Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes - Module 2 Online
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Online
Certification Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes - Module 2 Online
Get your conciliation/mediation competencies formally assessed and earn an internationally recognised ITCILO Certificate of Achievement — entirely online.
21 September–16 October 2026
The course is available in English
Key Features
Formal skills assessment
Your competencies are evaluated against the internationally recognised ITCILO Matrix of Competences
Expert coaching
Coached and assessed role-plays with internationally recognised conciliators and mediators
Certificate of Achievement
Successful participants will be awarded an ITCILO Certificate of Achievement
Introduction to the course
Conciliation/mediation skills are not innate — they require study, self-reflection, and sustained practice. Designed by the ITCILO and the ILO as the practical continuation and formal assessment of Module 1, this Certification Course evaluates and strengthens participants' professional competencies as conciliators/mediators. It is the second step in the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path and requires prior successful completion of the Online Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes — Module 1.
Please note that this course does not grant professional accreditation or imply any right to employment with a dispute resolution body.
Who attends this course?
This course is designed for practitioners who have successfully completed Module 1 and are ready to have their conciliation and mediation competencies formally assessed in an online setting. Participants typically include:
- Staff of labour dispute agencies and ministries of labour
- Employers' and workers' representatives with experience in dispute resolution
- Industrial relations experts and practitioners
- Labour lawyers and practising conciliators/mediators
Admission requirement: Completion of Module 1 — Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes with an ITCILO Certificate of Participation is mandatory for enrolment.
Part of the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path
The ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path is a structured progression of courses designed to take practitioners from foundational knowledge to internationally recognised certification in labour dispute resolution. Module 2 is the certification step — the formal assessment of the skills built in Module 1. It is available in two formats: online (this page) and residential.
Words from the expert
"The course presents a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking to become labour mediators, backed by a credible institution, a reputable faculty, and a sustained commitment to advancing the standards of mediator training."
Mr Ebrahim Patelia.
Attorney, CEDR Accredited Mediator
Learning Path Progression
After completing Module 2, participants can enroll in Advanced Skills for Mediators: Effective Strategies for Conflict Management and Resolution - Module 3 Online to further refine, expand, and assess their advanced competencies on conciliaton/mediation.
What topics does this course cover?
- Conflict dynamic and conflict management
- Principles of conciliation/mediation
- Soft skills for conciliation/mediation
- Process management skills
- Problem management skills
- People skills
- Communication skills
- Effective skills, tools and strategies for conciliators/mediators
- Role-plays and practical exercises on conciliation/mediation.
Course Topics
By the end of this certification course on conciliation/mediation of labour disputes, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional-level competencies in conciliation/mediation assessed against the ITCILO Matrix of Competences
- Conduct full conciliation/mediation sessions across all stages of the ITCILO four-step process
- Apply advanced soft skills — active listening, reframing, and interest-based problem-solving — under assessed conditions
- Manage complex dispute situations including power imbalances, impasse, and high-conflict dynamics
- Reflect critically on your own practice through a structured Personal Development Plan
- Earn internationally recognised certification as a conciliator/mediator
Why join this course?
- Internationally recognised certification — Assessment against the ITCILO Matrix of Competences, the internationally accepted benchmark for conciliators and mediators.
- Expert coaching and feedback — Coached role-plays with internationally recognised practitioners who provide structured, individualised feedback.
- Small group setting — Intensive small-group format ensures each participant receives personal attention and maximum practice time.
- Gateway to Module 3 — Module 2 certification is the required prerequisite for Module 3 — Advanced Skills for Conciliators/Mediators.
Methodology
Building on the foundational knowledge and practical exercises acquired in Module 1, this Certification course - Module 2, focuses on the formal assessment of participants’ conciliation and mediation skills.
It involves approximately 30 hours of engagement and is delivered on the ITCILO e-Campus portal, accessible via computer or mobile device.
All course resources and tools are available on the platform, and learning combines: live sessions, role-play exercises, self-study and individual assignments.
The assessment is structured around three main components:
Role Plays
- Four exercises: two coached and two assessed live sessions.
- Participants act as conciliators/mediators through all stages of the process.
- Each session lasts four hours, in small groups.
- 100% attendance at all live sessions is mandatory.
- Preparatory sessions are provided for guidance and support.
Written Test
- Includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
- Focuses on key topics related to conciliation and mediation.
Personal Development Plan
- Participants reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement as conciliators/mediators.
- Participants outline how they plan to apply newly acquired skills in future professional practice.
- Role-plays (coached and assessed)
- Written test
- Personal Development Plan
- Attendance requirements
- Certification
Four exercises in small groups: two coached sessions and two formally assessed live role-plays. Each session lasts four hours. Participants act as conciliators/mediators through all stages of the process. Preparatory sessions are provided for guidance and support.
Multiple-choice and short-answer questions focused on key principles and concepts of conciliation and mediation.
Participants reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, and outline how they plan to apply newly acquired skills in future professional practice.
100% attendance at all live sessions is mandatory. Participants must have stable internet, a computer or laptop with a working camera, microphone, and headset, and a quiet environment.
Participants who successfully complete all components receive an ITCILO Certificate of Achievement, assessed against the internationally recognised ITCILO Matrix of Competences. Learn more about ITCILO digital credentials.
What Participants Say
The course was a highly positive experience that combined expert guidance with practical tools, supporting my development as a mediator by strengthening confidence, practical competence, and professional judgement in mediation practice.
Iva Rusan
Head of Sector Mediation, European Labour Authority
Language
The entire training programme is conducted in English. A good command of the language is required. This course is also available in Spanish.
Registration and Practical Information
How to apply
Click Apply Now and complete the online application form before the application deadline (11 September 2026). If sponsored by your institution, attach a sponsorship letter covering the course fee (€1,685). Applications are reviewed through a standardised selection process and successful candidates are notified individually. Questions? Contact socdial@itcilo.org. Course code: A9718876.
Admission requirement
Completion of Module 1 with an ITCILO Certificate of Participation is mandatory. Please upload your certificate when completing the application form. If you have not yet completed Module 1, consult the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path to find your starting point.
Payment and cancellation
The total fee must be paid in advance. To withdraw, notify the Centre in writing at least 14 days before the course start date. See the full payment and cancellation policy.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I join Module 2 Online without having completed Module 1?
No. Completion of the Online Course on Conciliation/Mediation of Labour Disputes — Module 1 with a Certificate of Participation is a mandatory admission requirement. The assessment in Module 2 builds directly on the skills and frameworks introduced in Module 1. If you have not yet completed Module 1, please consult the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path.
Is there a residential alternative to this online format?
Yes. The Full Certification Course — Module 1 and Module 2 Residential is a five-day face-to-face programme in Turin that combines both modules. It is open to participants who have only completed the free introductory self-paced course and does not require prior completion of Module 1 Online.
What does "formally assessed" mean in practice?
Your performance as a conciliator/mediator during the live role-plays is evaluated by qualified assessors against specific competency criteria defined in the ITCILO Matrix of Competences. You receive structured feedback after each session. A written test and Personal Development Plan complete the assessment picture.
What happens if I do not pass the assessment?
Participants who do not meet the required competency threshold will not receive the Certificate of Achievement. ITCILO assessors provide detailed feedback to support your continued development. You may apply to retake the course in a future edition.
Is 100% attendance really required?
Yes. Given the nature of the small-group role-play format, missing a session disrupts the entire group. 100% attendance at all live sessions is mandatory. ITCILO is not responsible for unsuccessful completion due to connectivity or technical issues on the participant's side.
Continue Your Learning Journey
After completing Module 2, advance to Module 3 — Advanced Skills for Conciliators/Mediators to further strengthen your professional practice in labour dispute prevention and resolution. This course is part of the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path — a structured progression embedded in the broader ITCILO Social Dialogue curriculum, grounded in ILO standards on collective bargaining and labour relations.
Browse the full catalogue of ITCILO Social Dialogue courses.
Ready to earn your conciliation/mediation certification?
21 Sep–16 Oct 2026 · Online · English · Limited places
