What is the Practicum Program?

The Practicum Program is designed to provide an opportunity for trained but inexperienced mediators to practice mediation skills in a high quality practicum environment. Practicum mediators participate in 10 Small Claims Court mediations of approximately 2 hours each, and are supervised by highly skilled and experienced mentors. Mentors assist the practicum mediators to prepare for and conduct each mediation, and provide constructive feedback following each mediation. Practicum mediations are scheduled in the mediation registries as listed in Rule 7.2 - Schedule C.

What are the entry qualifications?

Successful applicants will have a minimum of 5 full days of interest-based mediation training, including at least 10 hours of role-playing experience. Two or more courses that provide successive levels of training are acceptable to meet the minimum training requirements; two introductory level courses combined are not acceptable.

When does the next class start?

The next Practicum is scheduled to begin with two mandatory orientation sessions on September 16, 2008 and October 21, 2008. Length of time to complete the practicum depends upon mediator availability, volume of cases referred to the Program and cancellations of mediations by parties. The average time for completion is 4 to 6 months.

SPECIAL NOTE for applicants accepted into the Island Practicum: Your mediations will be scheduled on the Island and your mandatory orientation sessions/practicum meetings will be held in Vancouver.

How to apply?

To apply for the practicum, complete the application form and send it to the address provided on the application form, with a copy of your résumé, a passport-size photograph, and a cheque for $300. Please make the cheque payable to 'BCDRPS'.

What is the cost?

The fee for the practicum is $2,625 ($2500 plus 5% GST). A deposit of $300 is required with the application, with the remaining balance of $2325 due upon acceptance to the Practicum Program. If you are unable to participate in the practicum after being accepted into the Program, a request for a refund must be made in writing no less than seven days prior to the first mandatory orientation session, and there will be a cancellation fee of $300 charged. Cancellations less than seven days prior to the start of the program will be subject to a charge of $750.

Can I apply for Financial Assistance?

The BC Arbitration and Mediation Institute offers financial support for the Practicum Program for its members based upon financial need. Jump to bursaries for more information.

Will completion of the practicum qualify me as a Small Claims Mediator?

For those who are interested in working as a Small Claims Mediator, please note that completion of the Court Mediation Practicum Program does not guarantee qualification as a Small Claims Mediator; acceptance will be based on a number of criteria including need for additional mediators.

How to obtain further information?

If you have questions regrading your training qualifications or would like to receive further information, please contact the Court Mediation Program.