College Credit Recommendations
For PADI Dive Courses

The American Council of Education (ACE) recommends college credit for certain PADI scuba diver and Emergency First Response (EFR) courses. ACE represents all colleges and universities before the U.S. federal government and as such is the unified voice of higher education. ACE evaluates educational courses according to established college-level criteria and recommends college credit for those that measure up to these standards.

The ACE credit recommendations for PADI and EFR courses may help you in receiving college credit at an America university or college - even if the courses aren't conducted on a university or college campus. Courses offered through PADI Dive Centers, Resorts and at other locations qualify.

TAKE A COURSE - USE THE CREDIT
A university or college may use the ACE credit recommendations in a variety of ways. The institution may apply the credit to your major replacing a required course. They may also use the credit as a general elective to possibly waive a prerequisite course.

COLLEGE CREDIT AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
Universities and colleges that accept ACE credit recommendations for PADI or EFR courses typically handle them like transfer credit. Transfer credit is often awarded without an additional fee. This may save you tuition fees while at the same time allowing you to possibly meet graduation requirements.

HOW MUCH COLLEGE CREDIT CAN I EARN?
ACE has set forth the following college credit recommendations for PADI and EFR courses:

Course Hours Semester Credit Division* Instructional Area

Open Water Diver

1

Lower

Recreation/Physical Education

Advanced Open Water Diver

1

Lower

Recreation/Physical Education

Assistant Instructor

1

Lower

Recreation/Physical Education

Deep Diver Specialty

1

Lower

Recreation/Physical Education

Apprentice Tec

1

Lower

Recreation/Physical Education

Divemaster

2

Lower

Recreation/Physical Education

Rescue Diver

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

Night Diver Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

Dry Suit Diver Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

Search & Recovery Diver Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

Underwater Navigator Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

Underwater Photographer Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education/Recreational study

Wreck Diver Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education/Archeology

Enriched Air Diver Specialty

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

Instructor Development

2

Upper/Lower**

Recreation/Physical Education

Course Director Training

3

Upper

Recreation/Physical Education

Tec Deep

1

Upper

Recreation/Physical Education

DSAT Tec Trimix

1

Upper

Recreation/Physical Education

Emergency First Response Instructor Training Course

1

Lower*

Recreation/Physical Education

*Lower - Typically Freshrnan I Sophomore Level, Upper - Typically Junior l Senior Level

** Upper Division-Courses completed between 5/94 and 9/00.
   Lower Division-Courses completed after 9/00.

ORDERING AN OFFICIAL PADI TRANSCRIPT
To secure credit for a PADI or EFR course at a college or university, you need an official transcript as proof of course completion. Colleges and universities will not accept certification cards or wall certificates as proof of course completion. PADI will send your transcript directly to you or the college or university you are currently attending or planning to attend. It is recommended that you also order a transcript for your own records. To order an official transcript, complete the application on the next page and enclose the indicated processing fee.

Note: Please contact your college or university before applying for credit to see if credit is accepted at the institution. Some institutions may not accept PADI course.

Go to PADI Student Transcript Request Form

 
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