Part 1 — MCN Certification

1.1 Eligibility

To be eligible for MCN certification, an applicant must hold:

• A professional qualification in law, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, or equivalent commercial professional experience; and
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience; and
• Successful completion of the INDS™ methodology training programme

1.2 Assessment

MCN assessment comprises: a practical neutral evaluation exercise assessed by a FICM examiner; a written examination covering INDS™ methodology, ethics, and professional conduct; and a review of professional references and qualifications.

1.3 Annual obligations

• Minimum 10 hours CPD per year in ADR, INDS™, ethics, or sector development
• Annual renewal declaration confirming compliance with the Code of Ethical Conduct
• Payment of annual renewal fee

Part 2 — FICM Certification

2.1 Eligibility

To be eligible for FICM certification, an applicant must:

• Hold current MCN certification or equivalent senior ADR qualification; and
• Have a minimum of 5 years of active neutral practice; and
• Demonstrate senior-level experience in neutral evaluation, mediation, or adjudication; and
• Complete the advanced INDS™ assessment at FICM standard

2.2 Assessment

FICM assessment comprises: a supervised evaluation review; an advanced examination at FICM standard; a structured professional interview; and an independent assessment of professional experience and conduct record.

2.3 Annual obligations

• Minimum 20 hours CPD per year
• Annual renewal declaration
• Participation in at least one FICM community event per year
• Payment of annual renewal fee

Part 3 — Suspension and Revocation

Certification may be suspended or revoked by the Global Council on the following grounds: breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct; failure to meet annual CPD or renewal obligations; conduct bringing TheNeutrals.ORG™ into disrepute; failure to cooperate with a governance investigation; or any other conduct incompatible with the standards required of a certified neutral.

All suspension and revocation decisions are subject to due process — the neutral is given opportunity to respond before any determination is made. Appeal lies to an independent panel appointed by the Global Council.

Certification enquiries: [email protected]