Become a Certified MMCD Referee. Bring Fairness and Expertise to Project Disputes.
Course Format & Delivery
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 1 full day (typically 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) |
| Delivery Modes | In-person (Vancouver, BC) or live webinar |
| Custom Sessions | Available with demand; contact for details |
Course Overview
The MMCD Referee Course prepares senior industry professionals to serve as impartial third-party decision-makers in MMCD contract disputes. Referees are called upon when a resolution between the Owner and the Contractor cannot be reached through standard contract processes.
This intensive course focuses on the roles, responsibilities, and legal protections of Referees and offers best practices for hearing cases, resolving conflicts, and maintaining neutrality under pressure. The course includes case-based discussions and concludes with a certification exam for eligible applicants.
Note: To be certified as an MMCD Referee, participants must meet specific qualifications and pass the Referee Exam. See below for details.
Learning Objectives
By completing this course, participants will:
- Understand the formal role of the Referee under MMCD contracts
- Learn how to manage disputes with professionalism, clarity, and neutrality
- Develop skills in listening, mediation, and decision-making
- Review real-world case studies and precedents
- Understand legal protections available to Referees—including immunity from subpoena
- Gain insights into best practices for writing fair and defensible decisions
Course Topics
- The MMCD Referee process: triggers, timelines, and responsibilities
- The difference between adjudication, mediation, and arbitration
- How to manage and document Referee hearings
- Professional conduct, confidentiality, and conflict of interest
- Maintaining neutrality while handling high-pressure situations
- Legal considerations and protections under the MMCD framework
Who Should Attend
This course is intended for experienced professionals who wish to serve as MMCD Referees. Ideal candidates include:
- Certified Contract Administrators
- Senior Project Managers or Municipal Engineers
- Retired industry professionals with deep experience in municipal construction
- Qualified consultants looking to expand into dispute resolution
Referee Certification Requirements
To be eligible for certification, applicants must:
- Be a Certified Contract Administrator (CCA)
- Have 15+ years of senior experience in North American municipal construction, including 5+ years in BC
- Have managed at least five MMCD contracts valued at $1.5M+
- Demonstrate strong listening and mediation skills
- Complete this course and pass the Referee Exam
How to Apply
To begin the process:
- Submit the Referee Application Package, including references, to admin@mmcd.net
- Applications are screened for eligibility
- Eligible applicants attend the course and write the exam
- Successful candidates sign a certification agreement
- Certified Referees are added to MMCD’s official roster
Course Fees
| Item | Fee (CAD) |
| Course Fee | $550.00 |
| Exam Fee | $100.00 |
+ GST | Course includes an electronic copy of the Referee Course Guide
Registration & Certification
- Exam is only available after completing the full course
- Certification is subject to approval of the application and exam result
- To maintain certification, Referees must uphold MMCD standards and sign the required agreement
