Using knowledge and experience: Entry requirement for Accelerated Routes to CIArb membership widened

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is one of the world’s leading providers of dispute avoidance, management and resolution (DAMR) training. It lays down a series of benchmarks for those wishing to practise as arbitrators or mediators, amongst other forms of DAMR. Different grades of CIArb membership can be attained by completing CIArb training, such as Membership (MCIArb) and Fellowship (FCIArb) of the Institute. These postnominals are worldwide marks of prestige and esteem.

CIArb’s courses cover online and face to face Introductory training, as well as in-depth, year-long ‘Pathways’’ in Construction Adjudication, Domestic and International Arbitration and Mediation. CIArb also offers a nine-day, intensive Diploma programme in International Commercial Arbitration in Oxford and in the Far East, and its DAMR training is provided through its network of branches across the world.

For those who already have experience, CIArb also offers accelerated programmes in the following forms of DAMR:

• Accelerated Routes to Membership (ARM) in Domestic Arbitration, International Arbitration and Construction Adjudication; and
• Accelerated Routes to Fellowship (ARF) in Domestic Arbitration, International Arbitration and Construction Adjudication

These programmes allow those with the requisite experience to undertake an accelerated assessment for CIArb membership or fellowship.

Previously, for the 2-day ARM, participants were required to show that they have a legal qualification and some knowledge of a form of DAMR; whereas the ARF required a legal qualification plus at least 5 years knowledge of a form of DAMR (having written at least one award or decision). However, the entry criteria for both programmes has now been broadened with a wider focus on experience rather than a legal qualification:

The Entry Criteria for the ARM is now:

• They have knowledge of the framework of domestic arbitration, international arbitration or construction adjudication;
• They can evaluate and apply the requirements and principles; and
• They can demonstrate awareness of the practical tasks required in preparing and processing a domestic arbitration, international arbitration or construction adjudication.

The widened Entry Criteria for the ARF is:

• Have a minimum of five years practical experience as an Arbitrator or Counsel;
• They have substantial knowledge of the framework of domestic arbitration, international arbitration or construction adjudication;
• Can recognise and evaluate evidence;
• They can significantly evaluate and apply the requirements and principles;
• They can noticeably demonstrate practical skill in carrying out tasks required in preparing and progressing a domestic arbitration, international arbitration or construction adjudication; and
• Successfully passed the Module 2 Online Exemption Test, showing that they understand both common and civil law of contract and tort.

These accelerated programmes are now available to those who have built up the requisite experience, for example, in construction adjudication or in commercial arbitration, and wish to convert their experience into globally-recognised membership.

Dr Paresh Kathrani, Director of Education and Training at CIArb, said that: ‘We are delighted to have widened our entry criteria for our popular Accelerated Routes programmes. The new criteria, which removes the need for a legal qualification, will allow all applicants who have acquired the relevant experience for MCIArb and FCIArb to apply for these programmes and obtain membership of CIArb. The Chartered Institute has a community of more than 16,000 members with knowledge in the fields of dispute avoidance, management and resolution and we look forward to welcoming more colleagues in the future.’

If you would like to attend any of these CIArb Accelerated programmes, please click here and contact Karen Cheel on educationteam@ciarb.org  or 020 7421 7439.