Are you feeling a bit stressed at the idea of taking your IDC? (PADI Instructor Development Course). No need to panick, we have you covered! Find below some tips to enjoy it and succeed in becoming a dive instructor!
Prep, prep, prep
At the beginning of the IDC you should be fully prepared, may it be with regard to diving ability, demonstrating dive skills or theory. If you are a bit rusty, plan to come diving a week before, get a few dives in so you are comfortable in the water with top-notch buoyancy. You can also organize to jump in the pool, perhaps with a fellow IDC candidate, and freshen up your dive skills. Finally, do all the online theory thoroughly and go through the theory workbook. You'll also find some websites with practice questions that you can study. Ideally, you should aim to be sufficiently prepped to be able to pass all the theory exams on your first shot. This will relieve you of one big stress and give you time to focus learning the standards and teaching techniques without theory revisions in the evenings.
No distractions
Once you've started, set yourself up for success. Avoid going out or being distracted by social or nightlife. If you are working online, take the time off so you can properly focus on the IDC. If you are easily distracted by social media or binge-watching series, make a plan to limit yourself.
Work together
Consider the other IDC candidates your team members and study partners. Help each other to prep your skills briefings and knowledge development and to discuss theory, standards, and teaching methods. You will probably not all have the same strong suits and you will all know the scoring system so you can help each other get all the points by practicing together and giving each other feedback.
Ask questions
There are no stupid questions except the ones you did not ask. Do not hesitate to ask if something is unclear. If you do not feel confident to ask in public, ask your fellow candidates, ask the staff instructor or ask the Course Director in private. Remember though that most of the time what you thought was a silly question might just obtain sighs of relief from the whole team who were all also wondering about that point. The IDC is a safe space to ask all the questions you want, and you will be pleased you asked if they pop up in an exam!
RT(F)Q
Read The F****** Question. Since you have revised the theory very very well beforehand, the reason you may be losing points on the theory exams is that you are not reading the questions carefully enough. People answer for seawater instead freshwater of or ambient pressure instead of gauge pressure for instance. Take the time to read each question with great care and jot down the key information if needed. You know your stuff, don't lose points through lack of concentration.
Breathe and relax
This relates to the topic above. The more relaxed you are, the less likely you are to make silly mistakes. Take the time to relax and get into the zone. Read everything methodically, don't rush, write things down clearly so you can reread yourself easily and breathe!
Embrace mistakes and build your confidence
You learn from your mistakes and those of your fellow IDC candidates. When you make an error, remember what you learned, ask whatever questions you need to make sure you will not repeat it, and move on. Dwelling on your mistakes will only be a source of stress. Embracing the learning curve will boost your confidence and will make you a great diving instructor in the long run. Nobody gets it 100 percent right the first time, be humble but believe in yourself!
Don't take it too seriously
 Remember the system is not set up for you to fail. For many of the exam segments you can resit immediately and those that you cannot, you can redo at the next one. Don't pressure yourself, put things into perspective (it's only diving, not open heart surgery) and go with the flow.
Have fun
The key to cruising through the IDC is to remember that you are here learning to teach something you are passionate about and that you will be able to share with others after the course. Have fun, laugh at your bloopers, support your team members, and enjoy the process. When you are all celebrating at the IE party, you'll have been through an amazing journey together!
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