How to become a mediator in Arkansas
Who certifies or lists mediators in Arkansas?
Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-7-101 to -104), housed in the Administrative Office of the Courts, certifies mediators and keeps the Roster of Certified Mediators for Circuit Courts; parties ordered to mediate may pick from that roster or use a non-roster mediator if the court approves (§ 16-7-202(c)).
This is general information, not legal advice. It covers Arkansas only. Rules change, so check the official source before you enroll in a course.
What training and continuing education does Arkansas require?
These are the court mediator credentials and rosters we could confirm from Arkansas’s official sources. Where a detail isn’t confirmed, we say so instead of guessing.
| Credential or roster | Initial training | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|
| Civil (circuit court roster) Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (AOC) | 40 hours | 6 hours (annual reporting period Sept 1-Aug 31 (up to 6 hours carry forward; new mediators exempt first period)) |
| Domestic relations Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (AOC) | 40 family (or 40 basic plus 20 family) | 6 hours (annual reporting period Sept 1-Aug 31 (up to 6 hours carry forward; new mediators exempt first period)) |
| Probate Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (AOC) | No statewide requirement found | 6 hours (annual reporting period Sept 1-Aug 31 (up to 6 hours carry forward; new mediators exempt first period)) |
| Juvenile (dependency-neglect) Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (AOC) | 40 family (or 40 basic plus 20 family) plus Commission course on Arkansas juvenile court system | 6 hours (annual reporting period Sept 1-Aug 31 (up to 6 hours carry forward; new mediators exempt first period)) |
Other requirements
- Civil (circuit court roster): Master's+, or bachelor's plus graduate certificate in conflict resolution, or JD (or demonstrated experience); observe/co-mediate 2 civil mediations; background checks; certify within 3 years of training; $75 application, $75 renewal
- Domestic relations: Bachelor's plus 2 years relevant work, or master's+, or bachelor's plus graduate certificate; observe/co-mediate 2 domestic relations mediations with AR-certified mediator; background plus child maltreatment registry checks; $75 fees
- Probate: Certified in civil or domestic relations division
- Juvenile (dependency-neglect): Same education as domestic relations; co-mediate 3 juvenile cases (at least 1 dependency-neglect) with a designated juvenile mentor; $75 fees
Do I need a state credential to mediate in Arkansas?
State credentials and court rosters mainly matter for court-ordered or court-connected cases, where a court may require a mediator from its own list. If you plan to mediate cases that people bring to you privately, check whether Arkansas or your profession has any rule that applies. See do I need a mediator certified in my state?
Official sources
- Arkansas Judiciary – Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR Commission)
- Directory of Certified Mediators
- ADR Commission rules and certification requirements
- Ark. Code Ann. § 16-7-202 (mediation statute, PDF)
- arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/CERTIFICATION 2018_2.pdf
- arcourts.gov/administration/adr/training
- arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/TRAINING 2009_0_0.pdf
- arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/Application for Mediation Course Approval (fillable).pdf
- arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/CME 2018_0.pdf
- arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/2025_Qualifying_Activities_for_Completing_CME_Hours.pdf
- arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/CME Forms & Instructions.pdf
Checked Oct 8, 2026. Found an error or a newer rule? Email hello@mediationlist.com.
See the 177 mediators on Arkansas’s official rosters →
MediationList Training is coming
We’re building online mediation training and continuing education courses. No dates yet. Join the waitlist and we’ll tell you when courses open for Arkansas and which requirements each one is approved for.