Skip to main content

This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Chartered Arbitrator

Regulators
  • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Law
  • Other

Regulatory or professional bodies

Chartered body

Regulatory authority
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Address

12-14 Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1A 2LP

Email address
memberservices@ciarb.org
Phone number
+44 (0)20 7421 7447

Regulation

Regulation summary

Ciarb is an independent, charitable membership organisation incorporated by Royal Charter to promote and facilitate effective alternative dispute resolution (ADR), internationally. Ciarb provides education and training to those who wish to become qualified and proficient ADR practitioners and to those with an interest in ADR, along with other resources and opportunities for career development.

We have over 40 Branches around the world connecting a growing membership of over 18,000 across 150 jurisdictions. From local disagreements to international disputes, we champion all aspects of constructive resolution across mediation, adjudication and arbitration, setting robust ethical standards.

There are three grades of professional membership to choose from: Associate; Member; and Fellow.

To achieve Ciarb membership, you can either:

Successfully complete the Ciarb qualification course required for your chosen grade of membership.

Evidence successful completion of a Ciarb-accredited course taken through one of the Ciarb Recognised Course Providers (RCP).

Demonstrate professional experience commensurate with the knowledge, skills and experience required for your chosen grade of membership.

Fellows can become Chartered Arbitrator by meeting criteria for excellence set out by Ciarb’s Board and as assessed by a selection panel.

Members of Ciarb adhere to a code of conduct. The Professional Conduct Committee investigates cases of misconduct and is empowered to discipline, suspend and/or expel members where misconduct is established.

Regulation type

Accreditation

Reserved activities

None - restrictions apply to use of title only

Protected titles

Ciarb awards postnominals which can only be used by members who: (i) have successfully completed training or achieved membership through other routes such as the experienced practitioner route or through a recognised course provider (RCP); and (ii) continue to renew their membership.

These recognised post nominals are, in order of seniority and skill-level:

ACIArb – Associate

MCIArb – Member

FCIArb – Fellow

C.Arb – Chartered Arbitrator

C.Adj – Chartered Adjudicator from 2024

More about regulated activities and titles
http://www.ciarb.org/benefits

Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

Associate (ACIArb)

Applicants must have:

6 months’ experience in dispute avoidance or dispute management, submitting:

Their latest CV

A reference letter from an individual (preferably a Ciarb member) who has first-hand experience of you in the role of dispute resolver or party representative within the last six months. The reference must be on business headed paper or email from a business address, including the referee’s business signature.

Or have:
Successfully completed a Ciarb Introduction course and accompanying assessment, or equivalent from a Ciarb Recognised Course Provider.

Member (MCIArb)

Applicants must have:

Five years’ experience in arbitration, construction adjudication or mediation in a lead/sole capacity; including settlement agreements, the management of proceedings, and attending hearings which have resulted in the publication of a reasoned award or decision and have been a party representative in at least five arbitrations/mediations/adjudications.

Or have successfully completed:
Module 1 training and assessment on one of Ciarb’s Pathways.
Ciarb’s Accelerated Route to Membership (ARM).
An equivalent course from a Ciarb Recognised Course Provider.

Fellow (FCIArb)

Applicants must have:

Knowledge of the law of obligations, evidenced at first-degree level or recognised equivalent; or an understanding of law relevant to arbitration practice or recognised equivalent.

At least 10 years’ experience in arbitration (as a sole arbitrator or tribunal member) and first-hand involvement in settlement agreements, the management of proceedings and attending hearings that have resulted in the publication of a reasoned award or decision.

Experience in writing, decision, and final arbitration award in the capacity of a sole arbitrator or tribunal member.

Or have successfully completed:
Module 2 and Module 3 on one of Ciarb’s Pathways.
A Ciarb Accelerated Route to Fellowship Course.
An equivalent course from a Ciarb Recognised Course Provider.
Part 3 of one of a Ciarb Diploma.

Chartered (C.Arb)

A Chartered Arbitrator is a Fellow of Ciarb who has demonstrated to a peer interview panel an advanced knowledge and understanding of arbitration and its practical application, evidencing a professional approach to parties.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
None - all professionals must re-qualify
Summary of routes

As above - our entry routes apply globally (ciarb.org/our-network)

More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
http://www.ciarb.org/membership/routes-to-membership

Registration

Registration requirements

New applications for membership must be accompanied by payment of the first year's subscription and a one-off, non-refundable application fee of either £100 or £50 depending on your country of residence. See the Ciarb website for further information.

If you are already a Ciarb member and are ready to upgrade your membership, please see our website for the applicable fees.

A one-off, non-refundable application fee of £45 is applicable to Student members upgrading their membership to Associate, Member or Fellow.


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Royal Charter 1979

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.