How to become a mediator in Iowa
Who certifies or lists mediators in Iowa?
No statewide certification: parties may choose the mediator or the court appoints one who meets qualifications set by the Iowa Supreme Court (Iowa Code § 598.7(4)(b), (5)); the statute bars requiring a particular professional license. Judicial districts keep mediator rosters (e.g., the Fifth Judicial District's Statewide List of Family Law Mediators).
This is general information, not legal advice. It covers Iowa only. Rules change, so check the official source before you enroll in a course.
What training and continuing education does Iowa require?
We found no statewide mediator license or certification in Iowa’s official sources. Courts or programs that use mediators may set their own rules, so ask the court or program where you want to work. Here is what the official sources say:
| Credential or roster | Initial training | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|
| No statewide credential; family-law mediator lists kept by judicial districts (e.g. District 5 'Statewide List of Family Law Mediators') Iowa Supreme Court sets qualifications (Iowa Code 598.7(4)(b),(5)); judicial districts keep lists | Not confirmed from the official source | Not confirmed from the official source |
Do I need a state credential to mediate in Iowa?
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 Iowa or your profession has any rule that applies. See do I need a mediator certified in my state?
Official sources
- Iowa Code § 598.7 – Mediation (Iowa Legislature, PDF)
- District 5 Family Law Mediation – Iowa Judicial Branch
- Iowa Code ch. 679C – Uniform Mediation Act (PDF)
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CourtRulesChapter/11.pdf
- legis.iowa.gov/law/courtRules/courtRulesListings
Checked Oct 8, 2026. Found an error or a newer rule? Email hello@mediationlist.com.
See the 322 mediators on Iowa’s official rosters →
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