ADR Core Module study guide
ADR Core Module · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 ADR Core Module study guide has 8 sections and about 3,960 words.
01ADR Fundamentals
The ADR Fundamentals domain tests whether you can classify processes precisely, explain why parties choose them, and situate them against litigation and the civil justice system. Questions cluster around definitions, the voluntary/mandatory distinction, interest-based versus rights-based approaches, and the courts' power to encourage - but not impose - settlement.
488 words, about 2 min02Legal Framework and Policy
The Legal Framework and Policy domain tests whether you can identify which instrument governs a given ADR process and explain the policy choices behind it. Questions contrast hard-law treaties with soft-law model laws, and ask which instrument governs enforcement, confidentiality or limitation periods.
477 words, about 2 min03Negotiation Theory and Practice
The Negotiation Theory and Practice domain tests whether you can analyse a bargaining situation structurally - who has leverage, where the zone of agreement lies, which biases are distorting judgment - and apply principled negotiation inside a mediated process. Distributive bargaining divides a fixed pie and turns on anchoring, concessions and resolve.
430 words, about 2 min04Mediation Process and Procedure
The Mediation Process and Procedure domain tests your command of the sequence, the mediator's interventions, and the legal framework around confidentiality and settlement. Expect questions on styles, caucus rules, authority to settle and how settlements are recorded and enforced.
414 words, about 2 min05Arbitration: Agreement, Tribunal and Procedure
The Arbitration: Agreement, Tribunal and Procedure domain tests the architecture of a valid arbitration - the written agreement, the tribunal's constitution and jurisdiction, and procedural due process. Under Article II of the New York Convention 1958 an arbitration agreement must be in writing; Model Law Article 7 (2006 revision) recognises electronic form and incorporation by reference.
428 words, about 2 min06Awards, Challenges and Enforcement
The Awards, Challenges and Enforcement domain tests outcomes: what an award must contain, how it can be corrected, challenged or resisted, and where it can be enforced. Common types are final, partial, interim, consent and default awards.
444 words, about 2 min07Other ADR Processes (Conciliation, Adjudication, Expert Determination, ODR)
The Other ADR Processes domain tests whether you can distinguish mediation and arbitration from the processes in between - conciliation, adjudication, expert determination, dispute boards and ODR. Conciliation overlaps with mediation but is often more interventionist, with the neutral proposing solutions.
424 words, about 2 min08Ethics, Neutrality and Professional Conduct
The Ethics, Neutrality and Professional Conduct domain tests independence, impartiality, disclosure, confidentiality and the limits of the neutral's role. Questions commonly ask whether a neutral should disclose a connection, continue, or withdraw.
855 words, about 4 min