Let’s not beat around the bush, becoming an instructor is going to cost some money. but think of it as an investment in yourself and your future.

Think not of cost but value

Have you ever ordered something online, looked at the postage and thought “I’m not paying that for postage!”? On average we are willing to pay more for an item with ‘free postage’ than a cheaper item with added postage. The reason is because we perceive more value in the item than the postage. (Even if the paid for service is faster etc). The perception of its value is harder to grasp.

Similarly, when you invest in your pro education as a PADI Instructor you shouldn’t look at the monetary outlay as a pure cost but as something you are receiving value from. Each step of the way there is value.

The breakdown

Let’s look at the three costs to becoming a PADI Instructor.

Materials. You will need an IDC Crew pack. This includes your e-learning, digital resources, instructor slates and a backpack. You will also need materials for EFR Instructor, these may be included or separate. You will keep these materials for life and you will use the resources throughout your career. The backpack is great too!
Training. The actual practical training during your IDC, preparation for the IDC, additional makeup sessions if needed. This part is the is the easiest part to find value in, your Course Director and Staff Instructors will develop your skills and pass on their working knowledge to you through the program. You will leave the IDC feeling transformed! Thinking and acting like a PADI Instructor.
Fees to PADI. This bit includes fees paid directly to PADI for the Instructor Examination, and application to get your Open Water Scuba Instructor and Emergency First Response Instructor cards. Additional to this but not included here is the annual renewal fees required to retain your teaching status. This part is the hardest to grasp in terms of value, but you receive value in a well structured and fair assessment process. The PADI examiner will be able to answer questions you have and offer ample preparation time and even limited make ups if needed.

The numbers

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for, what does it cost to become a PADI Instructor? Here is an estimate for 2024. This may change depending on if you choose to gain extra speciality instructor ratings during your IDC.

Materials. IDC crew pack, EFR Instructor materials. £750
Training. IDC £2000
PADI fees £959

This year we have combined the materials and training prices to £2700 including a prescriptive preparation day!

Yes these figures may seem high but remember this is opening the door to an exciting new career opportunity. An experience that if motivated by the right reasons will propel you along your path to your full potential.

Make sure to check out our other blogs in the PADI Instructor series.

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