet's on-demand curriculum to develop skills while separately verifying the eligibility standards of your intended program. The course is not advertised as a California court-approved or DRPA-approved provider 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
CALIFORNIA MEDIATOR QUALIFICATIONS

Four different settings. Four different questions to ask.

California mediation is not governed by one universal 40-hour certification rule. The program or practice setting determines which additional requirements matter.

01

Private civil and workplace mediation

Individuals may pursue private mediation in business, employment, housing, family, and organizational settings. A foundation course can help develop core skills, but training alone does not establish competence for every type of case or confer a special statewide license.

Consider supervised experience, subject-matter education, ethical practices, and professional liability protection appropriate to the work.

02

Superior court civil mediation panels

Under California Rule of Court 10.781, each superior court operating or recommending a general civil mediator list sets minimum qualifications. Some courts require 40 hours of mediation training; others also require actual mediation experience or additional criteria.

Confirm the current requirements with the specific county court before assuming any online course will qualify.

03

DRPA-funded community mediation

California's Dispute Resolution Programs Act regulations, including title 16, section 3622, provide for at least 25 hours of classroom and practical training for funded programs. The regulations include practical components involving role-plays and observation of dispute-resolution services.

AI-assisted, on-demand simulations should not be presumed equivalent to a program's required observations or facilitated practical training.

04

Court-connected child custody mediation

Family Court Services mediation is a specialized professional role. Rule 5.210 addresses training and continuing education for court-connected custody and visitation mediators, including 40 hours of specialized training within six months of initial employment.

VirNet's general foundational course does not replace specialized custody training, hiring qualifications, or continuing education.

WHY COUNTY MATTERS

A 40-hour course may be a beginning, not the final application.

These examples illustrate why California applicants should check the court or panel they plan to join. The examples are not a guarantee that VirNet's asynchronous course will be accepted by those programs.

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Training plus experience

Alameda's published court mediation panel qualifications provide a 40-hour training pathway, including a single 40-hour course, and additional mediation-experience qualifications or alternative pathways.

Read Alameda's qualifications
VENTURA COUNTY

Formal training and prior cases

Ventura's court-ordered civil mediation program lists 40 hours of formal training from a recognized provider, completed mediations, references, and a panel application, among other requirements.

Review Ventura's published requirements
YOUR TARGET PROGRAM

Ask about delivery format

Beyond total hours, ask whether the program accepts fully asynchronous learning and AI-assisted role-play, or requires live instruction, observed mediations, or evaluated performance.

Use our verification checklist

Court and panel standards can change. The court's currently published application and instructions control; obtain confirmation directly from the program.

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Let's discuss your training goals.

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

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

General VirNet contact page

Ask about the 40-hour course

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

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

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

Practice difficult conversations before mediating real ones.

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

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

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

A PRACTICE-ORIENTED DESIGN

From understanding a technique to trying it.

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

A national foundation, with California-specific responsibilities.

VirNet's ten-module curriculum includes mediator ethics, confidentiality, negotiation, and a unit on the Uniform Mediation Act. California, however, has its own mediation-confidentiality framework, principally Evidence Code sections 1115-1128.

Professionals intending to mediate California disputes should study the state's applicable legal framework rather than assume the Uniform Mediation Act governs their cases. They should also understand the confidentiality rules, the limits on what a mediator may report, and any requirements imposed by a court or agency.

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.

CALIFORNIA TRAINING FAQ

Common questions from California students.

The answers below address California-specific qualifications; refer to the national course FAQs for curriculum and enrollment details.

Does California require every mediator to have a state-issued certification?

California does not have one universal statewide mediation certification covering every private and court-connected setting. Particular court panels, community programs, employers, and specialized roles may impose their own standards. Determine which setting you intend to enter before selecting training.

Will VirNet's 40-hour certificate automatically place me on a California superior court mediator panel?

No. County superior courts establish and administer their own civil mediator qualifications. Training may be necessary, but a panel may also require experience, particular curriculum content, an application, references, and compliance with ethical standards. A completion certificate is not a court appointment.

Does an on-demand course satisfy California DRPA-funded program requirements?

Not automatically. California regulations for DRPA-funded dispute-resolution programs specify training and practical components, including role-plays and observation. The intended grantee program must determine whether a particular course and any supplemental training meet its requirements. VirNet's AI-assisted scenarios should not be assumed to replace required observation or live practical work.

Is this the specialized training required for Family Court Services custody mediators?

No. Court-connected custody and visitation mediation is subject to specialized employment, training, supervision, and continuing-education requirements under California Rule of Court 5.210 and related authority. VirNet's general course is not a substitute for that pathway.

Can I practice private mediation after completing the course?

The course provides a foundation for further development, not a determination that a graduate is competent for every dispute type. Practical readiness depends on case complexity, impartiality, ethical conduct, subject-matter understanding, experience, and any applicable program or professional requirements.

Why does California confidentiality law matter if the curriculum includes the Uniform Mediation Act?

California has its own mediation statutes, including Evidence Code sections 1115-1128. A national course's discussion of the Uniform Mediation Act is educational, but California mediators must separately understand and follow the California law applicable to their matters.

What if a county program requires observed or live role-play sessions?

Verify that requirement directly with the program. VirNet's online simulated mediations provide useful practice but are not represented as a replacement for a court's required observed cases, supervised mediation, or instructor-led live evaluation.

Which enrollment tier should I choose as a California student?

The Self-Directed tier offers the full curriculum independently. Instructor-Guided adds individualized assignment feedback, while Private Coaching adds five one-to-one sessions. These options differ in instructional support, not in automatic California court recognition. If panel eligibility is your primary goal, check the panel's training-format rules first.

Still comparing requirements? Use the training inquiry form above and include the name of the California county court or program you hope to join.
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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