Use these links to navigate through this page and to review the information regarding the process to pursue recognition as a Certified Outdoor Educator.

• Overview
• How to Become a Certified Outdoor Educator
• Professional Field Experience
• COE Clinic Information & Registration

OVERVIEW

The Certified Outdoor Educator (COE) credential recognizes the professional qualifications of individuals who work in programs that provide structured training and assessment/evaluation in outdoor leadership development. These professionals are committed to excellence and have proven their ability to deliver quality outdoor leadership experiences. In addition, COEs have also demonstrated proficiency in educating, evaluating, and assessing outdoor leadership training and development experiences based on the WEA 6+1. The COE is critical to the training and recognition of WEA Certified Outdoor Leaders (COLs).

HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED OUTDOOR EDUCATOR

There are two pathways to becoming a Certified Outdoor Educator:

1. WEA-accredited Organization. Educational organizations that provide outdoor leadership and education training can be accredited by the WEA. Accredited organizational members have established approved processes for training COE candidates within their program. Candidates must follow the process outlined by their organization; final approval of certification comes from the attending COE.

2. The Professional Path. The vast majority of outdoor professionals interested in and eligible for the COE have already completed a post-secondary or graduate degree and have accumulated extensive field time and experience. The professional path provides access to the COE certification without enrolling in another extensive educational program. In summary, the current outdoor professional provides evidence of field and teaching experience directly relevant to the WEA 6+1 via a digital portfolio filled with original-work artifacts (other certifications, lesson plans, created rubrics, professional training, presentations/ publications, etc.). Individual artifacts are weighted  according to relevance and connection to the WEA 6+1. The portfolio is reviewed by current Certified Outdoor Educators and approved once the minimum point threshold is reached.

Individuals interested in pursuing the Professional Path should contact the WEA National Office with any questions and to complete the Certified Outdoor Educator Enrollment Application ($30 application fee). Attending a COE Clinic is one step in the process of building a digital portfolio.