Pennsylvania Certification for Arbitration is a specialized voluntary program designed to certify arbitrators in the state of Pennsylvania. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Mediation and is designed to promote the use of arbitration in the resolution of civil disputes. It is available to any person who is at least 18 years of age and has been practicing law in the state of Pennsylvania for at least five years. The certification program is divided into two categories: general certification and specialized certification. General Certification in Pennsylvania requires the arbitrator to possess the necessary knowledge and experience in arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, and to have a minimum of 40 hours of training in this area. This certification is valid for three years. Specialized Certification requires the arbitrator to possess knowledge and experience in a particular area, such as labor and employment law, family law, or construction law. This certification is valid for three years and requires the arbitrator to have a minimum of 40 hours of training in the specialty area. The Pennsylvania Certification for Arbitration program also requires the arbitrator to complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification. The program is designed to ensure that arbitrators have the necessary knowledge, experience, and training to effectively resolve disputes in the state of Pennsylvania.