How to become a mediator in Oregon
Who certifies or lists mediators in Oregon?
Each referring circuit court establishes its own mediation panel; panel mediators must meet qualifications set by rules adopted under ORS 1.002 (ORS 36.200). The court-connected mediator qualification rules are being revised (proposed UTCR Chapter 12 amendments).
This is general information, not legal advice. It covers Oregon only. Rules change, so check the official source before you enroll in a course.
What training and continuing education does Oregon require?
These are the court mediator credentials and rosters we could confirm from Oregon’s official sources. Where a detail isn’t confirmed, we say so instead of guessing.
| Credential or roster | Initial training | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|
| Court-connected general civil mediator (UTCR 12.060) Each circuit court's determining authority (presiding judge or delegate) under UTCR 12.030; panels required by ORS 36.200 | Basic mediation curriculum of at least 30 hours, including at least 6 hours of role plays (UTCR 12.100) plus court-system training of at least 6 hours, plus 2 hours outside small claims (UTCR 12.130) | 12 hours (18 hours in the first 2-year period if basic training was 30 hours; 1 extra hour per hour under 36) (UTCR 12.060(3)) (every 2 calendar years) |
| Court-connected domestic relations custody and parenting mediator (UTCR 12.070) Each circuit court's determining authority under UTCR 12.030 | Basic mediation curriculum (at least 30 hours, UTCR 12.100) plus at least 40 hours custody and parenting mediation curriculum (UTCR 12.110) plus court-system training (UTCR 12.130) | 24 hours (every 2 calendar years) |
| Court-connected domestic relations financial mediator (UTCR 12.080) Each circuit court's determining authority under UTCR 12.030 | Basic curriculum (at least 30 hours) plus custody and parenting curriculum (at least 40 hours) plus at least 40 hours financial mediation training (24 hours integrated, 6 hours in 3 role plays, 15 hours Oregon State Bar-accredited) plus court-system training (UTCR 12.080(2), 12.120) | 24 hours (every 2 calendar years) |
Other requirements
- Court-connected general civil mediator (UTCR 12.060): Observe 3 actual mediations and serve as mediator or co-mediator in at least 3 court cases observed by a qualified general civil mediation supervisor (UTCR 12.060(2)); subscribe to the ethics rules in UTCR 12.040
- Court-connected domestic relations custody and parenting mediator (UTCR 12.070): Master's/doctoral degree in counseling, psychiatry, psychology, social work, MFT or mental health; or law degree with family-law coursework/CLE; or other degrees with experience per UTCR 12.070(1). Experience: 20 cases/100 hours supervised (10 cases/50 hours custody and parenting, 3 directly observed), or 2 years FTE relevant experience plus 10 cases/50 hours (UTCR 12.070(3))
- Court-connected domestic relations financial mediator (UTCR 12.080): Same education as custody and parenting mediators; experience: 20 cases/100 hours supervised (10 cases/50 hours financial, 3 directly observed) or 2 years FTE plus 10 cases/50 hours; malpractice insurance of at least $100,000 or more if the determining authority requires; independent qualification review panel where mediators are contractors (UTCR 12.080, 12.090)
Do I need a state credential to mediate in Oregon?
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 Oregon or your profession has any rule that applies. See do I need a mediator certified in my state?
Official sources
- Oregon Judicial Department, ADR Programs
- Domestic Relations (Child Custody and Financial Issues) Mediation
- Proposed Changes to Court-Connected Mediator Qualification Rules
- ORS Chapter 36 (ORS 36.185-36.210, mediation in civil cases)
- courts.oregon.gov/rules/UTCR/2026_UTCR_ch12.pdf
Checked Oct 8, 2026. Found an error or a newer rule? Email hello@mediationlist.com.
See the 88 mediators on Oregon’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 Oregon and which requirements each one is approved for.