California Requirements

• The Institute for Conflict Management, a provider of mediator and arbitrator training, notes on its website that there are "no state requirements or guidelines" for California mediators, except for those working on child custody cases. Child custody mediators must have a master's degree in counseling and complete 16 hours of specialized training. The BLS notes that California is not among the states with a mandatory certification requirement for arbitrators.
  
  

Educational Requirements

• The BLS explains that many arbitrators have law degrees or legal experience. However, a bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement. Earning a graduate degree in a field such as conflict management, law, or public policy is also good preparation for an arbitrator. Further training is available via mediation associations and independent mediation programs.
  
  

Certification

• While certification is not mandatory for California arbitrators, earning a professional credential can be helpful when seeking employment. For example, the Institute for Conflict Management offers a 40-hour commercial arbitration training course that teaches participants how to write decisions, how to streamline the arbitration process, and questioning techniques. The American Arbitration Association offers ethics courses, as well as specialized training in areas such as labor and construction arbitration.
  
  

Career Outlook

• The BLS reports that employment for arbitrators is expected to grow "faster than the average" through 2018. Job creation will be spurred by the desire for individuals and corporate clients to avoid lengthy litigation proceedings. Prospective arbitrators with a certification or specialization will enjoy the best job prospects. Arbitrators in California earned a mean annual wage of $85,580 as of May 2010. Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento ranked among the 10 highest-paying metropolitan areas for arbitrators, according to the BLS.