Leave No Trace Level 3 Training - Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education

What is Level 3 Training with Leave No Trace?

Formerly Master Educator Instructors, Level 3 Training course trains interested individuals to serve as Leave No Trace Level 1 and Level 2 Instructors. This level of training (certifying others as a Level 2 Instructor) through Leave No Trace is only offered through an approved Provider.

Once you are certified as a Leave No Trace Level 3 Instructor you can teach...

Level 1 (formerly "Trainer")

Participants taking the two-day Level 1 Instructor Course learn Leave No Trace skills, ethics, and techniques for educating others about these low-impact practices. In-person Level 1 Instructor Courses typically occur over two consecutive days and involve spending more than half of the course outdoors.

Virtual options are also available for Level 1 Instructor Courses. Level 1 Instructor Course graduates are prepared to offer Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops to their community.

Level 2 Instructor (formerly "Master Educator")

The five-day Level 2 Instructor Course is our most comprehensive education course. Participants are provided with in-depth training on Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application during a field-based course. Participants learn Leave No Trace techniques through various methods—including discussions, scenarios, demonstrations, and hands-on activities—throughout all five days of the field-based course.

The Level 2 Instructor Course is also designed to prepare participants to be the best possible teachers of Leave No Trace regardless of setting. Level 2 Instructor Course graduates are certified to instruct Level 1 Instructor Courses and are prepared to teach Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops.

Leave No Trace - Level 3 Training

Next training: TBA

AORE is proud to be partnering with Leave No Trace to provide this training to educators and facilitators across the country. Get your Level 3 Training complete and bring Leave No Trace to your programming (+ make money!)

In Person Training with Limited Space

Leave No Trace - Level 3 Training

Next training: TBA

In order to become and maintain your Leave No Trace Level 3 Certifying Instructor status through the Leave No Trace/AORE Provider Agreement, you will need to:

Be a current Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor (or get your Level 2 prior to your Level 3 Training)
Be a current AORE Professional or Organization member
Recertify every two years per the Leave No Trace National Training Guidelines
Attend a 5-day LNT Certification Training

Anticipated expenses for you include:

Certification Training Course program fee: $1,500*
Your travel, lodging and food for the Level 3 Certification 5 day course (not covered in your program fee)

*You can pay the fee in full or opt to pay a deposit of $500 during registration (with the remaining balance due one month before training)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have my Level 2 training yet?

Don't worry there are opportunities for you to get your training before January 6. Secure Your Level 2 Training at one of these events before January 6, 2025 to attend the Leave No Trace Level 3 Training through AORE:

We will also offer the Level 3 Training at future date TBD, so get the Level 2 training when you can to be ready for our next Level 3 Training.

Can I offer this at my college?

Yes, absolutely! And if you do an internal course offering the price is reduced to $500 per person! You will have to work through AORE to provide the administrative paperwork to make sure your participants are entered into the Leave No Trace system correctly.

Level 2 Training is too expensive for my college program. Can you offer a deal?

Yes! Your Level 2 courses price will be $850 per participant for pubic/open enrollment courses, but if you are offering internal courses (such as within your university/organization) these can be offered at $500 per person

Why is the Level 3 Training so much?

There is a lot that goes into the five day course to help you achieve being a Leave No Trace Level 3 Certifying Instructor. $1,500 offsets those administrative fees. It is easy to earn your investment back — offer a Level 2 Training for your internal program and with 3 participants you've earned your money back. It will take less participants at your public Level 2 Training to earn your money back. All trainings must be run through the AORE/LNT Partnership.

Make it Simple:

Level 1 Instructor Course graduates are prepared to offer Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops to their community.

Level 2 Instructor Course graduates are certified to instruct Level 1 Instructor Courses and are prepared to teach Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops.

Level 3 Training course trains interested individuals to serve as Leave No Trace Level 1 and Level 2 Instructors

AORE is proud to be a LNT Course Provider. Join our Level 3 Training to take your programming to the next level.

Hosting Level 2 Courses

Why Would Someone Attend Through Your Program?

Get your Level 3 Training complete and bring Leave No Trace to your programming... and make money! Level 2 Instructor Courses are 5-day courses. Each course requires one lead who is a Level 3 Instructor and a co-instructor who is a Level 2 instructor or higher. The course minimum is 5 and the maximum is 12 participants. Full guidelines are here for review.

You handle the promotion of your training and AORE will help with the administrative tasks. Your course is listed on the Leave No Trace website as well.

Your Level 2 courses price will be $850 per participant for pubic/open enrollment courses. If you offer internal courses, such as within your university or organization, registration rate can be offered at $500per participant.

AORE would handle registration fees, payment to Leave No Trace, and provide a cut to the Course Provider program. You will need to have general liability insurance for any of the Level 2 courses you facilitate. See the Leave No Trace insurance requirements here.

The Benefits of Providing Level 2 Courses:

Attendees gain their Level 2 certification with Leave No Trace — this is great for colleges and education programs and in some cases a required training
Level 2 Instructors can certify others as Level 1 Instructors
Leave No Trace membership - good for one year
AORE professional membership - good for year
Rate is lower than other providers

Earn Your Investment Back!

With your Leave No Trace Level 3 Certifying Instructor status you will be able to host Level 2 Trainings:

$850 per participant (pubic/open enrollment courses)
$500 per participant (Internal courses*)

*such as within your university/organization