The RPDR designation signifies a practitioner’s high level of competency and commitment to excellence in dispute resolution. It not only affirms that holders have undergone rigorous assessment and quality training, but it also highlights their proven ability to apply their skills effectively in professional practices. Benefits of obtaining this designation include exclusive membership perks such as discounts on CIIAN training programs, and the eligibility to offer coaching, training, and mediation services under the auspices of CIIAN. This designation elevates your professional profile, providing recognition of your expertise and ethical standards in the field of dispute resolution.

Relevant experience for the RPDR designation includes activities where individuals engage in a professional capacity to assist negotiations between two or more parties within a clearly defined dispute. These activities must adhere to structured conflict resolution processes and uphold the ethical standards as outlined by CIIAN, emphasizing neutrality and impartiality. This requirement ensures that professionals from various fields who contribute to resolving disputes can qualify for the RPDR designation, acknowledging the diverse applications of these skills across different professional settings.

1. The 80 hours of experience needed for RPDR eligibility primarily come from post-training practice and should cover a range of dispute experiences. While up to 27 hours (about one-third) may be gathered before formal mediation training, a minimum of 53 hours must be obtained after completing such training.

For further information, please contact CIIAN to request the “RPDR Dispute Resolution Experience Log Template.” This template offers detailed guidance on identifying qualifying experiences and accurately recording them to meet the eligibility criteria.

There are two paths to becoming a Registered Practitioner in Dispute Resolution (RPDR):

• Internal Training Path at CIIAN: This path includes completing CIIAN’s Learning Module One and Learning Module Two, followed by meeting the RPDR requirements outlined on this page.
• Path for Externally Trained Applicants: This pathway allows for applicants who have received their initial training outside of CIIAN. It involves completing CIIAN’s Learning Module One and undergoing an equivalency assessment for Learning Module Two, which includes a role-play assessment. After these steps, externally trained applicants must fulfill the RPDR requirements outlined on this page.

All RPDR candidates must complete CIIAN’s  Learning Module 1; however, equivalencies for Learning Module 2 are granted for external mediation training on a case-by-case basis. The evaluation process involves a detailed review of the external program’s content as well as an online role-playing simulation, demonstrating proficiency with CIIAN’s core competencies.  The standard fee for the equivalency assessment, including the role-playing review by CIIAN panelists, is $725. However, for external mediation programs that have been pre-approved by CIIAN, the fee is reduced to $325. Contact us for more information about your external training and the equivalency process.

Absolutely! CIIAN’s mediation program is accredited by IMI, enabling participants to either pursue the RPDR, the IMI Certified Mediator designation, or both.

No, there is no fee for renewal of the RPDR designation.  The only requirement is to self-report compliance with the Continuing Competence Program.

If you miss reporting compliance with the CCP, your designation will become inactive until CCP compliance is met.  Inactive RPDR’s are ineligible for membership benefits.  RPDR’s who do not report CCP for a period of three (3) years will be subject to a $225 RPDR reactivation fee.