The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, some of the best diving on earth, and a cost of living that lets you train without burning through your savings. That’s why thousands of people come here every year to become dive instructors.

But the path from “I love diving” to “I’m a PADI Instructor” isn’t always obvious. Here’s exactly how it works, what it costs, and how long it takes.

The Path: Step by Step

You can’t just sign up for an instructor course. PADI has a progression, and each level builds on the last:

Open Water Diver → Advanced Open Water → Rescue Diver → Divemaster → Instructor Development Course (IDC) → Instructor Exam (IE)

If you’re starting from scratch, the whole journey takes roughly 3 to 9 months depending on how fast you move. If you’re already a Divemaster, you can be a certified instructor in as little as 2 to 3 weeks.

What You Need Before the IDC

PADI Divemaster certification (or equivalent from another agency)
At least 60 logged dives to start the IDC, and 100 dives before the IE
Emergency First Response Instructor certification (usually included in IDC packages)
A medical clearance signed by a doctor within the last 12 months
Be at least 18 years old
Be a certified diver for at least 6 months