Waste of Money and Unprofessional
I don’t often leave reviews, but I feel it’s important to share my experience so others can make an informed decision before investing in this program.
Earlier this year, I purchased the mediation certification course offered by ADR Services International (ADRMediator Inc.), run by Jerry Hall. Before enrolling, I briefly spoke with Mr. Hall, which gave me the impression that the course would be professionally designed and provide a clear, structured path toward certification. Unfortunately, the reality was very different.
The course material is extremely outdated, poorly organized, and disjointed. Rather than a cohesive curriculum, it felt like a random collection of decades-old resources stitched together without structure or flow. The format reminded me more of a 1980s-era YouTube playlist than a modern professional training program. As someone who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, has taught AP courses, and completed many online programs, I can confidently say this is the lowest-quality course I have ever encountered.
Because of this, I requested a refund. Mr. Hall responded by copying and pasting the “no refund” policy and ignored any further follow-up or proposed resolution. To be candid, it felt dismissive — once payment was made, there was no interest in customer satisfaction or accountability. I had only accessed the first module when I realized the program would not prepare me to practice mediation in any meaningful or professional way. While I understand refund policies in cases where someone simply changes their mind, this was not that. The product simply did not meet a reasonable standard of quality for what was marketed as a professional certification.
Key takeaways from my experience:
The program is disorganized, outdated, and lacking professional structure.
The “no refunds” policy is enforced even when the product fails to meet basic educational standards.
In my opinion, completing this course would not adequately equip someone to begin a career or practice in mediation.
I strongly encourage anyone considering this program to look carefully at alternatives. There are many reputable, structured, and up-to-date mediation certification programs available. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. I will now be spending additional money to obtain training and certification through UTSA — a program that is far more professional, credible, and useful.
In my experience, this program was little more than a money grab and a waste of resources. Mr. Hall should be ashamed of offering such substandard training under the guise of professional certification.
***Update to My Review
I feel it’s important to provide additional context following ADRMediator/Jerry Hall’s public response to my initial review.
First, his claim that I falsified my veteran status to obtain a discount is absolutely false and defamatory. I replied immediately with proof of eligibility back in January when I purchased the course. Mr. Hall did not follow up until June 21—nearly six months after my purchase—requesting my DD-214 again. To accuse me publicly of dishonesty is unacceptable and entirely baseless.
Second, his assertion that I “never contacted him” before requesting a refund is also untrue. In January, shortly after purchase, I emailed him about issues accessing the course because one of the documents required a password. His response at that time was dismissive, essentially telling me to “just call him,” without solving the issue. This was my first indication of how disorganized and unprofessional the program truly was.
Third, Mr. Hall’s public reply included personal attacks, labeling me “disgruntled” and suggesting I was “extorting” him. His private emails to me have also included thinly veiled threats (“I will make sure I follow your progress”), which I found wholly inappropriate and intimidating. No customer should be treated this way for raising a legitimate concern about product quality.
To be clear: my review reflects my honest experience. I engaged with only the first module, found the course disorganized and outdated, and determined it would not equip me to practice mediation. My refund request was denied under a blanket “no refund” policy, and every subsequent interaction with Mr. Hall has reinforced how unprofessional this business is operated.
I stand by my review and my experience. I also have full email records, which I am more than willing to provide, that directly contradict Mr. Hall’s public claims.
At this point, I’m quite convinced this entire operation is a scam. A multi decade old website hanging on credentials that don’t matter anymore (if ever true) from the past, while collecting money from the poor individuals fall for it.
Reply from ADRMediator
This person saw the statement there are no refunds after the purchase because the user has full access to the material, which could be copies and reproduced. Ms Johnson after several months decided she wanted a full refund and never bother to contact us by phone, or email until she wanted a full refund. She then stated she would remove the negative comment if we refunded her discounted cost. She never verified her classification for a discount as a veteran and basically threatened us if we did not refund her money. We have all 5 star ratings on all platforms until her rating. We teach all government agencies, DOD, IRS, OSHA, Dept of Justice, Homeland Security and have been training for 40 years. The material may be a little dated for some of the material but it is still accurate. Mediation Techniques have not changed in 30 years the requirements remain the same. This is nothing more than a disgruntled community activist demanding special treatment. Ms. Johnson should be ashamed at trying to extort a refund and falsifying here veteran status to receive a discount.
