ADR Core Module
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
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Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
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Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The ADR Core Module is a credential for professionals who want to demonstrate a structured, practice-oriented understanding of alternative dispute resolution. It suits lawyers, in-house counsel, contract and project managers, HR and compliance staff, and anyone who designs or participates in dispute resolution processes. The exam is delivered in English as single-best-answer multiple choice and spans eight domains: ADR fundamentals, legal framework and policy; negotiation theory and practice; mediation process and procedure; arbitration agreement, tribunal and procedure; awards, challenges and enforcement; other processes such as conciliation, adjudication, expert determination and ODR; ethics, neutrality and professional conduct; and drafting ADR clauses, agreements and settlements. Preparation works best in layers: first build a clear mental map of each process and how the domains connect, then drill the procedural sequences and the ethical rules that candidates most often confuse. Use the domain weights to allocate study time, and practise applying rules to short fact patterns rather than memorising labels. The official body publishes current details on format, timing, fees and retake policy on its own website; candidates should confirm those figures there before booking, as this page does not restate them.
What you'll study
About ADR Core Module preparation
What is the exam format?
It is a single-best-answer multiple choice exam delivered in English. Each question has one best option, so eliminate clearly wrong answers first, then choose the option that best fits the facts. The official body publishes the current number of questions and any section structure on its website.
How difficult is the exam?
Difficulty comes from applying rules to short scenarios, not from obscure trivia. Candidates who know the process sequences and the difference between similar concepts, such as conciliation and mediation, generally find it manageable. Those who only memorise definitions often struggle with application questions.
Can I retake the exam, and how soon?
Retake rules, waiting periods and any fees are set by the official body and can change. Check its website for the current retake policy before you book. Do not rely on second-hand reports of waiting times or limits.
How long is the exam, and how should I manage time?
The official body publishes the current duration and any timing rules on its website. In practice, answer clear questions first, flag longer scenario questions, and return to them. Do not let one difficult item consume time needed for several easier ones.
In what order should I study the domains?
Start with ADR fundamentals and the legal framework, because later domains assume that vocabulary. Then study negotiation and mediation, which share process logic. Move to arbitration agreement and procedure, then awards and enforcement. Finish with other processes, ethics and drafting, revisiting earlier domains as you go.
What are the most common failure modes?
Candidates often confuse mediation with conciliation, misapply arbitrator challenge grounds, or miss the difference between setting aside an award and resisting enforcement. Others ignore ethics questions because they seem obvious. Reading each fact pattern carefully and identifying the precise procedural stage prevents many errors.
Do I need practical ADR experience to pass?
No formal experience requirement is stated here, and the official body publishes eligibility rules on its website. Experience helps with scenario questions, but structured study of process, ethics and drafting can be sufficient. Focus on how rules operate in practice, not on memorising labels.
How should I prepare in the final week?
Review your weakest domains using the published weights, re-read process sequences for mediation and arbitration, and practise short fact patterns under time pressure. Revisit ethics and drafting, which are easy to overlook. Confirm exam logistics and current rules on the official website.
Where can I find current fees, dates and pass marks?
The official body publishes current fees, exam dates, passing scores and any pass-rate information on its own website. This page deliberately does not restate those figures because they change. Always confirm details at the source before registering or paying.