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BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
PADI IDC · Instructor Development Course

Become a PADI Instructor.

The IDC is the full path from Divemaster to PADI Instructor. Take it all the way through in one go, or split it into two parts: Assistant Instructor first, then Open Water Scuba Instructor. Train locally at a PADI 5 Star IDC with our in-house Gold Course Director.

Ask about the next IDCPrerequisites
AI + OWSIAll at once or in 2 parts
2-dayPADI Instructor Exam
100 divesTo attend the IE
5 StarPADI IDC

What the IDC covers

The IDC turns strong divers into confident teachers. You practice teaching in the classroom, in confined water and in open water, learn PADI standards and risk management, and finish ready for the PADI Instructor Exam (IE). The full IDC includes both Assistant Instructor and Open Water Scuba Instructor. Most candidates take it straight through, but you can also take it in two parts.

INCLUDES

Assistant Instructor

Your first teaching rating. Learn how PADI courses are built and how to present them, and start working with real students.

  • Knowledge development presentations
  • Confined water skill teaching and evaluation
  • PADI standards, procedures and risk management
  • Dive theory review and rescue assessment

After AI you can teach knowledge and confined water sessions under an instructor’s supervision, and teach some programs on your own, such as Discover Scuba Diving and Project AWARE.

INCLUDES

Open Water Scuba Instructor

The full instructor rating. Build on AI with open water teaching and get ready for the PADI Instructor Exam.

  • Classroom, confined and open water teaching presentations
  • Open water skill teaching and problem solving
  • Standards and dive theory exam prep
  • Instructor Exam readiness

After OWSI you can teach and certify divers in Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Divemaster, plus Discover Scuba Diving.

How it runs at 20K

The IDC runs twice a year. Classes meet weeknights, 5:30–8:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with confined and open water sessions on weekends, so you can train without leaving your job. After the course you attend the two-day PADI Instructor Exam, run by PADI.

PART 1

Assistant Instructor

Teaching foundations. Credit if you already hold AI.

PART 2

Open Water Scuba Instructor

Weeknights plus weekend water sessions.

PART 3

Emergency care instructor

Instructor-level first aid training.

PART 4

PADI IE

Two-day Instructor Exam by PADI.

Two ways to take the IDC

OPTION 1

Full IDC, all the way through

Assistant Instructor and Open Water Scuba Instructor back to back in one program, then the PADI Instructor Exam. The fastest path from Divemaster to Instructor.

OPTION 2

In two parts

Take Assistant Instructor now and start teaching sooner, then come back for Open Water Scuba Instructor when you’re ready. Already a PADI Assistant Instructor? Start with OWSI.

Crossing over from another agency?

Instructors from other training agencies can cross over to PADI through the IDC. Call us and we will walk you through what credit you have.

Prerequisites

To start the IDC

  • PADI Divemaster, or a qualifying leadership rating from another agency
  • 18 years or older
  • Certified diver for at least 6 months
  • 60 logged dives
  • First aid/CPR training within the last 24 months
  • Medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months

To start OWSI on its own, or attend the IE

  • PADI Assistant Instructor, or an instructor rating from another agency
  • 100 logged dives to attend the Instructor Exam
  • First aid/CPR and medical statement still current

Not sure you qualify? Ask us and we’ll help you close the gap.

Why train with 20K

PADI 5 Star IDCEvery professional level, from Divemaster through instructor, taught under one roof.
In-house Course DirectorYour instructor development is led by our own PADI Gold Course Director, David "Sunny" Sundberg.
Gear guidanceOur team helps you choose the right gear for training and for your career as a pro.
Train close to homeLocal classes and Georgia-area dive sites. No need to fly overseas to go pro.
Real-world mentoringAssist on real classes with experienced instructors, including veterans and first responders on our staff.
A place to growFrom your first pro card to specialty ratings and Public Safety Diver programs, there is always a next step here.

Your path to pro

Divemaster›DFA Pro›Assistant Instructor›OWSI›MSDT Prep

Questions

Do I have to take the whole IDC at once?

No. Most candidates take the full IDC straight through, but you can take Assistant Instructor first and come back for Open Water Scuba Instructor later.

What does it cost?

Contact the shop for current pricing. PADI application and Instructor Exam fees are paid directly to PADI and are separate.

Who runs the IDC?

Our PADI Gold Course Director, David "Sunny" Sundberg. Meet Sunny.

What can I teach after?

As an Open Water Scuba Instructor: PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster and Discover Scuba Diving, and more as you add specialty ratings.

What comes next?

MSDT Prep, to add specialty instructor ratings and become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

Ready to become an instructor?

Call, email or message us about the next IDC dates, crossover options and pricing.

Ask about the next IDC
Call 770-752-0002 · info@20000leaguesscuba.com · message us on Instagram or Facebook
20,000 Leagues Scuba and Outdoors · 5184 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA
PADI and related course names are trademarks of PADI. Requirements follow current PADI standards; contact us to confirm before enrolling. PADI application and exam fees are paid directly to PADI.
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