One specific instrument to capture the value of ecosystem services are payments for ecosystem services (PES). A PES scheme can be designed in various different ways, based on the intended outcomes and target areas. In this training module, the basic characteristics of a PES scheme as well as fundamental design choices are discussed based on a fictitious case study. This training course was designed to deal with PES schemes related to watersheds, biodiversity and carbon markets. The course addresses PES schemes as specialized local projects or individual initiatives, rather than large-scale national PES programs. In this way, participants will be informed about the mechanics and logics behind a PES scheme and will not be distracted by institutional and political complexities of nationwide PES programs. During the training, the exercises and cases progressively increase in scale and complexity.