The Global Recognition of Integrity and Independence

Certification at THE NEUTRALS™ is not a course or a membership – it is an international recognition of professionals whose integrity, independence, and ethical standards strengthen trust and justice across borders.

Through a structured evaluation by the Independent Certification Board, qualified professionals earn the title:

Certified Neutral – THE NEUTRALS™
(with sector and country designation, e.g., Construction – India)

Each Bench is limited to 10 Certified Neutrals per country, per sector (practice area) ensuring exclusivity and the highest global credibility.

Across the world, courts, corporations, and communities are shifting toward prevention-first dispute systems.
They need trusted professionals, Neutrals – who embody integrity, impartiality, and deep subject-matter expertise.

Being certified as THE NEUTRALS™:

• Establishes your professional identity as a Neutral Practitioner.
• Signals verified ethics, expertise, and independence to institutions and clients.
• Connects you to a global ecosystem of certified professionals in over 100 countries.
• Opens access to international appointments in mediation, arbitration, evaluation, and preventive roles.

Certification is open to professionals who practise or aspire to practise as Neutrals in any jurisdiction, including:

• Mediators, Arbitrators, Conciliators, Negotiators
• Neutral Evaluators, Ombuds professionals, and Preventive Advisors
• Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers, Consultants, and other specialists with a focus on impartial dispute resolution

Applicants must demonstrate ethical standing, professional maturity, and a commitment to neutrality in practice.

Once certified, you receive:

• Digital Certificate of recognition as a Certified Neutral – THE NEUTRALS™.
• Right to use the THE NEUTRALS™ Mark alongside your professional credentials.
• Profile publication in the Global Registry & Sectoral Bench listings on TheNeutrals.org.
• Practitioner’s Kit – a co-branded professional booklet, 2-page brochure, and brand usage guide.
• Eligibility for appointments in mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation, and standing-neutral roles nationally and globally.
• Access to the global community of Certified Neutrals through forums, webinars, and thought-leadership platforms.

1. Submit Application
   Complete the online form with your credentials, sector focus, and supporting documents.
2. Evaluation by the Independent Certification Board
   Applications are reviewed on parameters of neutrality, ethics, competence, and professional integrity.
3. Notification
   Evaluations are typically completed within 5–7 working days.
   Candidates achieving a minimum 70% benchmark are invited to proceed.
4. Certification Confirmation
   Approved professionals are notified to complete the annual certification fee and receive the official certificate, registry listing, and authorization to use the mark.

• No payment is required at the application stage.
• Certification Fee: Payable only after approval; amount depends on category.
• Exclusivity: Limited to 10 Certified Neutrals per sector per country.
• Cycle Validity: Certification valid for 2025-26; renewable annually.
• Ethical Commitment: All Certified Neutrals agree to the Code of Ethical Conduct and Governance Framework of The Neutrals Organization.

1. Important Information

All applications are reviewed under the Certification Standards of THE NEUTRALS™.
Acceptance is based on professional qualifications, ethical standing, and commitment to independence, impartiality, and integrity.

Each application is evaluated by the Independent Certification Board, and outcomes are typically communicated within 5–7 working days.

2. Application Guidance

To ensure a complete and fair evaluation:

• Provide full details of your qualifications, experience, and professional background.
• Upload your CV or résumé (PDF) – strongly recommended.
• You may include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional website.
• Incomplete applications may delay evaluation.

3. Certification Categories & Fees

• The annual Certification & Bench Continuation Fee depends on category and experience level.
• No payment is required at the application stage.
• Once approved, candidates are invited to complete certification and pay the applicable fee before issuance of the certificate and designation.

4. Certification Term

• Certification is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
• Annual continuation maintains inclusion in updated sector panels, registry listings, and ongoing access to professional tools and global opportunities.
• Renewal reminders are sent well before expiry.

5. Questions & Support

If you have any queries about certification or your application, please contact:
contact@theneutrals.org

Q. Is this a training programme?
No, certification is a recognition of professional competence, not a course or workshop.

Q. Do I need prior experience?
Experience is considered, but ethics, integrity, and readiness for neutral practice are the core factors.

Q. What is the timeline?
Applications are reviewed within 5–7 working days of submission.

Q. Do I pay anything before approval?
No. Payment is only due after your approval and invitation to formal certification.

Q. What does the certification allow me to do?
Use the THE NEUTRALS™ Mark, appear in the Global Registry, and qualify for neutral appointments locally and globally.

Q. How is this different from membership?
It is not membership, it is formal professional recognition of your standing and credibility as a Neutral.