How Long Does It Take to Become a Dive Instructor?
If you’ve fallen in love with scuba diving, turning it into a career might feel like the next big step. Becoming a dive instructor is exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunities. But how long does it actually take?
It Depends on Where You Start
The answer depends on your current certification level. If you’re brand new to diving, the full path takes longer. You’ll need to move through each course step by step. That means starting with Open Water Diver, progressing to Advanced, then Rescue Diver, and finally reaching Divemaster.
Each of these certifications takes time and experience. You also need to log a certain number of dives. For SSI, that number is 100 before you can begin your Instructor Training Course (ITC).
A Flexible Journey
If you’re diving regularly and focused on your training, you could become an instructor in about six months to a year. Some people complete the journey faster by joining full-time internships or dedicated professional programs. Others take longer, especially if they’re diving part-time or only on holidays. The beauty of scuba is that it fits around your lifestyle.
The Instructor Course Itself
Once you’re ready, the Instructor Training Course typically lasts around two weeks. During that time, you’ll learn how to teach, manage student divers, and follow international standards. You’ll be evaluated on both classroom knowledge and in-water performance. It’s intensive, but incredibly rewarding.
What Happens After Certification?
After passing the final instructor exam/evaluation, you’re qualified to teach new divers and issue certifications. This opens doors to working in dive resorts, liveaboards, training centers, and more. You’ll be part of a global community, sharing your passion and helping others experience the underwater world.
So, How Long Does It Really Take?
For most people, the journey to instructor level takes several months to a year. It depends on how often you dive, how quickly you progress, and how much time you can dedicate to training. But if you’re committed and enthusiastic, you’ll get there—and it’s absolutely worth the effort.
