Instructor Development Course
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the IDC cost?The current 2003 price for the complete Instructor Development Course is $1099.00. This price is the same no matter which format (weekend or weeklong) you choose. Private IDCs where you set the schedule are also available. Please contact us for details on pricing.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for the IDC?
Yes, a prerequisite for the IDC is having all the Knowledge Reviews which are found in the Instructor Candidate Workbook completed. During the course of the IDC, we review the information contained in these Knowledge Reviews. Also, a thorough review of the Diving Knowledge Workbook would be appropriate.
Do I need any special equipment?
The only gear you need to provide would be what you would normally wear for confined water and open water training dives. If you are travelling, and would prefer not to bring tanks and weights, we can provide them for you at no extra charge.
When do your IDCs start?
Please see this page for the current IDC schedule.
Why are there eight days listed for many of your IDCs, when other facilities only have seven?
We believe in a low-stress atmosphere, where you can enjoy your IDC, rather than struggling through long days. Most days during the program run from 9 am to about 5 pm. By design, we build in extra time for individual attention, and extra presentation practice sessions, as well as dive theory review sessions.
After I'm successful at the IDC, will I be a certified Instructor?
After successful completion of the IDC, you are ready for the two day Instructor Examination (IE) conducted by PADI International staff. Local IEs are generally run in the Chicago area, Baraboo, Wisconsin, or sometimes in Minneapolis. Once you've received your IDC Certificate of Completion, you are free to take your IE anywhere in the world for up to one year. Most, if not all candidates try to schedule their IE as soon as possible after their IDC, so that they will be fully prepared. Your Course Director will assist you with registering for a particular IE.
What happens during the IE?
During the IE, you will be asked to make Knowledge Development (classroom) presentations, confined water, and open water presentations. In addition, you will be asked to perform a simulated rescue of a non-breathing unconcious diver, similar to what you learned in your PADI Rescue Diver Course. Written exams covering dive theory (physics, physiology, skills and environment, equipment, and the Recreational Dive Planner), and a PADI Systems, Standards, and Procedures exam complete the IE. The theory exams are closed book, while the Standards exam is open-book.
How will I know how I'm doing during the IDC or IE?
After any presentation you give during the IDC or IE, you will be given immediate feedback regarding your performance. You'll always know how well you're doing. The middle word in IDC is "development". We emphasize that the program is developmental in nature....you'll make some mistakes, but you'll also learn from those mistakes, with our low-stress way of conducting the IDC.
When am I "officially" an Instructor?
Once you've successfully completed your IE, the PADI examiner will send all your documentation to PADI in California by overnight mail. It normally takes about 14 working days to process all the paperwork. Once you receive your Instructor packet from PADI, with your Open Water Scuba Instructor certification card with "Teaching Status" sticker attached, you're ready to start teaching. It's important to have liability insurance on file with PADI, in order to acquire "teaching status".
Do you offer extra help during the IDC?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage all our candidates to make extra presentations during the course of the IDC, not only to prepare for the IE, but more importantly, to prepare for life after the IE. Our goal is to not only make you successful at the IE, but also after the IE. We offer presentation, dive theory, and standards remediation and counseling either in a group or individual setting.
Where do you do the training during the IDC?
Our facility offers classroom space, while the confined water portions are conducted at one of the local pools right here in Menomonee Falls. The open water training is done at Menomonee Park, located approximately five miles from our store. The park offers conditions similar to those found in most local diving sites, so you'll be well prepared to go back and teach at your own facility.
We understand that this one page won't answer all your questions, so we invite you to contact us via E-mail, or better yet, stop by and speak with our Full-time PADI Course director in person.