http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/drs/mediation/training/tom.pdf

Virginia has established requirements for mediators who mediate cases referred by the state courts. There are two types of mediator certifications: general (eligible to mediate all referred cases except those involving family, child & divorce matters) and family (eligible to mediate all referred cases). Virginia requires a four-year degree or equivalent experience, which has been described as experience which would foster abilities in writing agreements, synthesizing discussions, listening skills, etc. General mediator requirements are 20 hours of approved training, observation of 2 cases, and successful co-mediation of 3 cases. Family mediator requirements are 40 hours of approved training, observation of 2 cases, and successful co-mediation of 5 cases. An advanced certification in civil mediation and an advanced certification in family mediation can be awarded to mediators who have completed more training and mediated more cases.