From student to teacher: CFK students earn PADI dive instructor certification

​KEY WEST, FL, July 29, 2026— Four diving students at The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) have advanced from the role of student to instructor. Each successfully completed the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Instructor Development course at CFK and passed the PADI Instructor Examination (IE), certifying them as open water scuba instructors. 

The PADI IE is a two-day evaluative program conducted by a visiting PADI employee who tests an instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System, and attitude and professionalism. With PADI certification, widely considered the gold standard in the diving industry, these diving instructors will be qualified for professional jobs teaching individuals how to scuba dive anywhere in the world.

CFK is the only place in the Middle or Lower Keys that offers the PADI Instructor Development course. For more information about CFK’s diving program, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/cfkdiving