I have a professional-level certification with another agency, how do I become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor?

If you hold a professional rating from another diver training organization and wish to become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, please contact a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Center or Career Development Center (CDC).

A dive professional in good standing with another diver training organization may meet the prerequisites for the next level PADI certification. For example, a divemaster with another diver training organization may qualify to enroll in a PADI Assistant Instructor course or Instructor Development Course (IDC). You could not receive a PADI Divemaster certification unless you completed the PADI Divemaster course. There is no simple “equivalency” or “crossover.”

An instructor in good standing from another diver training organization may be eligible to enroll in an Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. This program is shorter than a complete IDC and focuses building upon your teaching skills by introducing you to the PADI System. You must also successfully complete a PADI Instructor Exam (IE) to become a PADI Instructor.