The Course Director level is the highest level you can reach in the PADI System of diver education. Course Director hopefuls submit an application for acceptance into one of two annual Course Director Training Courses. From almost 200 applications submitted each year only about 70 participants are selected to attend the two week long Course Director Training Course (CDTC).
The Course Director rating is the equivalent of having a postgraduate degree in scuba diving instruction, there is not a more prestigious level of certification within the dive industry. Course Directors are the only people who may conduct the Instructor Development Course needed to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
You will need to successfully complete the PADI Course Director Training Course
The Course Director Training Course lasts two weeks
*Specific prerequisite requirements are found in the PADI Instructor Manual.