PADI Scuba Diving Training & Education Courses

PADI certification courses are flexible and performance based. Knowledge development or eLearning can be completed at your own pace. PADI dive shops offer a variety of dive training schedules depending on how fast you progress. For new divers, the average time frame for Open Water Diver scuba certification is 3-5 days.

Interested in learning to dive or advancing your dive skills? The average cost to obtain your PADI certification will vary by dive course and location. Learn about your PADI dive certification options in this step-by-step breakdown:

All dive certifications require knowledge development and in-water training. After completing your PADI eLearning, you will begin your in-water training with your chosen Dive Shop. Please contact your Dive Shop directly for pricing as costs may vary by location. Notify your Dive Shop if you have already purchased your eLearning.

New Diver: You will want to begin with Open Water Diver. The knowledge portion of your dive training or eLearning costs around $230 USD. After you complete your eLearning, you will begin your in-water training with your chosen Dive Shop.

Continuing Education: After achieving your Open Water Diver certification, you can continue your dive journey with specialty courses to expand your underwater exploration skills and increase your bottom time, learn dive rescue and safety skills, ocean stewardship, underwater photography, or even how to become a dive equipment specialist. Pricing varies by course. Contact your chosen dive shop for in-water training costs. Learn more about continuing education courses.

Professional: Travel the world and get paid to do what you love or share your dive knowledge locally. As a PADI Divemaster or PADI Instructor, you’ll learn how to lead dives and help others with their dive education. Learn more about becoming a PADI Pro.

Learning to dive is an exciting and challenging experience. With PADI eLearning you can read, watch videos, and take quizzes at your own pace to achieve the dive knowledge and fundamentals required to confidently advance to your in-water training. An experienced PADI Instructor will help you every step of the way during your training to become a safe and competent diver.

No, your scuba diving certification is for life! However, diving regularly is highly recommended to maintain your dive skills and knowledge. Try to avoid long periods without diving (6 months or longer). If you haven’t been scuba diving recently, you should take the PADI Reactivate Scuba Refresher.

10 years old is the minimum PADI certification age in most areas. Student divers younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which can be upgraded to PADI Open Water Diver certification at age 15. Children under 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

​​The PADI app is a convenient way to access your dive certification details, log dives, find dive shops, eLearning courses, special offers, and more.