How necessary is it that a mediator be “certified” or “credentialed?
The only requirement for people to do court-appointed mediations in the State of Texas is that they complete a 40hr. basic mediator training course. Most training organizations provide, as does El Centro College, a certificate of completion if a student successful attains the training. It is not necessary for individuals to be credentialed before they begin mediating in this state. However, we at El Centro College believe that a 40 classroom hour course does not a mediator make. It is our desire to move people toward becoming professionals and we encourage our students to acquire as much training and experience as possible to increase the quality of their skills and thinking. That is one reason for initiating our Conflict Management Specialist Certificate program.
