Instructor Development Course

The instructor development process is a combination of programs designed to enhance instructor candidate’s abilities as dive professionals, as well as offer specialized training programs, all of which are intended to increase their success. This process begins with the PADI Assistant Instructor course and ranges through Specialty Instructor training, IDC Staff Instructor courses and business education programs.

The foundation of PADI instructor development is the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). The program consists of two parts — the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. Combining the AI course and the OWSI program into a continuous program makes up an eight day IDC.

Successfully completing an AI course allows instructor candidates to earn the PADI Assistant Instructor rating which authorizes them to function as instructional assistants and independently conduct certain PADI programs. AI course completion also qualifies candidates to participate in an OWSI program.

Successfully completing the OWSI program (or an entire IDC) makes candidates eligible to participate in a PADI Instructor Examination (IE). The IE is a completely evaluative program that tests the instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System, attitude and professionalism. Instructor candidates become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors only after successfully completing an IE. PADI IEs are standardized, objective evaluations conducted by Instructor Examiners representing one of PADI’s international offices.

What does the course cost? (Cost does not include course materials or IE fees)
  • Standard 7-Day IDC
    Course starts Friday evening and meets for the next 7 consecutive days
    $1800* ($1500* if IDC Online completed)
  • Weekend 7-Day IDC
    Course consists of two Friday afternoon through Sunday weekends and one Thursday and Friday
    $1800* (Must complete IDC Online prior to start of course)
  • Semi-Private IDC
    Plan your IDC around your schedule
    $2500* (Must complete IDC Online prior to start of course)
*Above costs do not include course materials or PADI application fees

IDC 2012 DATES


ORLAND PARK, IL

Weekend 7-Day IDCs

Part 1, Fri 5 PM Feb 24th and 8 AM the 25th and 26th
Part 2 April 14th and 15th at 8 AM and Part 3 May 17th and 18th at 8 AM

Part 1, June 1st at 5 PM, then 2nd and 3rd at 8 AM
Part 2 July 14th and 15th at 8 AM and Part 3 the 26th and 27th at 8 AM

Part 1 August 10th at 5 PM and 11th and 12th at 8 AM
Part 2 Sept 1st and 2nd at 8 and Part 3 Sept 13th and 14th at 8 AM

Standard 7-Day IDCs

May 12 - 18, 2012
July 21 - 27, 2012
September 8 - 14, 2012

Chicago, IL - IE Dates

May 19 - 20, 2012
July 28 - 29, 2012
September 15 - 16, 2012

Stuart Coves - Bahamas

IDC January 17 - 26, 2012
IE January 27 - 28, 2012

PHOENIX, AZ

Weekend 7-Day IDCs

To Be Announced

Standard 7-Day IDCs

IDC March 17 - 23, 2012
IE March 24 - 25, 2012

IDC November 3 - 9, 2012
IE November 10 - 11, 2012

ST. LUCIA IDC

IDC August 20 - 27, 2012
IE August 28 - 29, 2012

JAMAICA IDC

IDC May 21 - 28, 2012
IE May 29 - 30, 2012

IDC September 17 - 24, 2012
IE September 25 - 26, 2012

 Grand Cayman IDC

IDC October 9 - 15, 2012
IE October 16 - 17, 2012

 TURKS & CAICOS IDC

IDC October 17 - 23, 2012
IE October 24 - 25, 2012

**Private IDCs available in Orland Park. If you have a group we can schedule an IDC at your facility!**

Instructor-level continuing education courses available following every IDC!

Accommodations near Orland Park:

Just mention you are with Scuba Emporium for special rates!

Wingate by Windham-Tinley Park (708) 614-6914

Comfort Inn & Conference Centre-Orland Hills (708) 403-1100

Super 8 Motel - Mokena (708) 479-7808