PADI Pro - Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

How can I best prepare for the IDC/IE?
It is important to spend time studying your theory, as this will not be re taught during the IDC Program. By studying, we mean using your PADI Diving Knowledge Workbook and Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving to ensure that you understand all aspects of the diving theory that you will be tested on. During the IDC, we will have a study session and give you a pre-assessment examination. The purpose of the sample exam is to know where you stand with regard to your level of knowledge. We can not emphasize enough that the time to study your theory is before the IDC, not during the IDC. You'll be learning many new things, so you'll want to spend your time learning these new subjects; not reviewing old subjects. You also need to complete the knowledge reviews in the Instructor Candidate Workbook prior to the start of the IDC. This can be done before you get here or through staff led workshops here in right before the IDC starts. Please email Alex personally for a detailed explanation on this.

What's so special about your IDC Program?
One of the most important aspects of our course is the emphasis on real-world training. We believe that almost any Course Director can give you enough knowledge to pass the IE if that is your only goal. However, your goal should be to understand the PADI system to the point where you can be a successful employee or owner - a diving professional. In other words, we prepare you for your future; the IE is only a stepping stone. Choosing to do the IDC with Alex will make a big difference, as he is one of the most experienced and capable educators in this part of the world.

Is it possible to `Fail' the IDC Program?
No, it is impossible to fail the IDC - unless you just don't show up - as the IDC is a course, not an exam. Our IDC stresses development. As a result, you can relax while learning, knowing that mistakes are part of the process. Although there are performance requirements for successfully completing the course, there are no time limitations, so you may continue to progress under your Course Director's guidance. The goal is to create a low-stress environment in which you can learn to function as a PADI Instructor. This makes the IDC challenging, yet an enjoyable learning experience. The final evaluation of your knowledge and skills come later during the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).

Must I do the exams in English?
No, PADI has written exams in many different languages, and certainly in all of the major European languages. Also, it is possible to do your oral teaching presentations in your native tongue if you so desire.

What is average passing rate for the IE?
Worldwide, 89%. Out of our candidates, 100% passed.

What is the most common area of the IE that candidates fail?
Theory exams! Study your theory and be prepared for the IDC. So far, none of our candidates have failed due to low scores on teaching presentations.

When can I begin teaching?
As soon as the paperwork from your IE has be processed by PADI. Depending on your where your permanent address is, this could take between two and four weeks.

Can I get a job in Spain?
Yes, it is possible to work in this country at one of the many mainland or island resorts, We will do our best to help you find a job here if you so choose, and we have been able to place most of our candidates.

Why Is It So Important To Continue Career Training Beyond the Instructor Exam (IE)?
It has often been said that good divers are always learning. This certainly does not change once you become an instructor. It is at this precise point in your dive training that continuing education becomes even more important than ever.

Passing the IE and earning the Open Water Scuba Instructor rating (OWSI) is quite an accomplishment and one of which you should be very proud. However, it is important to realize that this is the minimum requirement for working as a dive instructor. The industry views the OWSI rating within the professional realm of diving as being on the same level as the Open Water Diver certification within the recreational realm of diving-it is just the beginning. And while the OWSI rating is your license to teach, if you don't continue your career training beyond this level, you will be greatly limited by what you can teach.

Continuing education will provide you with valuable hands-on experience and qualify you to teach various specialty diving courses. Being multi-talented in your teaching credentials will put you in higher demand in the competitive job market. It will also provide you with much greater job variety, which leads to more enjoyment and job satisfaction. Having more teaching qualifications often times leads to increased earning potential since it is quite common for employers to offer additional commissions or bonuses to instructors based on the number of courses taught. So the more you can teach, the more you can earn!

When seeking employment, the dive industry is like any other in that the more relevant skills and credentials you can bring to the hiring table, the more successful you will be in your new chosen career. By taking full advantage of SCUBA NERJA's complete Scuba Instructor Development Curriculum, you will place yourself above and beyond any others seeking employment in the dive industry.