Certification Requirements for Arbitrators and Mediators in Maryland

In Maryland, there usually is not a single statewide “license” you must hold to work as a private mediator or private arbitrator. The requirements mainly depend on where you want to practice (court-connected rosters vs. private work) and the type of cases you want to handle.

Mediators in Maryland

Private mediation
Maryland does not require a state license to mediate privately.
Helpful links (URLs):
https://www.mcdr.org/page-1320349
https://www.mdmediators.org/partners

Court-connected mediation (Maryland Judiciary rosters)
If you want court-referred cases, you typically need to meet Maryland Rule Title 17 standards (and sometimes additional local court requirements). A common baseline includes a basic mediation training (often 40+ hours), meeting roster eligibility requirements, agreeing to standards of conduct, and completing required continuing education.
Helpful links (URLs):
https://www.courts.state.md.us/macro/courtadrpractitioners
https://www.mdcourts.gov/mpme/become
https://mmacro.my.site.com/LightningMemberPortal/s/applications
https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/macro/pdfs/title17westlaw.pdf

Family mediation ordered by the court
Some family/custody mediation referrals have specific court processes and are often handled through court rosters.
Helpful link (URL):
https://www.peoples-law.org/family-mediation

Arbitrators in Maryland

Private arbitration
Private arbitration is generally governed by the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act, and arbitrators are usually chosen by the parties’ agreement (or appointed by a court if the agreed method fails).
Helpful link (URL):
https://codes.findlaw.com/md/courts-and-judicial-proceedings/md-code-cts-and-jud-pro-sect-3-211/

Program-specific arbitration (example: Consumer Protection arbitration)
Some Maryland programs have their own arbitrator qualification rules. One example is the Maryland Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division’s arbitration program, which has defined qualifications for volunteer arbitrators.
Helpful links (URLs):
https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/02.01.06.03
https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/02.01.06

Standards of conduct for court ADR practitioners
If you are aiming for court-connected work, Maryland’s standards of conduct are important.
Helpful link (URL):
https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/macro/pdfs/standardsfinal.pdf