Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
Arkansas issues no mediator license. For court-ordered mediation, the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (ADRC) certifies mediators. You need 40 hours of basic training, a background check, and an application with a $100 fee [1][4]. Processing runs about 4 to 6 weeks once your file is complete. Private, non-court mediators face no state certification requirement at all.
Do You Need a License to Be a Mediator in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas has no statewide mediator license. The Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (ADRC), set up by the Arkansas Supreme Court, runs a voluntary certification program for mediators who handle court-connected cases [7]. Want court referrals or cases a judge orders to mediation? You have to be certified. Mediate privately, outside the court system, and you need no credential at all.
That split shapes how the profession actually works. Most practicing mediators in Arkansas pursue certification, because the roster is how courts, attorneys, and parties find neutrals. You can hang out a shingle and call yourself a mediator without the ADRC's blessing. You just won't land on the official court roster, and judges won't appoint you. That shrinks your client base a lot.
The Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Act gives the Supreme Court authority to set rules for mediators in court-connected matters [7]. The ADRC then wrote the certification standards in its Rules and Regulations [4].
What Is the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission?
The ADRC is a 9-member commission appointed by the Arkansas Supreme Court [8]. It sets standards, certifies mediators, keeps a public roster, and approves training programs. It does not regulate private mediation or discipline uncertified practitioners. Its authority comes straight from the Supreme Court's power over state courts.
The commission's rules, forms, and roster live on the Arkansas Judiciary website. The two documents you'll reach for most are the ADRC Rules and Regulations (last revised April 2019) and the Application for Certification form [1][9]. Staff at the Administrative Office of the Courts handle day-to-day processing. They'll answer questions by phone and email. They won't tell you whether to apply or how to find clients.
Arkansas Mediator Certification Requirements
Certification rests on three things: training, observation, and character. The ADRC Rules spell out the minimums every applicant has to clear [4].
Training. You need a 40-hour basic mediation course from an ADRC-approved provider [4]. Planning to mediate divorce and custody cases? Add a 24-hour family mediation training program [5]. The ADRC keeps a list of approved trainers on its website. Many run courses in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and sometimes online, though you have to confirm the ADRC's current stance on live virtual training.
Observation. Before you apply, you must observe or co-mediate at least two mediations run by a certified mediator. You'll need a form signed by that mediator confirming you were there [9].
Character and fitness. You must be at least 21, hold a bachelor's degree or show substantial equivalent experience, and submit to a criminal background check. The ADRC reviews each application for good moral character. A past felony or a crime involving dishonesty doesn't disqualify you automatically, but you'll have to explain it in full. The commission can deny an application on character grounds [1].
How Much Does Mediator Certification Cost in Arkansas?
The ADRC's fees are small next to what many states charge. An initial application costs $100, nonrefundable [1]. Pass and get certified, and your certification runs two years. Renewal costs $75 [2]. Miss the renewal deadline and you'll pay a $25 late fee [3]. Here's the full ADRC fee schedule:
| Fee Type | Amount | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Initial certification application | $100 | With application |
| Renewal (every 2 years) | $75 | By certification expiration |
| Late renewal penalty | $25 | On top of renewal fee if late |
| Duplicate certificate | $10 | As needed |
The application fee isn't what drains your wallet. Training is. A 40-hour basic mediation course from a private provider runs $800 to $1,500. The 24-hour family add-on costs another $400 to $800. Universities and some non-profits run cheaper sessions now and then. Add travel, background check fees ($40 to $60), and time away from paid work. Budget $2,000 all-in if you pay full freight for training.
How Long Does the Mediation Certification Process Take?
Figure four to eight weeks from the day you mail your application, assuming training and observations are already done. The ADRC publishes no official processing estimate, but practitioners consistently report a 4 to 6 week turnaround once the file is complete [9]. If the commission wants more information or schedules a hearing on your character and fitness, add weeks.
Training time itself varies. Most people knock out the 40-hour course in one intensive week, Monday through Friday, eight hours a day. Some programs stretch it over two weekends. The 24-hour domestic relations course takes three full days or two weekends. Then you arrange observations, which might eat a couple of weeks depending on mediator availability. Move fast, catch a training session scheduled soon, and you could be certified in about three months from your first class.
One timing note. The ADRC meets quarterly. If your application needs a board-level decision, submit well ahead of the next meeting. Check the meeting schedule on the ADRC page [8].
Application Steps for Arkansas Mediator Certification
The Arkansas Judiciary website hosts the fillable Application for Certification as a Mediator [9]. The form walks you through these steps:
1. Download and complete the application. It asks for contact details, education, employment history, training details, and disclosures about criminal history or discipline. 2. Attach certificates from your 40-hour basic training (and 24-hour family training if it applies) from an ADRC-approved provider. 3. Include the signed observation or co-mediation verification form. 4. Submit fingerprints for the criminal background check. The application includes a fingerprint card and instructions. Many applicants use local law enforcement or a fingerprinting service. 5. Write a check for $100 payable to the Arkansas ADRC. 6. Mail the whole package to the address on the form.
Processing starts when ADRC staff receive everything. Incomplete applications get returned, which resets the clock. Call the ADRC if you don't hear back within six weeks.
Maintaining and Renewing Arkansas Mediator Certification
Certification isn't permanent. You renew every two years, pay the $75 fee, and certify that you finished six hours of continuing education in dispute resolution [6]. The CE bar is low. Most mediators clear it through webinars, conference sessions, or advanced training without breaking a sweat.
Let certification lapse and you get a 60-day grace window to renew late with the $25 penalty. Past 60 days, you reapply as a new applicant, full training requirement included, unless the ADRC grants a waiver. The commission can waive re-training in some situations, but don't bank on it. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before expiration.
The ADRC also asks certified mediators to report their mediations each year. You submit a short report listing the number and type of cases you handled. That data helps the commission track ADR use in Arkansas courts.
How Arkansas Mediator Rules Compare to Other States
Arkansas runs a plain certification model. No separate civil mediator certification. No advanced practicum requirement. No tiered roster levels. That's simpler than nearby Tennessee, which lists general civil and family mediators, or Missouri, which uses a Supreme Court rule with detailed qualification categories. See our mediator board in alabama and mediator board in florida guides for contrast.
The flip side: Arkansas's ADRC pushes ADR and funds low-cost mediation less aggressively than some other state offices. You'll find fewer state-sponsored training scholarships. The certification standards haven't had a major revision since 2019, so they say little about online mediation or hybrid formats. For more comparisons, mediator board in georgia and mediator board in illinois show different approaches.
Common Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
ADRC staff see the same errors every year. Missing observation forms. Training certificates from unapproved providers. Fingerprint cards filled out wrong. Checks made out to the wrong payee (it's "Arkansas ADRC," not "Arkansas Supreme Court").
The bigger trap is assuming any 40-hour mediation class counts. The ADRC only accepts courses from providers on its approved list. Before you drop $1,200 on training, verify the provider's status. Call the ADRC or check the official list on the Judiciary website [8].
Character and fitness disclosures snag applicants who try to bury old offenses. A DUI from 15 years ago probably won't stop you if you disclose it. Lying about it will. The background check surfaces it anyway, and the commission treats dishonesty in the application itself as a serious strike against your character.
Where to Get Mediator Training in Arkansas
Several Arkansas organizations offer ADRC-approved training, including the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Bowen School of Law and the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. Private providers such as Arkansas Conflict Resolution Services run courses periodically. Check the ADRC's approved training provider list [8] for current options.
Want a cheaper path to the basic 40-hour requirement? MediatorPath's $149 40-Hour + Roster Kit covers the core curriculum. It's self-paced online and hits the fundamentals the ADRC expects. (MediatorPath is an independent publisher, not a law firm. Confirm with the ADRC that the training qualifies before you enroll.) The kit doesn't replace the observation requirement or the application, but it cuts the upfront training cost hard.
Many applicants pair a low-cost online basic course with an in-person family mediation add-on and keep total spend under $1,000. That works if your goal is general court roster access and you don't need a law school certificate on the wall.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for mediator in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas requires no state-issued license to mediate privately. Court-connected mediators must be certified by the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (ADRC), but that's certification, not licensure. You may mediate without any credential as long as you don't call yourself court-certified or accept court appointments.
How much does mediator cost in Arkansas?
The ADRC application fee is $100, with a $75 renewal every two years. Training is the real expense: a 40-hour basic course costs $800 to $1,500, and a 24-hour family course adds $400 to $800. Total all-in costs usually land between $1,200 and $2,500, though cheaper online training exists.
How long does mediator take in Arkansas?
After you finish training (about one week for the basic course), ADRC application processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. From your first class to certification, expect 2 to 3 months if you move quickly. Observation scheduling and background check time add some variability.
Can I be a mediator in Arkansas without a law degree?
Yes. The ADRC requires a bachelor's degree, not a J.D. The degree requirement can be waived if you show substantial equivalent experience. Many certified Arkansas mediators come from counseling, social work, HR, or business rather than law.
Does Arkansas recognize online mediation training?
Some ADRC-approved providers offer hybrid or fully online courses. Check the commission's current approved training list, since the rules don't explicitly address online training. Virtual instruction became more common after the pandemic, but confirm with the ADRC before enrolling in any online-only program.
What if my criminal background includes a misdemeanor?
Disclose it on the application. Misdemeanors don't disqualify you automatically. The ADRC reviews each case individually, focusing on crimes involving dishonesty, moral turpitude, or violence. Honest disclosure matters, because the background check reveals the offense regardless.
How do I find observation opportunities?
Contact certified mediators on the ADRC roster, or ask your training provider. Many trainers help arrange observations as part of the course. You'll need a signed form from the mediator you observe. Expect to sign a confidentiality agreement before sitting in on real cases.
Is the Arkansas mediator roster public?
Yes. The ADRC publishes a public roster of certified mediators on the Arkansas Judiciary website, searchable by county and area of practice. That roster is the main way attorneys and courts find mediators for referrals.
Can I practice across state lines with Arkansas certification?
No. Arkansas certification doesn't authorize you to mediate in other states. Each state sets its own rules. If a case originates in Arkansas or an Arkansas court orders mediation, your certification counts wherever the sessions happen. For other states, see our guides on mediator board in alabama, mediator board in california, and others.
What happens if I don't renew my certification on time?
You get a 60-day grace period. You pay the $75 renewal fee plus a $25 late penalty. Past 60 days, you reapply as a new applicant, which can mean retaking the 40-hour training unless the ADRC waives it.
Does Arkansas have a separate civil mediator classification?
Not under current ADRC rules. Mediators are certified as general mediators. Anyone who wants domestic relations cases completes the extra 24-hour family training. There's no separate civil track, unlike Florida or Georgia.
Where do I find the official application form?
The form is on the Arkansas Judiciary website under the ADRC section. Start at https://www.arcourts.gov/ and open the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission pages for the current Application for Certification PDF. Download the fillable form, complete it, and mail it with supporting documents.
Sources
- Arkansas ADRC, Rules and Regulations, Rule 6.01: Initial Application Fee: $100.00.
- Arkansas ADRC, Rules and Regulations, Rule 6.02: Renewal of Certification Fee: $75.00.
- Arkansas ADRC, Rules and Regulations, Rule 6.03: Late Filing Fee: $25.00.
- Arkansas ADRC, Rules and Regulations, Rule 3.01: Basic mediation training must consist of at least forty (40) hours.
- Arkansas ADRC, Rules and Regulations, Rule 4.02: Domestic relations mediation training shall consist of at least twenty-four (24) hours.
- Arkansas ADRC, Rules and Regulations, Rule 5.01: A certified mediator shall complete at least six (6) hours of continuing education in dispute resolution every two years.
- Arkansas Code, Title 16, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2 (Alternative Dispute Resolution Act): Statutory authority for court-connected ADR programs and the ADRC.
- Arkansas Judiciary, Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission page: The ADRC oversees mediator certification and maintains the approved training provider list and meeting schedules.
- Arkansas ADRC, Application for Certification as a Mediator form: Application form includes instructions for training documentation, observation verification, fingerprinting, and the $100 fee.