Last updated 2026-08-17
TL;DR
Arizona does not issue a state arbitrator license. There is no government agency you apply to. Arbitrators qualify through private panels (AAA, FINRA, JAMS) or court-connected programs that set their own rules. Training runs from free to over $2,000. If you already have the right background, you can be ready to hear cases in weeks.
Do you need a license to work as an arbitrator in Arizona?
No. Arizona has no arbitrator licensing statute and no state agency that issues arbitrator credentials. Search the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions license list, the Arizona Supreme Court's fee schedule, or any state portal, and you will not find an "arbitrator license" because none exists. [1]
Arizona adopted the Revised Arizona Arbitration Act, A.R.S. Title 12, Chapter 9 (effective July 29, 2021). It governs how arbitration agreements and awards are handled in state courts. [2] It says nothing about licensing the arbitrators themselves. The statute tells courts what to do with arbitration agreements and awards. It does not tell you who is qualified to sit as an arbitrator.
So where does qualification come from? From whichever panel or program picks you. The American Arbitration Association keeps a National Roster of Arbitrators. FINRA maintains its own roster for securities disputes. The Maricopa County Superior Court runs a court-annexed arbitration program with its own eligibility rules. JAMS, Resolution Centers of Arizona, and other private providers each set their own standards. You qualify with the entity that sends you cases, not with the state.
In plain terms, "getting licensed" in Arizona means getting onto one or more of these rosters.
What are the real eligibility requirements to become an arbitrator in Arizona?
Requirements change by program, but a few threads repeat. Here is how the main pathways break down.
AAA National Roster. The American Arbitration Association looks for at least 10 years of senior-level business or professional experience, or substantial legal experience, plus demonstrated familiarity with ADR. [3] AAA does not publish a single fixed training-hour requirement for every track, but most applicants complete AAA training before or shortly after roster acceptance.
FINRA Arbitrator Roster. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority requires arbitrators to have a high school diploma (a bachelor's degree is strongly preferred), no "disqualifying events" in their history, and completion of FINRA's online arbitrator training before they receive any case. FINRA welcomes non-attorneys and people from outside the securities industry for its "public arbitrator" category. [4]
Maricopa County Court-Annexed Arbitration. Under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 76, an arbitrator in the mandatory court program must be a licensed Arizona attorney with at least three years of active practice. [5] This is the one context where state licensure matters, and it's your bar card that counts, not a separate arbitrator license.
Private Panels (JAMS, Resolution Centers of Arizona, others). These set their own bars. JAMS typically wants retired judges or attorneys with heavy ADR experience. Smaller regional panels may take newer practitioners who complete their training.
Coming in without a law license? FINRA's public arbitrator track and many commercial panels are your clearest entry points.
How much does becoming an arbitrator cost in Arizona?
Cost depends almost entirely on which training and roster path you take. There is no state filing fee because there is no state license.
| Path | Typical training cost | Application fee | Annual roster fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| FINRA (public arbitrator) | $0 (online training free) | $0 | $0 |
| AAA National Roster | $395, $1,995 (AAA training courses) | $0 | $0 |
| Maricopa County court-annexed | Varies; bar dues already required | $0 | $0 |
| JAMS | Training via JAMS Foundation: $750, $1,500+ | $0 (invitation-only) | $0 |
| Private training programs | $200, $2,500 depending on provider | Varies | Varies |
FINRA's arbitrator training is genuinely free. The online modules cost nothing, and there is no fee to join the roster. [4] That makes FINRA the cheapest entry point for most people, especially non-attorneys.
AAA courses vary by format. AAA lists commercial arbitrator training in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars for online formats and higher for in-person intensives. [3] Law school ADR centers sometimes run training at lower prices.
The ArbitratorPath Hearing + Roster Kit ($199 one-time) covers panel application paperwork and hearing preparation materials, handy if you want a structured walkthrough of the submission process across multiple rosters.
Beyond training, your real first-year cost is time, not money. Writing your arbitrator profile, collecting case references, and completing sample decisions for panel review takes 10 to 40 hours depending on how much you already have on paper.
How long does it take to become an arbitrator in Arizona?
Faster than most people expect, if you already qualify on paper.
FINRA is the quickest. You submit an online application, complete the online training modules (most people finish in about six hours), and wait for FINRA's background review. FINRA states the review typically takes four to six weeks after your application is complete. [4] From first click to active-roster status, plan on six to eight weeks.
AAA takes longer. Its application review is more involved and can run three to six months. AAA reviews your professional history, may request writing samples or references, and opens rosters in periodic windows in some practice areas. This is not rolling admission the way FINRA is.
Maricopa County court-annexed arbitration also requires an application to the Superior Court's ADR office, and timelines there are less publicly documented. The Arizona Supreme Court's ADR rules are the right starting point for current processing details. [5]
For private panels like JAMS, the timeline is largely out of your hands. JAMS recruits by invitation in most practice areas. You can express interest, but getting cases often takes a year or more of networking, published decisions, or a reputation from prior ADR work.
Honest summary: go FINRA and you can be on the roster in under two months. Other paths run three months to a year or more.
How does Arizona's court-annexed arbitration program work?
Arizona Supreme Court Rules 72 through 76 govern the mandatory arbitration program in the state's superior courts. Civil cases with an amount in controversy of $65,000 or less are automatically sent to arbitration before they can proceed to trial. [5]
Arbitrators in this program are paid. The Arizona Supreme Court's fee schedule sets their compensation. As of the most recent published schedule, arbitrators receive $150 per hour, with a cap that varies by case type. [5] Confirm current rates with the Maricopa County Superior Court ADR office, because the court updates its schedule periodically.
Rule 76 sets the bar: you must be an active member of the State Bar of Arizona with at least three years of practice. Non-attorneys cannot serve in this program. The court keeps its own panel, and you apply directly to the ADR coordinator.
This program is separate from private commercial arbitration and from any federal proceeding. If you're an Arizona attorney who wants a steady, modestly paid arbitration caseload, this is often the most accessible path.
Do you need to be an attorney to be an arbitrator in Arizona?
Only for court-annexed mandatory arbitration under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 76. Every other major pathway is open to non-attorneys.
FINRA welcomes non-attorneys outright. Its public arbitrator category is built for people without industry or legal backgrounds, on the theory that ordinary consumers benefit from arbitrators who share their perspective. [4]
AAA also takes non-attorneys in practice areas where subject-matter expertise matters more than legal training. Construction, technology, healthcare, and real estate panels routinely include engineers, doctors, and industry executives.
If you're not an attorney, find what makes your expertise valuable in a specific dispute category and lead with it in your applications. A retired contractor with 30 years of experience is a strong AAA construction candidate. A CPA with a securities compliance background has a real path to FINRA. Your background is your credential.
What training do Arizona arbitrators actually need?
No Arizona statute mandates a specific number of training hours, so this is entirely panel-driven.
FINRA requires completion of its online training before you can receive a case. The training covers FINRA's procedural rules, ethics, and the mechanics of running a hearing. [4] It is self-paced and free.
AAA has training courses but does not publish a single mandatory-hours number for all roster categories. Its commercial arbitration training is the standard entry point. [3] Some AAA practice area rosters require additional modules.
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine, university dispute resolution programs, and various state bar CLE courses all offer arbitrator training that panels recognize. [6] No single certificate is universally required or universally sufficient.
For most people, 16 to 40 hours of structured training is the practical standard before a major panel takes an application seriously. That range comes from what programs like AAA and FINRA describe in their recruitment materials, not from a single definitive study.
Continuing education matters once you're on a roster. FINRA requires annual refresher training for active arbitrators. AAA expects you to stay current too. Put that on your budget and your calendar.
How do FINRA arbitrations work in Arizona?
FINRA arbitration handles disputes between investors and broker-dealers, and between industry members. Arizona sits inside FINRA's regional office network, and cases with Arizona parties are typically heard in Phoenix or by videoconference. [4]
FINRA handled roughly 6,200 arbitration cases in 2023, down from highs above 8,000 in earlier years. [7] That's national caseload. Arizona-specific volume is not broken out in FINRA's public statistics, but Phoenix has long been one of the busier regional hearing locations.
As a FINRA arbitrator, you receive case assignments through FINRA's Dispute Resolution Portal. You rank potential cases, FINRA applies a neutral algorithm to seat panels, and you accept or decline. You're paid an honorarium per hearing session. FINRA's hearing session fee is $300 per session for a single-arbitrator case and $300 per session for panel cases; confirm current rates at FINRA's arbitrator page. [4]
FINRA cases run a few months for simple matters or two to three years for complex ones. As a new arbitrator, you'll likely draw smaller cases first. That's normal and useful.
What does an Arizona arbitrator actually earn?
This varies so much that any single number would mislead you.
In court-annexed arbitration under Arizona's mandatory program, the rate is set by rule (currently around $150 per hour with session caps; confirm with the court). [5] A typical half-day hearing earns $300 to $600. Modest, but the case flow can be steady once you're on the panel.
FINRA pays per hearing session. At $300 per session (confirm current rate), a two-day evidentiary hearing with two sessions per day is $1,200 for that case. Multi-week securities arbitrations can produce meaningful income for experienced arbitrators.
Private commercial arbitration through AAA or JAMS pays substantially more. Experienced arbitrators in complex commercial cases set their own hourly rates. Rates of $300 to $600 per hour are common nationally; the high end is typically former judges or attorneys with specialized expertise. [8]
Most arbitrators in Arizona, and nationally, treat it as supplementary income at first. Full-time arbitration income usually develops over five to ten years as you build a case history and a reputation within a panel network.
Curious how nearby states compare on structure? See our guide on how to start arbitrator in California and the arbitrator license in Colorado overview.
How does Arizona compare to neighboring states on arbitrator requirements?
Arizona's approach (no state license, panel-driven qualification) is the national norm, not an exception. Most states work this way.
| State | State license required? | Attorney required for courts? | Main court program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | No | Yes (3 yrs practice) | Mandatory arbitration, cases under $65,000 [5] |
| California | No | No (CACI panels) | Judicial Arbitration program |
| Colorado | No | No | District court ADR program |
| Alaska | No | No | Court-connected program |
| Arkansas | No | Yes (some courts) | Circuit court arbitration |
The pattern holds. No state issues an arbitrator license the way states license contractors or insurance adjusters. California, Colorado, and Alaska all follow the same panel-qualification model. [9][10]
For how Alaska's structure compares, see our arbitrator license in Alaska guide. Weighing the Colorado path? Our arbitrator license in Colorado article breaks down that court ADR program in detail.
How do you apply to become an arbitrator in Arizona, step by step?
Here is the sequence most people follow.
Step 1: Choose your primary panel. If you're an attorney with three or more years of Arizona bar membership, court-annexed arbitration is a natural start. Coming from securities or finance? FINRA is fastest. For general commercial work, AAA has the most volume.
Step 2: Complete training. FINRA's online training is free and takes about six hours. [4] AAA courses run several hundred to over a thousand dollars and take one to three days. Finish training before submitting your main application where you can; some panels require it.
Step 3: Build your profile. Every major panel asks for a detailed professional biography, areas of expertise, and often a sample decision or writing sample. This step takes most applicants longer than the training. Be specific about your subject-matter expertise. Vague profiles do not get selected.
Step 4: Submit your application. FINRA applications go through the FINRA DR Portal. [4] AAA applications go through AAA's arbitrator application page. Maricopa County court-annexed applications go through the Superior Court's ADR office.
Step 5: Complete background screening. Every panel runs background checks. FINRA's ties into BrokerCheck and a fingerprint system. AAA and the court programs have their own processes.
Step 6: Accept your first case. You don't earn until a case is assigned and you accept it. For FINRA, that can happen within weeks of roster acceptance. For AAA commercial, the wait is often months.
The ArbitratorPath Hearing + Roster Kit at /start walks through the panel submission paperwork if you want a structured reference for Steps 3 and 4.
What ongoing requirements do Arizona arbitrators have?
There is no state license, so there is no state-mandated continuing education, renewal fee, or annual filing for arbitrators in Arizona.
Your ongoing obligations come from your panels. FINRA requires active arbitrators to complete annual refresher training through the FINRA DR Portal. [4] Skip it and you can be removed from the active roster.
AAA expects arbitrators to stay current with rule changes and may require periodic training updates, especially when it revises its Commercial or Construction Arbitration Rules. [3]
For court-annexed arbitration, keeping your State Bar membership in good standing is the key continuing requirement. If your license is suspended or you resign from the bar, you're out of that program. [5]
Ethics obligations follow you too. The Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes, jointly published by the ABA and AAA, is the recognized ethics standard for commercial arbitrators. [11] It's not an Arizona state mandate, but most major panels expect you to know and follow it. Disclosure, conflicts of interest, and ex parte communication rules are where newer arbitrators most often slip. Read the Code before your first hearing.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for arbitrator in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not issue an arbitrator license. There is no state agency to apply to and no state exam to pass. Qualification comes from private panels (AAA, FINRA, JAMS) or from Arizona's court-annexed arbitration program, which requires an active Arizona bar license for attorneys. Each program sets its own eligibility rules and training requirements.
How much does becoming an arbitrator cost in Arizona?
It depends on the path. FINRA arbitrator training is free and there is no application fee. AAA training courses typically run $395 to $1,995 depending on format. Court-annexed arbitration in Arizona requires no separate fee beyond maintaining your bar license. Private training programs range from $200 to $2,500. There is no state licensing fee because there is no state license.
How long does it take to become an arbitrator in Arizona?
FINRA is the fastest route: training takes about six hours online, and roster review typically takes four to six weeks, putting most applicants on the active roster in six to eight weeks total. AAA takes three to six months or longer. Court-annexed arbitration timelines vary by the Superior Court's ADR office. Private panels like JAMS are invitation-driven and can take a year or more.
Does Arizona require arbitrators to be licensed attorneys?
Only for court-annexed mandatory arbitration under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 76, which requires at least three years of active Arizona bar membership. Every other major pathway, including FINRA and most AAA practice area rosters, is open to non-attorneys. Subject-matter expertise in a specific industry is often more valuable than a law degree for panel selection in commercial and technical disputes.
How much do arbitrators get paid in Arizona?
Court-annexed arbitrators earn approximately $150 per hour with session caps (confirm current rates with the court). FINRA pays approximately $300 per hearing session. Private commercial arbitrators through AAA or JAMS typically set their own rates, which range from $300 to $600 per hour or more for experienced practitioners. Most new arbitrators treat it as supplementary income at first.
What is Arizona's Revised Arbitration Act?
It is A.R.S. Title 12, Chapter 9, which took effect July 29, 2021. It governs how Arizona courts handle arbitration agreements and awards, following the Uniform Arbitration Act framework. It does not license arbitrators or set training requirements. Its focus is procedural: when courts must compel arbitration, how awards are confirmed or vacated, and appeal rights.
Can I become a FINRA arbitrator in Arizona without a securities background?
Yes. FINRA's public arbitrator category is specifically for people with no securities industry ties. You need a high school diploma, a clean background check, and completion of FINRA's free online training. Non-attorneys and people from outside finance are eligible and encouraged to apply. FINRA's reasoning is that diverse panels serve investors more fairly.
How do I apply to Arizona's court-annexed arbitration program?
Contact the ADR office at the Maricopa County Superior Court (or the relevant county court for your area). You must be an active Arizona State Bar member with at least three years of practice. The court maintains its own panel and evaluates applications directly. Processing timelines are not publicly posted, so contact the ADR coordinator for current wait times.
Is there a difference between an arbitrator and a mediator in Arizona?
Yes, and it matters legally. An arbitrator issues a binding decision that courts can confirm and enforce. A mediator facilitates negotiation but has no decision-making power. Arizona's court-annexed arbitration program involves binding arbitration under Supreme Court Rule 72. Mediators in Arizona's court programs have separate qualifications. The two roles are often confused but are legally distinct.
What ethics rules apply to Arizona arbitrators?
There is no separate Arizona arbitrator ethics code. The Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes, jointly published by the American Bar Association and the American Arbitration Association, is the recognized national standard and is followed by most major panels. It covers disclosure of conflicts, ex parte communication, impartiality, and withdrawal. Read it before you take your first case.
Do I need to register with any Arizona state agency as an arbitrator?
No. Arizona has no state registry for arbitrators. You register with individual panels (FINRA, AAA, JAMS, or the court's ADR office) directly. There is no annual state filing, no state renewal fee, and no state board that oversees arbitrator credentials. Your obligations run entirely to whichever panels you join.
What is the caseload like for a new arbitrator in Arizona?
Slow at first, regardless of which panel you join. FINRA assigns cases algorithmically, so new arbitrators may wait weeks to months for a first assignment. AAA case selection depends on parties striking names from a list, so newer arbitrators get struck more often. Court-annexed programs in Maricopa County have more consistent volume for attorneys on that panel. Build patience into your first-year expectations.
Can I serve on multiple arbitration panels in Arizona at the same time?
Yes. There is no rule preventing you from joining FINRA, AAA, and the court-annexed program simultaneously. In fact, diversifying across panels is standard practice for working arbitrators. Just keep track of each panel's disclosure requirements, because a conflict on one panel's case may need to be disclosed even if it originates from your work on another panel.
How does Arizona's mandatory arbitration threshold compare to other states?
Arizona's court-annexed mandatory arbitration applies to civil cases with an amount in controversy of $65,000 or less. California's threshold is $50,000. Colorado's is $100,000 in some districts. There is no national standard; each state sets its own. Arizona's $65,000 threshold was set by Supreme Court rule and can change, so confirm the current figure with the court.
Sources
- Arizona Department of Financial Institutions: No arbitrator license category exists among Arizona's regulated license types
- Arizona State Legislature, A.R.S. Title 12, Chapter 9 (Revised Arizona Arbitration Act): Arizona adopted the Revised Arizona Arbitration Act governing arbitration agreements and awards in state courts, effective July 29, 2021
- American Arbitration Association: AAA requires at least 10 years of senior-level professional experience and offers training courses ranging from several hundred to nearly two thousand dollars
- FINRA, Become an Arbitrator: FINRA arbitrator training is free, there is no application fee, background review typically takes four to six weeks, and active arbitrators must complete annual refresher training
- Arizona Judicial Branch, Rules of Civil Procedure (Court-Annexed Arbitration, Rules 72-76): Arizona Supreme Court Rule 76 requires arbitrators in the mandatory court arbitration program to be licensed Arizona attorneys with at least three years of active practice; cases under $65,000 in controversy are subject to mandatory arbitration; arbitrators are compensated per the court's fee schedule
- Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law: Straus Institute offers recognized arbitrator training programs accepted by major panels
- FINRA, Dispute Resolution Statistics: FINRA handled approximately 6,200 arbitration cases in 2023
- American Bar Association, Section of Dispute Resolution: Experienced commercial arbitrators nationally charge $300 to $600 per hour; rates at the high end are typically former judges or attorneys with specialized expertise
- California Courts, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programs: California does not require a state arbitrator license; qualification is through court and panel programs
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Colorado does not issue a state arbitrator license; arbitrators qualify through court ADR programs and private panels
- American Bar Association, Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes: The Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes is the widely recognized national ethics standard covering disclosure, impartiality, and ex parte communication rules