Applying to Become an Arbitrator

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Submit Your Registration Form

Read the   eligibility criteria. If qualified, submit a completed Arbitrator Registration Form.
  • Allow 5-7 business days for processing your registration form.
  • You will receive a separate email that includes a link to the required exam(s). Please save the email for future reference.
  • If you do not receive a message confirming that your form has been accepted after allowing 5-7 business days processing time, please contact Member Services at 1-866-977-3434 or submit an inquiry through the Member Support Portal (please select “Arbitrator Support” in the Service Offering field).

Step 2: Testing and Training

Arbitrator candidates must complete all required testing/training for the program(s) they will hear cases in as stated in the onboarding confirmation email within 90 days. A link to AF's arbitrator testing site is provided in the registration email as well as the specific exams that must be completed based on the candidate's registration form. Advance preparation is not necessary; however, AF's Rules and the Reference Guide to Arbitration Forums' Agreements and Rules are available as resources, if needed.

You may attempt to take the exams three times. After the third failed attempt, allow six months before re-attempting the exam.

Arbitrator candidates are required to complete AF’s Decision Quality training webinar and pass the associated quiz with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have submitted the required Arbitrator Registration Form and it is processed, you will receive an email with further instructions.

The Claims Exam must be completed before accessing the Decision Quality Webinar and Guide for Arbitrators exams.

After you successfully complete the required testing and training, you will be an arbitrator. Congratulations! Your Member Relations Field Arbitration Manager (MRF) will contact you within 7-10 days about hearing your first cases.