Discover all of the upcoming Instructor Development programs to be offered by the PADI Americas office for 2025! Whether you’re looking to become an instructor trainer or advance your skills as a diving educator, this blog has you covered with a comprehensive list of both virtual and in-person courses. Designed exclusively for qualified PADI Pros, these programs will help you take the next step in your professional diving journey. Explore the opportunities and start shaping your future today!
2025 Course Director Online Update
Available on Demand, recorded
Registration Fee: $175 USD (plus applicable tax); online event
In this Online Update, uncover expert strategies for growing your PADI Instructor Development business, including unlocking the secrets of success with captivating marketing tips, masterful teaching techniques, and evaluation training. Elevate your core competencies and training techniques to new heights!
To register, purchase your ticket on Eventbrite and once registered, find a link and password emailed to you that will allow you to access the exclusive content. There is also a verification form to send back to PADI once you have completed the update that will then be added to your records and extend your CD Active status until 2027. This update is open to all Renewed, and Active status Course Directors.
2025 IDC Staff Instructor Online Update
Available on Demand, recorded
Registration Fee: $175 USD (plus applicable tax); online event
Join PADI Staff as they share cutting-edge strategies for refining training techniques and enhancing the growth of your business. This 2025 Instructor Development Online Update will explore dynamic marketing tips, innovative teaching methods, and hands-on evaluation training. Enhance your Instructor Development programs with expert insights and skills to drive success!
(Virtual) Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer Course
Registration fee: $695 USD; online event
As an Emergency First Response® Instructor Trainer, you unlock the power to help create more EFR Instructors – which means more people to teach critical emergency care skills to others, while also increasing your income. This half-day virtual program is open to EFR Instructors who have completed the preparatory online components and conducted at least five EFR courses or issued at least 25 EFR course completion cards. This program includes access to the online pre-study presentations and to the live online practical component. (Make sure you can run GoToWebinar and GoToMeeting software.)If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne Lara at Yvonne.lara@padi.com or (949) 858-7234 ext. 2296 (US and Canada only).
Course Director Training Course Preparatory Seminar
Friday, 11-13 April, 2025
Registration Fee: $750 USD (The CDTC Preparatory Seminar is currently sold out, to be added to the waitlist please email maureen.brandt@padi.com)
Location: PADI Headquarters – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA
This three (3) day seminar will start at 8:00am on Friday the 11th of April 2025 and end at 7:00pm on the 13th of April 2025.
This immersive Seminar is designed to sharpen your Instructor Development skills and boost your chances of securing a spot in the Course Director Training Course (CDTC) of your choice. You’ll gain hands-on experience and refine your skills in Knowledge Development, Confined Water, and Open Water instruction while sharpening your expertise in:
- Conducting IDC Curriculum and Continuing Education Presentations
- Evaluation Training and Rescue Workshops
- Marketing Pro-Level Courses
- Business Plan Development
- CDTC Application Review and Exams
By attending, you’ll also receive personalized mentoring to help you navigate the application process, select the best CDTC for your career goals, and prepare effectively for the next phase of your diving journey. In addition, you’ll get a bespoke review of your business plan.
What’s included in the seminar fee (an $800.00 value):
- Dive Theory Online
- CDTC Exam
- CDTC Knowledge Development Presentation
- $500 of the seminar fee will be credited toward your upcoming CDTC (within two years of attendance)
- 15 Seminar credits toward ranking
- Exclusive access to a CDTC payment plan
Becoming a PADI Course Director isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a chance to transform your passion for diving into a rewarding profession with unlimited potential. As a seasoned PADI Instructor, you’re in the perfect position to take this leap.
PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer Course
Monday, 5 – 7 May, 2025
Registration Fee: $3,095 USD (accommodations and travel not included)
Application Deadline: March 20, 2025
Location: PADI Headquarters – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA
The PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer Course is an exceptional opportunity for PADI Mermaid Instructors to advance their careers by becoming Instructor Trainers.
Participants will gain advanced knowledge and expertise in conducting PADI Mermaid Instructor courses while deepening their understanding of PADI’s systems and standards, refining their instructional techniques, and enhancing mentoring skills specific to mermaid training. The course prepares candidates to lead with confidence and promote the growing mermaid diving community with professionalism and creativity.
Eligibility for this program requires candidates to be in renewed teaching status as both PADI Mermaid Instructors and Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructors. Applicants must also demonstrate significant experience in teaching mermaid programs and have issued at least 50 certifications across various levels.
Additionally, an optional PADI Emergency Oxygen Instructor Trainer course will be offered during the same period, allowing candidates to further diversify their skills.
Take this opportunity to expand your impact and elevate your career in the PADI Mermaid community!
Review the Fact Sheet for requirements and details.
Download the Application Form.
Download the PADI Emergency Oxygen Instructor Trainer Course Application.
Contact Eric.Albinsson@padi.com for help and guidance with your application.
PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer Course
Date TBA for Fall 2025
Registration fee: $3,275 USD (accommodations and travel not included)
Location: TBA
The PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer Course offers an exceptional opportunity for PADI Master Freediver Instructors to advance their careers by becoming Freediver Instructor Trainers. This course equips experienced professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead Freediver Instructor development courses and mentor the next wave of freediving educators.
Participants will focus on refining their instructional techniques, gaining advanced mentorship tools, and enhancing their ability to guide others in teaching PADI Freediver programs. The course also emphasizes effective communication and leadership, ensuring graduates can confidently deliver training and inspire others to excel in their freediving journey.
Beyond skill development, this program prepares participants to support and grow freediving within the PADI system. It includes practical guidance on promoting freediving education, leveraging marketing tools, and meeting the unique needs of freediving students and instructors.
Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the course location and application details. Don’t miss this chance to take your freediving career to the next level and inspire the future of freediving instruction!
Question about the FD IT course? Contact Eric Albinsson at eric.albinsson@padi.com
In addition to the events above, PADI will also conduct two Course Director Training Course (CDTC) programs in 2025.
If you are thinking about applying to attend the PADI CDTC, please visit The CDTC Information Page for more information.
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