CIArb membership provides a world-class qualification demonstrating excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), with a designation recognized and respected around the world.

There are different types of CIArb membership. You can upgrade your membership as your ADR experience grows. To join, click the relevant link below and register with the global CIArb.

Once your membership is confirmed, please contact us to create your Canadian profile.

Join a global membership.

  • Student

    Student membership is free and available to anyone enrolled in higher education at a recognized post-secondary institution.

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  • Associate (ACIArb)

    This type of membership is suitable for professionals familiar with the fundamentals of arbitration, who have at least six months of arbitration-related experience.

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  • Member (MCIArb)

    This title is granted to those with substantial arbitration-related experience (typically 5+ years), including those aspiring to acquire knowledge to reach the senior level.

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  • Fellow (FCIArb)

    This title demonstrates to clients and colleagues your superior knowledge, experience (typically 10+ years), and commitment to impeccable conduct.

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Already a member?

Membership in the Canada Branch is automatic for all CIArb members located in Canada. If you’re already a CIArb member, please contact us to join the Canada Branch.

FAQs

  • There are two main routes to membership: assessment and experience.

    Assessment: Successfully complete the required courses and assessments – either in person or online through the global CIArb website – in order to apply to the next level of membership.

    * Certain post-secondary programs may count in lieu of an assessment, permitting a candidate to bypass that requirement and apply directly to the next membership level.

    Experience: Provide evidence (e.g., CV, letters of support, arbitral awards) that you have the necessary experience for your chosen level of membership.

    • Associate: Six months’ professional experience in ADR.

    • Member: Five years’ professional experience and at least five ADR (arbitration, mediation, or adjudication) cases as a lead or sole party representative.

    • Fellow: 10 years’ experience as an arbitrator (sole arbitrator or tribunal member), mediator, or adjudicator. This must include first-hand involvement in settlement agreements, the management of proceedings, attendance at hearings, and the publication of at least two awards (or at least four mediation agreements).

    For full, updated requirements, click on the relevant membership type on the global CIArb website.

  • CIArb currently offers Training Pathways in International Arbitration, Construction Adjudication, Mediation, and general ADR, as well as specialized programs on maritime arbitration and international commercial arbitration. Visit the global CIArb website to learn more.

  • CIArb Canada is pleased to offer its own Accelerated Route to Fellowship (ARF) program, which is typically held annually in advance of CanArbWeek. Visit our Courses & Events page for more information and a registration link.

    For those with less than 10 years’ experience, CIArb offers an online Accelerated Route to Membership (ARM) which, when successfully completed, permits a candidate to apply for the MCIArb designation. Visit the global CIArb Courses page for more information.

  • The next ARF will be hosted on 7-8 June 2025 in Montréal, QC. More information and the registration link are available on our Courses & Events page.