[Joe-Diver]

Since this topic comes up quite a bit, I thought I'd post a quick snippet of what to study for each of the 8 exams:

Study Materials

PADI Divemaster Manual
Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
Diving Knowledge Workbook
PADI Rescue Diver Manual
PADI Open Water Diver Manual
PADI Adventures in Diving Manual
PADI Instructor Manual
The Business of Diving
The Law and the Diving Professional
Children and Diving

Study Strategy

Read the sections in the manuals and Encyclopedia to get an overview of what will be covered. Do this for each exam you're focusing on, rather than trying to do it all at once. Some Instructors will let you take each exam separately rather than doing all 8 at once, so ask if you can do this. Don't be too obsessed with picking up everything just yet. Now go back and complete the Diving Knowledge Workbook, re-reading and studying the Resources for the Objective. Score yourself fairly. If you missed it, go back and study the Resource for the Objective and try again until you understand. You can always ask your Instructor for a class session on the topic!

Physics Exam

This is the one that most people sweat about and for most it is the hardest test. Read chapter 4 in the Encyclopedia and then complete section 1 in the Workbook. Understand the gas laws and know how to use the formulas. When you have a question that starts at one depth and asks you to solve for another depth, always take it to the surface, then back down. Make notes for yourself, defining the gas laws and formulas in the simplest terms you understand so you can quickly review your notes right before the exam.

Physiology Exam

Read chapter 5 in the Encyclopedia, up to Decompression Models. Read chapter 4 of the Rescue Diver Manual. Complete section 2 in the Workbook.

Equipment Exam

Read chapter 1 and chapter 3 in the Encyclopedia. Read chapter 2 in the Rescue Diver Manual. Complete section 3 in the Workbook. There are a couple of references to the Open Water Diver Manual, Adventures in Diving and the Deep Diver manual, so skim those as directed in the Workbook.

Decompression Theory and the RDP Exam

Read chapter 5 in the Encyclopedia, starting from Decompression Models. Read chapter 5 in the Divemaster Manual. Review each of the booklets: RDP, Wheel, eRDP and master the use of each. Complete section 5 in the Workbook.

Dive Skills and Environment Exam

Use section 4 of the Workbook to guide you through this one. You'll be reviewing parts of the Open Water Diver Manual, Adventures in Diving Manual, Rescue Diver Manual, and the Encyclopedia. This is a good time to read chapter 2 in the Encyclopedia.

Divemaster Conducted Programs Exam

Read chapter 6 in the Divemaster Manual. Look over the associated sections in the Instructor Manual. Learn how to look things up in the Instructor Manual and become familiar with it. USE the Instructor Manual during the exam!! You are allowed to do this.

Supervising Certified Divers Exam

Read chapter 2 in the Divemaster Manual. Watch the Divemaster video for this.

Supervising Students Exam

Read chapter 3 in the Divemaster Manual. Watch the Divemaster video for this.

I used this basic strategy to study and prepare for each of the exams, and had no problems with them. Although not part of the exams, it's good idea to also study:

Risk Management

Read chapter 7 in the Divemaster Manual. Read Children and Diving. Read The Law and the Diving Professional. Understand your role in Risk Management and mitigation of risk.

Diving Business

Read chapters 8 & 9 in the Divemaster Manual. Read The Business of Diving. It's a bit dated but still has some useful info in it. I'd like to see an update that addresses the Internet, because like it or not, agree with it or not, it's here and part of the equation now.

Watch the Divemaster video, study the above material and above all, have fun!! Divemaster is where you "learn it all" so put forth an effort and you will be greatly rewarded. Please, anyone feel free to add to this with their own tips and tricks.