What are the requirements to become a registered mediator in Texas?

Texas does not have a single statewide mediator certification board or mandatory license for all private mediators. However, mediators who want to conduct court-referred mediations must meet requirements under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act. For most court-referred mediation matters, a mediator must complete at least 40 hours of training in dispute resolution techniques from a qualified training provider. For family disputes involving the parent-child relationship, additional training is required. This usually includes family mediation training and domestic violence training. In some situations involving unrepresented parties, additional family law training may also be required. Courts in Texas may also impose their own additional requirements. Voluntary credentialing is available through organizations such as the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, while professional groups like the State Bar of Texas ADR Section and the Texas Association of Mediators provide resources and standards for mediators.