Rule 12.100.Basic Mediation Curriculum
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 12.100
Plain-English Summary
The basic mediation curriculum is the common foundation beneath every approval in this chapter, and UTCR 12.100 describes it. The rule treats it as a single curriculum designed to integrate the elements it lists, consistent with any guidelines the State Court Administrator promulgates. It must be at least 30 hours, or substantially similar training or education.
Classroom time alone does not answer the rule. The curriculum must include training techniques that closely simulate the interactions that occur in a mediation and that give trainees effective feedback, and it must include at least six hours of participation by each trainee in role plays, with trainer feedback to the trainee and trainee self-assessment.
The instruction has to help a trainee gain an understanding of conflict resolution and mediation theory, prepare effectively for mediation, create a safe and comfortable environment, facilitate communication between the parties and between the mediator and the parties, use techniques that help parties solve problems and seek agreement, conduct the mediation in a fair and impartial manner, understand mediator confidentiality and the ethical standards for mediator conduct adopted by Oregon and national organizations, and conclude a mediation by memorializing understandings and agreements.
The rule also vets the teacher. A lead trainer must hold the general civil mediator qualifications in UTCR 12.060, except the requirement in UTCR 12.060(1)(a) to have completed this curriculum, and must have mediated at least 35 cases to conclusion or completed at least 350 hours of mediation experience beyond what UTCR 12.060 requires. On top of that, the trainer must either have served as a trainer or assistant trainer for this curriculum at least three times, or have served as a teacher for at least 1000 hours of accredited education or training for adults and have completed this curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Oregon's basic mediation training?
At least 30 hours, or substantially similar training or education. The length carries into later obligations as well, because UTCR 12.060 adds continuing education hours for a general civil mediator whose basic training ran shorter than the figure that rule names.
How much of the basic curriculum is role play?
At least six hours of participation by each trainee in role plays, with trainer feedback to the trainee and trainee self-assessment. The rule also requires training techniques generally that closely simulate the interactions of a real mediation.
What subjects does the basic mediation curriculum cover?
Conflict resolution and mediation theory, preparing for mediation, creating a safe and comfortable environment, facilitating communication between the parties and with the mediator, techniques that help parties solve problems and seek agreement, conducting a mediation in a fair and impartial manner, mediator confidentiality and the ethical standards adopted by Oregon and national organizations, and concluding a mediation by memorializing understandings and agreements.
Who is allowed to teach the basic mediation curriculum?
A lead trainer who holds the general civil mediator qualifications in UTCR 12.060, apart from having completed this curriculum, and who has mediated at least 35 cases to conclusion or logged at least 350 hours beyond what UTCR 12.060 requires. That trainer must also have led or assisted this curriculum at least three times, or have taught at least 1000 hours of accredited adult education or training and completed this curriculum.
Will a mediation course taken outside Oregon count?
It can. The rule allows substantially similar training or education in place of the basic mediation curriculum, and UTCR 12.060 repeats that allowance for general civil mediators. The determining authority under UTCR 12.030 decides whether a particular course is substantially similar.