PADI Instructor Training Demystified: What You Need to Know

PADI Instructor Training Demystified: What You Need to Know

By: Manny Lagos | Date: 2025-07-25T13:47:48.335Z

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So, you’ve fallen in love with diving. Totally understandable. Maybe you’ve already worked your way up from Open Water to Advanced, then to Divemaster, and now you’re wondering: what’s next? Well, if you’re passionate about diving, enjoy helping others, and are ready to turn it into a full-time career– becoming a PADI Instructor might just be your dream job!

At Utila Dive Center, we’ve been training dive professionals for over 20 years. We know this journey inside and out. And if you’re here, you’re probably thinking about how PADI Instructor Training actually works, what it involves, and what comes after the certification.

Let’s walk you through it.

What is the Padi Instructor Training Course  & What Does it Include

The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the program that turns experienced divers into confident, professional instructors. It’s a mix of classroom learning, confined water training, open water sessions, and hands-on teaching techniques– all laid down to get you ready to teach others how to dive.

You’ll learn how to teach all core PADI courses, from the Open Water Diver to the Divemaster program. At the same time, you’ll hone your own diving and leadership skills, so you can guide others safely and confidently. This course also focuses on safety, problem-solving, and making learning fun for your students.

However, if you’re still learning the basics, and wondering “what is PADI diving”, check this out.

Prerequisites for Enrollment

Before you can start your PADI Instructor Training, there are a few things you need to have in place:

• You must be a certified PADI Divemaster (or have an equivalent certification from another recognized agency).
• If not a PADI Divemaster, you must have completed the PADI Divemaster Rescue Skills Assessment.
• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• You should have logged at least 60 dives (including night/deep and navigation) before starting the course, and 100 dives before taking the Instructor Exam (IE).
• You’ll need to have completed the EFR Primary and Secondary Care Course within the last 24 months.
• You’ll also need a doctor’s note (from the past 12 months) saying you’re fit to dive.
• Need to be certified as a PADI Open Water diver (or equivalent) for at least 6 months before starting, 

These requirements make sure that everyone starting the course has enough experience and knows how to stay safe underwater.

Who This Path Is For – And Who It’s Not

PADI Instructor Training is for people who love diving, love people, and want a life that’s exciting and full of adventure. It’s a great choice for Divemasters who want to take the level up, travellers looking for a location-independent career, or anyone who just loves teaching and being in the water.

It might not be the best fit for someone who doesn’t like public speaking, isn’t comfortable helping beginners, or doesn’t want to take on a leadership role. That said, many of our graduates at Utila Dive Center started out shy or unsure. With the right training and support, confidence builds up quickly. Here, you’ll learn how to teach, communicate, and lead with ease!

Curious about how much it costs to get SCUBA certified? Reach out to us, our experts will be happy to walk you through it.

Inside The IDC

The IDC is split into two main phases:

1. Assistant Instructor (AI) Module: This first part introduces you to the PADI system of education. You’ll learn how to give short lessons and conduct entry-level dive training in a controlled, safe environment.This step basically helps you get comfortable with teaching.

2. Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Module: This is where it gets real. You’ll learn how to run PADI courses from start to finish, manage students in open water, and get ready for the Instructor Exam.

Once you finish the course, you’ll be eligible to sit for the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), the final step in becoming a certified PADI Dive Instructor.

Padi Instructor Training Journey Step-by-Step

What to Expect During Training Days

At Utila Dive Center, our PADI Instructor Training course runs for 14 days with 2 more days for the PADI Instructor Examinations. It’s packed with: interactive workshops, classroom lessons, confined water training sessions, open water practice, and a lot of fun!

Your days will be busy, but exciting. At the UDC, you’ll get to:

• Deliver practice lessons in the classroom.
• Teach diving skills in a confined water setting.
• Run mock dive sessions in open water.
• Get hands-on feedback from our experienced course directors.
• Learn how to deal with student challenges in and out of the water.

This training will also help you get better at communication, time management, and staying calm under pressure. 

But the best part? You won’t be doing it alone. You’ll train with a group of passionate divers just like you, with our expert instructors supporting you every step of the way.

Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them

Let’s be honest: dive instructor training isn’t a walk in the park. Some things can be tough at first:

• Feeling nervous during presentations.
• Mastering control in open water dives
• Juggling study time, preparation, and everything else going on.

So, what’s the best way to tackle these challenges? Practice, patience, and support. At the UDC, you’ll train with a community that cheers you on, gives honest feedback, and helps you improve your skills. 

It’s not just a place to learn, it’s a place to grow and thrive!

How Long Does the Process Take?

• IDC Training: 14  days of intensive classroom and in-water work
• Instructor Exam (IE): 2 days of evaluation by PADI Examiners
• Total Duration: 16 days

Some candidates arrive early to brush up their skills or attend extra workshops. We also offer career packages that include specialty training, job placement support, and more. These packages are a great way to get the most out of your time with us.

The Final Test: Your Instructor Examination (IE)

Once you finish the IDC, it’s time for the final step– the Instructor Examination. This is where you show what you’ve learned.

What the IE Looks Like in Practice

The IE is a 2-day assessment run by official PADI Examiners. You’ll be tested on your knowledge, teaching skills, and in-water abilities. It may sound like a lot right now, but by this stage, you’ll be ready for it.

Theory, Presentations, and Open Water Skills Evaluated

Here’s what’s included in the IE:

• Dive theory exams: Get ready for questions on physics, physiology, equipment, environment, and PADI standards.
• Classroom presentation: Deliver a short classroom lesson using the PADI teaching system.
• Confined water assessment: Show that you can demonstrate and teach core dive skills clearly and confidently.
• Open water sessions: Run two practice teaching dives and complete a rescue exercise.

Each part puts a different skill to the test, but if you’ve put in the work during your IDC, you’ll pass the IE with flying colours!

How to Set Yourself Up for Success

• Review dive theory before your IDC begins, early preparation will pay off.
• Ask questions– your Course Director is your biggest asset and will be more than happy to help.
• Practice your skills whenever you can (especially teaching techniques and demonstrations).
• Get enough sleep, eat well, and stay relaxed, healthy habits make a huge difference.

The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. And remember, you’re not in this alone. Our team is with you throughout the training process, and even after you’re certified. 

We’ve helped thousands of divers pass their IE and land amazing dive jobs around the world. 

You’ve got this!

What Doors Open Next For Padi instructor

Once you’re certified, there’s so much you can do:

• You can teach diving anywhere, be it tropical islands, cruise ships, liveaboards, or someplace else.
• You can work in fun places like resorts, dive shops, dive centers, and adventure travel companies.
• You can move into specialities like underwater photography, technical diving, or marine conservation.
• You can step up your game with programs like Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) or IDC Staff Instructor.

At the UDC, we don’t just train you, we help you take the next step. Our alumni are working in dream dive jobs all over the world, and many of them started exactly where you are right now.

So, don’t hesitate to begin your IDC journey today.

Conclusion 

PADI Instructor Training isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about transformation. You’ll go from being a passionate diver to a responsible leader, ready to teach the next generation of ocean explorers. It’s not just a certification, it’s a calling!

With world-class training, supportive instructors, and real-world experience, Utila Dive Center is one of the best places to launch your diving instructor career. We’ve been the gold standard in the Caribbean for over two decades, and we’re ready to help you turn your dreams into reality!

Ready to turn your passion into a rewarding career?

Contact us for a free trial.

References:

[1] – Idc-guide.com - Overview of the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)

[2] – Idc-guide.com - What to expect during the PADI Instructor Examination (IE)

[3] – Oceanenterprises.com - How to pass the PADI Instructor Exam (IE) on your first try

[4] – Blog.padi.com - What taking the Instructor Development Course (IDC) is really like