CIArb - the professional home for all dispute resolvers
CIArb is the global membership body for everyone with a professional interest in dispute resolution - from the newcomer to the experienced practitioner.
Membership is open to practitioners of private dispute resolution (PDR), professional advisers and users, as well as those interested in the process of arbitration and other means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Joining CIArb is a public commitment to the profession of private dispute resolution (PDR) and demonstrates a quality and standard which is globally recognised.
Once in membership at any grade, CIArb provides a wide range of services, benefits and support.
Eligibility for membership
It is not imperative that you have experience of arbitration, mediation or adjuducation in order to join CIArb, as we do offer courses to suit the needs of all levels of knowledge and experience. For those who have little or no knowledge you are required to take an Introductory course for Associate membership.
There are three grades of CIArb membership. Entry into each depends on how much knowledge and experience you have in your field.
- Associate
- Member
- Fellow
In addition to being able to demonstrate that you are "in all respects a fit and proper person", you must be able to display (through assessment/examination and/or provide supporting evidence) relevant knowledge of private dispute resolution.
There are two routes to membership of the Institute:
1) Experience
If you can demonstrate knowledge and professional experience of private dispute resolution to the level of our examinations, you may be eligible for membership.
You will need to include supporting evidence with your application.
2) Qualifications
You may be eligible for membership if you have other qualifications which exempt you from the Institute's examinations. Please include supporting evidence with your application for membership.
If you are starting out on a secondary career path, CIArb offers courses and qualifications for arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators through its Pathways training programmes.
The Pathways qualifications (for membership) are:
- CIArb Introductory Certificates, for Associate grade (ACIArb)
- CIArb Advanced Certificates, for Membership grade (MCIArb)
- CIArb Diplomas, for Fellowship grade (FCIArb)
The courses you need to take are dependent on your qualifications and experience.
There are also accelerated routes available, for those with a background in arbitration, to gain direct entry to membership at a higher level.
Post-nominal letters are awarded as you achieve each grade of Institute membership.
How to join
You may apply for CIArb membership online or by downloading and returning the Application Form in the Resources section of this page.
More details can be found in the section: How to join.