The Professional Development Excellence Award recognizes Five Star Instructor Development Centers (IDC) that have been productive in training PADI Professionals, at all levels, during the previous calendar year.
The award recognizes Five Star IDC Centers for reaching specific milestones based on the number of Pro certifications issued annually – providing the opportunity to tout “Pro Development Status” to potential Divemaster and IDC candidates, other prospective Pro-level customers, would-be employees and fellow PADI Professionals!
Program Summary
The Five Star IDC Center is required to:
- Have no verified PADI Quality Assurance violations for the past six months or have any open quality assurance complaints on file.
- Have an authorized, renewed and insured (where required) Teaching Status PADI Course Director, and/or Freediver Instructor TrainerTM, and/or Mermaid Instructor TrainerTM and/or TecRec Instructor TrainerTM on staff (full-time, part-time or independent contractor) to conduct PADI Instructor-level training.
- Adhere to all relevant PADI Trainer materials, such as: Course Director Manual, PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer Guide, PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer Guide or PADI TecRec Instructor Trainer Guide requirements relevant to PADI Five Star IDC Centers conducting Instructor-level courses. These guides must be available for reference at the PADI Five Star IDC Center facility.
- Offer PADI Instructor-level certifications and conduct professional training each year.
Five Star IDC Centers will be recognized for their productivity in a calendar year during the first quarter of the following year. The recognition runs from 1st January to 31st December each year.
It is expected that stores renew their membership as a PADI Five Star IDC no later than 31st December of the current year to obtain their award in the following year.
Professional Development Excellence Award
Recognition is based on the following levels:
| Level | Total | Pro Core Courses | Pro Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Min. 10 | Min. 6 incl. 1 OWSI | Min. 4 |
| Silver | Min. 20 | Min. 10 incl. 2 OWSI | Min. 10 |
| Gold | Min. 50 | Min. 20 incl. 4 OWSI | Min. 30 |
| Platinum | Min. 100 | Min. 30 incl. 6 OWSI | Min. 70 |
- You’ll receive a “Professional Development Excellence Award” level e-badge to use in your electronic communications, through any social channel and on your website.
- You’ll receive a “Professional Development Excellence Award” level digital certificate to share on social channels and to display in your dive store.
Qualifying Course Completions
More information on the levels needed for recognition follows here:
Bronze Level
- Minimum 10 total Professional certifications at any of these levels: Divemaster (DM), Assistant Instructor (AI), Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), IDC Staff Instructor, including Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor and Instructor Specialties.
- At least six (6) core Professional-level certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor. It must include at least one (1) OWSI.
- At least four (4) continuing education Instructor-level certifications (PADI Instructor Specialties).
Silver Level
- Minimum 20 total Professional certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, including Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor and Instructor Specialties.
- At least 10 core Professional-level certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor. It must include at least two (2) OWSI.
- At least 10 continuing education Instructor level certifications (PADI Instructor Specialties).
Gold Level
- Minimum 50 total Professional certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor and Instructor Specialties.
- At least 20 core Professional-level certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor. It must include at least four (4) OWSI.
- At least 30 continuing education Instructor-level certifications (PADI Instructor Specialties).
Platinum Level
- Minimum 100 total Professional certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor and Instructor Specialties.
- At least 30 core Professional-level certifications at any of these levels: DM, AI, OWSI, IDC Staff Instructor, Freediver Instructor, Mermaid Instructor, Tec Instructor. It must include at least six (6) OWSI.
- At least 70 continuing education Instructor-level certifications (PADI Instructor Specialties).
More Information
If you have any questions, please contact Instructor Development or your Regional Manager.
