South Carolina Mediation Specialist
Certification License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. In South Carolina, which statute primarily governs the standards and
procedures for court-referred mediation?
A. South Carolina Alternative Dispute Resolution Act
B. South Carolina Family Court Rules
C. Uniform Mediation Act
D. South Carolina Evidence Code
The South Carolina Alternative Dispute Resolution Act establishes the
legal framework for court-referred mediation, including
qualifications and procedures, making it the foundational statute.
2. What is the primary role of a mediation specialist in South Carolina?
A. To impose a binding decision
B. To advocate for one party’s position
C. To facilitate negotiation between disputing parties
D. To draft litigation pleadings
A mediation specialist’s central function is to foster productive
dialogue and assist parties in reaching voluntary agreement, not to
decide outcomes.
,3. Confidentiality in mediation in South Carolina means that
communications cannot be:
A. Shared in any public forum
B. Used for academic research
C. Admitted as evidence in subsequent litigation
D. Shared with insurance adjusters
State law protects mediation communications from being introduced
as evidence in court to encourage open and candid discussion.
4. Which ethical principle requires a mediation specialist to avoid
conflicts of interest?
A. Beneficence
B. Impartiality
C. Confidentiality
D. Competence
Impartiality requires mediators to remain neutral and free from
conflicts that could bias the mediation process.
5. What is a caucus in the context of mediation?
A. Formal court hearing
B. Private meeting between mediator and one party
C. Opening statement by attorneys
D. Final settlement agreement
A caucus is a confidential, separate session where the mediator
meets individually with a party to explore issues or concerns.
6. In South Carolina, mediation agreements are enforceable when they
are:
A. Oral only
B. Handwritten only
C. Reduced to writing and signed by the parties
D. Approved by the mediator
, For a mediated settlement to be binding, it must be documented and
signed by all parties involved.
7. What skill is essential for a mediation specialist during negotiation?
A. Cross-examination
B. Active listening
C. Legal drafting
D. Arbitration
Active listening allows the mediator to understand interests and
facilitate constructive communication.
8. A “shuttle mediation” refers to:
A. Mediation by telephone
B. Courtroom-based mediation
C. Mediator moving between parties in separate locations
D. Mediation with arbitrator present
In shuttle mediation, the mediator relays proposals between parties
who are not in the same room, preserving confidentiality and
reducing tension.
9. What should a mediator do if a party makes a request that the
mediator believes is illegal?
A. Encourage acceptance
B. Explain legal constraints and decline to facilitate the request
C. Ignore the request
D. Support the request if other party agrees
Mediators must not assist illegal agreements and should inform
parties of legal boundaries.
10. The term “BATNA” in mediation stands for:
A. Best Agreement to Neutralize All
B. Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement
C. Binding Arbitration Terms Agreement
Certification License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. In South Carolina, which statute primarily governs the standards and
procedures for court-referred mediation?
A. South Carolina Alternative Dispute Resolution Act
B. South Carolina Family Court Rules
C. Uniform Mediation Act
D. South Carolina Evidence Code
The South Carolina Alternative Dispute Resolution Act establishes the
legal framework for court-referred mediation, including
qualifications and procedures, making it the foundational statute.
2. What is the primary role of a mediation specialist in South Carolina?
A. To impose a binding decision
B. To advocate for one party’s position
C. To facilitate negotiation between disputing parties
D. To draft litigation pleadings
A mediation specialist’s central function is to foster productive
dialogue and assist parties in reaching voluntary agreement, not to
decide outcomes.
,3. Confidentiality in mediation in South Carolina means that
communications cannot be:
A. Shared in any public forum
B. Used for academic research
C. Admitted as evidence in subsequent litigation
D. Shared with insurance adjusters
State law protects mediation communications from being introduced
as evidence in court to encourage open and candid discussion.
4. Which ethical principle requires a mediation specialist to avoid
conflicts of interest?
A. Beneficence
B. Impartiality
C. Confidentiality
D. Competence
Impartiality requires mediators to remain neutral and free from
conflicts that could bias the mediation process.
5. What is a caucus in the context of mediation?
A. Formal court hearing
B. Private meeting between mediator and one party
C. Opening statement by attorneys
D. Final settlement agreement
A caucus is a confidential, separate session where the mediator
meets individually with a party to explore issues or concerns.
6. In South Carolina, mediation agreements are enforceable when they
are:
A. Oral only
B. Handwritten only
C. Reduced to writing and signed by the parties
D. Approved by the mediator
, For a mediated settlement to be binding, it must be documented and
signed by all parties involved.
7. What skill is essential for a mediation specialist during negotiation?
A. Cross-examination
B. Active listening
C. Legal drafting
D. Arbitration
Active listening allows the mediator to understand interests and
facilitate constructive communication.
8. A “shuttle mediation” refers to:
A. Mediation by telephone
B. Courtroom-based mediation
C. Mediator moving between parties in separate locations
D. Mediation with arbitrator present
In shuttle mediation, the mediator relays proposals between parties
who are not in the same room, preserving confidentiality and
reducing tension.
9. What should a mediator do if a party makes a request that the
mediator believes is illegal?
A. Encourage acceptance
B. Explain legal constraints and decline to facilitate the request
C. Ignore the request
D. Support the request if other party agrees
Mediators must not assist illegal agreements and should inform
parties of legal boundaries.
10. The term “BATNA” in mediation stands for:
A. Best Agreement to Neutralize All
B. Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement
C. Binding Arbitration Terms Agreement
