The Chartered Professional Mediator (ChPM) designation is earned through a structured, competency‑based pathway known as the Seven Pillars. Each pillar represents a core component of professional readiness. Together, they ensure that every candidate demonstrates the training, experience, judgment, ethics, and practical skill required for advanced professional mediation.
These pillars reflect the standards outlined in the PMBS Application and Credentialing Handbook, including point requirements, hour minimums, documentation expectations, and the two formal assessments.
Pillar 1
Education & Professional Experience
Applicants must demonstrate a combination of academic preparation and relevant professional experience totaling 20 points. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Academic degrees
- Degrees in conflict resolution
- Management experience
- Community mediation experience
- Office or ADR‑related administrative roles
- Customer service roles involving conflict management
- Conflict‑resolution training roles
- Certification from approved performance‑based programs
- Mediation‑related college coursework
All education and experience must be documented and may be subject to verification.
Pillar 2
Mediation Training
Applicants must complete at least 240 hours of mediation‑related training, including:
- One required 40‑hour basic/formal mediation training
- Advanced mediation training
- Additional 40‑hour courses (up to four total)
- College or graduate‑level mediation courses
- Seminars, workshops, webinars, practicums, internships, and continuing education
Training must be documented with course titles, providers, dates, and hours.
Pillar 3
Experiential Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate active mediation practice through:
- 400 hours of mediation session time
- 40 cases resolved to the satisfaction of the parties
- Documentation for each resolved case (MOU or Agreement)
Experience must be verifiable.
Pillar 4
Mentorship, Internship, Supervision & Case Review
Applicants must complete 20 hours of structured professional development through:
- Mentorship
- Internship
- Supervision
- Case review
Documentation may include letters from supervisors, mentors, or mediators.
Pillar 5:
Testimonials, Reviews, References & Accreditations
Applicants must earn 20 points from at least two categories, including:
- Certifications or accreditations (5 points each)
- Letters of reference (2 points each)
- Client reviews (2 points each)
- Court roster inclusion (5 points each)
All items may be subject to verification.
Pillar 6
Written Examination
Candidates must pass the PMBS Written Examination, which includes:
- Multiple‑choice, true/false, fill‑in‑the‑blank, and short‑answer questions
- Content covering mediation principles, ethics, interpersonal dynamics, cultural competence, and practical skills
- Live‑remote proctoring
The exam must be passed before moving to Pillar 7.
Pillar 7
Performance‑Based Skills Assessment
After passing the written exam, candidates complete a performance‑based assessment administered by the Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution (MCDR). Requirements include:
- A one‑page Self‑Statement
- A live, observed mediation simulation
- Evaluation by trained assessors
MCDR reports only Pass/No‑Pass results.
A Complete Professional Standard
The ChPM designation is awarded only when a candidate successfully completes all seven pillars, demonstrating:
- Academic and professional grounding
- Extensive training
- Verified case experience
- Ethical readiness
- Mentorship and reflective practice
- Knowledge mastery
- Demonstrated mediation skill
This pathway ensures that every Chartered Professional Mediator has met a rigorous, nationally validated standard of competence.