Opinion ID: 1129427
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Initial Certification

Text: The certification application provided by the Dispute Resolution Center (Center) shall be completed by all individuals seeking certification, in accordance with the following procedures: Upon receiving the list of individuals completing training from a certified mediation training provider, the Center shall send to all individuals on the list an application and information on the certification requirements. An application shall be complete upon filing. However, if incomplete upon filing, such incomplete application may not remain pending for a period longer than one year. Any application pending more than one year from the date of original filing shall be denied and returned to the applicant. The one-year period shall be tolled during any review by the Center or Mediator Qualifications Board. Applications must include two original letters of reference attesting to the applicant's good moral character. These letters must be written by non-family members who are familiar with the experience and qualifications of the applicant. Any material misrepresentation by the applicant in the application process shall be automatically referred to the Mediator Qualifications Board.
To obtain certification, an applicant shall meet all certification requirements pursuant to Florida Rule for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators 10.100 and this order. These requirements shall apply to all persons seeking certification as a mediator effective August 1, 2006. However, an applicant may apply under the previous requirements for a period of one year from August 1, 2006. Attached is a table which illustrates the contents of this section. Any discrepancy between the table and this certification requirements section shall be resolved in favor of this section.