CM Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield CM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.
- What is the primary purpose of a mediated settlement agreement? → To formally document the terms agreed upon by the parties
- What ethical standard governs applied methods and techniques practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
- Workplace mediation is MOST effective when initiated: → Early in a conflict before positions become entrenched
- Which phase involves identifying interests behind positions? → Exploration phase
- What is the foundational principle of core concepts and principles in the Certified Mediator field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
- Environmental mediation is MOST likely to involve which unique challenge NOT typically present in bilateral commercial disputes? → Multiple stakeholders with divergent interests including public agencies
- What action reflects impartiality? → Treating parties equally
- Why are open-ended questions useful in negotiation? → To encourage broad discussion
- Transformative mediation differs from facilitative mediation primarily in that transformative mediation: → Emphasizes empowering parties and recognizing each other's perspectives over settlement
- What ethical standard governs assessment and evaluation practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
- Under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, federal agencies are: → Encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution, including mediation
- What is 'active listening' in conflict resolution? → Fully focusing and reflecting understanding
- When a mediated agreement is later challenged in court on grounds of duress, which evidentiary protection is MOST relevant? → Mediation communication privilege
- Which principle governs whether a mediator's notes and work product can be subpoenaed in subsequent litigation? → Mediation privilege and statutory confidentiality protections
- In employment disputes subject to EEOC mediation, which party typically bears the cost of mediation? → The EEOC provides mediation at no charge to the parties
- How should challenges in applied methods and techniques be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
- What is the benefit of using silence as a technique? → To give space for reflection
- What is 'specific performance' in the context of a settlement agreement? → A court order compelling a party to fulfill contractual obligations exactly as agreed
- How should professionals apply core concepts and principles in daily practice? → Consistently integrate best practices into every aspect of professional work
- What is the foundational principle of professional standards and ethics in the Certified Mediator field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
- Which of these best describes a 'win-win' solution? → Mutual satisfaction
- What is the goal of caucusing during mediation? → To explore sensitive issues confidentially
- What quality assurance measure supports professional standards and ethics? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
- How does nonverbal communication influence mediation? → They reveal emotions and intent
- What quality assurance measure supports core concepts and principles? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
- Which of the following violates professional responsibility? → Offering legal advice
- What is the role of neutrality in techniques? → To guide without bias
- What is the foundational principle of applied methods and techniques in the Certified Mediator field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
- What ethical standard governs professional standards and ethics practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
- Why is confidentiality important in mediation? → It encourages honest dialogue
Turn these facts into recall: