Certification
Board Certification
Board certification is the American Academy of ADR Attorneys’ credential for attorney-neutrals. It shows clients, counsel, and courts that a mediator or arbitrator has met objective standards for training and experience and has passed peer review by fellow neutrals. AAAA has long certified mediators and began certifying arbitrators in December 2025. Members may hold one or both credentials.
Approved by the Supreme Court of Iowa as a Certifying Organization
The Office of Professional Regulation of the Supreme Court of Iowa has approved AAAA as a certifying organization:
“As the duly appointed and serving Executive Director of the Office of Professional Regulation of the Supreme Court of Iowa, I hereby approve the American Academy of ADR Attorneys as a certifying organization pursuant to Iowa Rule of Court 32:7.2(c). Members it certifies may designate themselves to be specialists in the practice of alternative dispute resolution. This approval is ongoing unless and until the entity changes its certification requirements.”
Meet our current Board Certified Mediators & Arbitrators
Benefits of Board Certification
- The right to call yourself a specialist: because AAAA is an approved certifying organization under Iowa Rule of Court 32:7.2(c), members it certifies may designate themselves as specialists in the practice of alternative dispute resolution.
- A respected credential that tells potential clients you meet both objective standards and peer review.
- A listing in AAAA’s Board Certification directory on this website.
- An official credential badge to display in your email signature, on your website, and in your marketing.
- A commemorative plaque recognizing your board certification.
- A credential that stays current: certified neutrals renew each year with ADR-specific CLE and active practice, which gives clients added confidence.
Official AAAA credential badges, provided to certified members for their email signatures and marketing. A combined Arbitrator & Mediator badge is provided to those who hold both credentials. Badges may be used only by AAAA Board Certified members in good standing.
Requirements at a Glance
| Board Certified Mediator | Board Certified Arbitrator | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Approved 40-hour basic mediation course (at least 20 hours ADR theory, 15 hours practice exercises, 2 hours ADR ethics), with syllabus | Approved 16-hour basic arbitration course (or service on a national panel that requires it) |
| Experience | At least 25 mediations conducted | At least 15 arbitrations conducted |
| Peer approval | Recommendation from one AAAA Board Certified Mediator, plus three letters from attorneys or participants in your mediations | Recommendation from one AAAA Board Certified Mediator, Board Certified Arbitrator, or Board member, plus evidence of selection to a reputable, national arbitration panel |
| Bar admission | Letter of good standing from your state Supreme Court | Letter of good standing from your state Supreme Court (not needed if already a Board Certified Mediator) |
| Fee | $200 one-time ($50 if you already hold the arbitrator credential) | $200 one-time ($50 if you already hold the mediator credential) |
| Each year | 6 hours of ADR-specific CLE and at least 3 mediations; remain an AAAA member in good standing as a lawyer | 6 hours of ADR-specific CLE and at least 3 arbitrations; remain an AAAA member in good standing as a lawyer |
Cases may be listed by date, location, parties’ initials, and/or attorneys’ names to protect confidentiality.
How to Apply
- Review the rules for the credential you are seeking (downloads below).
- Gather your documents using the Application Checklist.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents, or email them to the AAAA Administrator.
- The AAAA Board reviews applications at its next meeting. Once approved, you will receive a payment link and your credential.
Annual Renewal
To keep your certification, complete six (6) hours of ADR-specific CLE and conduct at least three (3) mediations or arbitrations each year, and remain an AAAA member in good standing as a lawyer. Renewals are submitted through the same online application; select the renewal option. Arbitrator renewals begin in 2027.
Downloads
- Rules for Board Certification as a Mediator (PDF)
- Rules for Board Certification as an Arbitrator (PDF)
- Application and Renewal Checklist (PDF)
- Online Application for Board Certification (new and renewal)
Questions
Kathie A. CalkinsKeyes, AAAA Administrator
kcalkinskeyes@gmail.com · +1-520-818-8183