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 COMPETENCIES FORMALLY ASSESSED
21 September–16 October 2026
The course is available in English
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How can effective conciliation/mediation prevent workplace conflict from escalating into major labour disputes?
Find out in Module 2 of the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Certification Path—an intensive, interactive program where dispute resolution professionals and labour administrators refine their soft skills, undergo rigorous formal assessment, and earn an internationally recognized credential.
At a glance
Format
Online
Duration
~60 hours over 4 weeks
Prerequisite
Completion of Module 1
Outcome
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
- Practitioners
- Labour lawyers and practising conciliators/mediators
Admission Requirements
Completion of Module 1 with an ITCILO Certificate of Participation is mandatory to join Module 2 Online.
Module 2 is the formal assessment of the skills built in Module 1 — and is available in two formats: online (this page) or residential (Full Certification Course).
Haven't completed Module 1?
Consult the ITCILO Conciliation/Mediation Learning Path to find the nearest edition of Module 1 online or apply for the Full Certification that combines Module 1 and Module 2.
Why Join ?
Formal assessment
Your conciliation/mediation skills are formally assessed through live role-plays, a written test, and a Personal Development Plan.
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.
Expert coaching and feedback
Practise in coached and assessed role-plays with internationally recognised conciliators and mediators, and receive structured, individualised feedback.
Gateway for Module 3
Module 2 certification is the required prerequisite for Module 3 — Advanced Skills for Conciliators/Mediators, your next step to expertise.
Voices from the course
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
Course Topics
1. Conflict dynamics and conflict management
Advanced application of conflict analysis frameworks. Participants learn to identify escalation patterns and selecting appropriate intervention strategies in live dispute scenarios, grounded in ILO guidance on labour dispute prevention and resolution.
2. Principles and ethics of conciliation/mediation
Deepening understanding of neutrality, impartiality, confidentiality, and voluntariness, aligned with ILO standards on collective bargaining and labour relations — including Convention No. 154. These principles are applied under assessment conditions in coached and evaluated role-plays.
3. Soft skills for conciliation/mediation
Advanced active listening, reframing, empathy, and trust-building in high-pressure dispute scenarios.
4. Process, problem, and people management skills
Full application of the ITCILO four-step process across all stages; managing power imbalances, impasses, and emotionally complex situations under assessment conditions.
5. Role-plays and formal assessment exercises
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.
Meet Your Tutors
Ebrahim Patelia
Director, Mediate Works (PTY) Ltd
Ebrahim is a director at Mediate Works (PTY) Ltd and a consultant at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. He has over 25 years’ experience in dispute resolution, legal advisory services, training and process design. His experience uniquely integrates the practice of law, dispute resolution and academic work.
Malcolm Currie
Independent Consultant, Mediator and Assessor
Malcolm founded Strathesk Resolutions after 11 years as a union negotiator. Engaging with employers in private, public and third sectors, he developed expertise in negotiation, partnership, resolving disputes and tackling individual cases, skills grown from 15 years advising and influencing countryside managers over land-management and joint projects.
Learning Outcomes
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
Methodology
Building on the foundational knowledge and practical exercises acquired in Module 1, this Certification course - Module 2, focuses on the formal assessment of your conciliation/mediation skills.
It involves approximately 60 hours of engagement and is delivered on the ITCILO e-Campus learning platform.
The assessment is structured around three main components :
Role-plays
Two coached and two formally assessed live role-plays in small groups. You act as conciliator/mediator through every stage of the process, guided by preparatory sessions.
Written test
Multiple-choice and short-answer questions assessing your grasp of the key principles, ethics, and processes of conciliation and mediation, and your ability to apply them in practice.
Final Essay
A structured written reflection on your practice as a conciliator/mediator, highlighting your strengths, areas for growth, and concrete actions to keep developing your competencies after the course.
Registration and Practical Information
How to apply
Complete the online application form via Apply Now before the deadline. If sponsored, attach a sponsorship letter stating the full fee. Successful applicants are notified individually after review.
Language
The entire training programme is conducted in English. A good command of the language is required. This course is also available in Spanish.
Attendance
Given the nature of the small-group role-play format, missing a session disrupts the entire group. For this reason, 100% attendance at all live sessions is mandatory.
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 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.
Ready to earn your conciliation/mediation certification?
21 Sep–16 Oct 2026 · Online · English · Limited places
Continue Your Learning Journey
Module 2 certification is the gateway to the next stage of your development as a conciliator/mediator.
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