Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Mediator prerequisites

Becoming a mediator
There are no qualifications for becoming a mediator, but there are some recommendations we have concerning the experience and commitment you ought to have before accepting a case. These are highly recommended, but if you are interested in mediating a case and don't meet these recommendations let us know on the talk page.
 * Wikipedia experience: A minimum of 1,000 edits and 3 months editing experience.
 * Commitment: The willingness and courtesy to see a mediation through:
 * The willingness not to accept a mediation unless you're willing to see it through. If when the going gets tough you're going to the beach, don't mediate; if you've got things coming up in the real world which could prevent you from taking part, don't mediate.
 * The courtesy not to just disappear, but instead to notify the parties on the mediation talk page and to drop a note at the MedCab talk page asking for someone to replace you if you cannot complete a mediation or you find yourself in over your depth.

Again, none of these are requirements but if they don't describe you, the Cabal would respectfully suggest, but does not insist, that you refrain from mediating.
 * Dispute resolution experience: At least 5 fully completed cases as a neutral at Third Opinion, Dispute Resolution Noticeboard, and/or Wikiquette Assistance. These don't have to be successful cases (though that would be nice), but should at least be completed. A similar quantity of work as a neutral at other dispute-focused noticeboards can be used, as well.
 * Willingness to work within the system: No blocks, topic or site bans, or community bans or restrictions which have been imposed, have expired, or have been active within the last 6 months.
 * Toughness: While mediations generally emphasize peaceful coming to consensus, sometimes the best way to deal with the situation is to set the parties down and read them the riot act; if you're such a peaceful person that you cannot do that then this might not be your place.