re: PADI Instructor Examination

[RU4SKUBA]

I'll be taking my IDC and IE --in Playa-- in Nov/Dec and I was wondering if there were any surprises I should look out for?

For example, how difficult do they make the rescue scenario? Are the exam questions written so as to 'trick' the candidates? Are the examiners very picky or are do they attempt to minimize candidate stress?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Peter Guy]

In my IE the examiner was looking for ways to pass us -- not looking for ways to fail us.

YMMV

 

[Quero]

The Rescue skill demo was straightforward in my IE. I had a question in the Standards exam that I had some trouble interpreting, but I think it was just badly worded rather than being a trick question. I interpreted it wrong and gave an incorrect answer, but I knew the information, and I passed the test easily anyway, so it didn't bother me.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

The only tricky thing I have ever heard from an IE is something like a recent Presentation assignment of "Project Aware" where the "3.5" was probably a gift/admission of stupid assignment.

 

[marinediva]

Agree with Quero, there are some questions which are not exactly worded the best.
Can only suggest you read every question carefully.

 

[Islandheart]

The IE examiners have standards. You will not get Brownie points, if you miss a critical point, it can and will fail you.

Some parts you can FLUB on and re-test right then.... and others will fail you completely, and you can not re-test and you "have to" re-test at another IE.

The Rescue is just that, a DEMO speed Rescue. You will not know until that morning which technique you'll use, Mask or M-M, so be ready for both. Take your time on it, don't forget to call out for assistance as you begin, remember to reverse your position as you approach, L-L-F (easy to forget) and then keep your breath timing in sync.....
Just practice correctly and it'll be easy squeezy.

The Skills course is usually no problem for most, again DEMO speed.

The Pool presentation is no problem, if you learned correctly in your IDC. Same for your Class presentation.

The questions on the exam are all stuff you've seen before..... some are worded slightly differently but the answer is still the same when you slow down and think.

Don't rush through it, you have lots of time to get it right. I think it's 3 hrs for both sections.

The IE sequence for us ran like this.

Orientation:
Water Skills
Pool Skill Prep and then Presentation
Lunch
Exam
Classroom Presentation

Next Day:
Rescue Skill DEMO
Open Water Presentation
Open Water DEMO
Open Water De-Brief
then
CONGRATS INSTRUCTOR ! or Good Job, but "Try Again"....... here's what you need to work on at your next IE.......

In conclusion and just my .02........

If you have taken your DiveMaster course seriously, you've studied (not just been given the answeres) for your exams, as a DM and passed them.
If you've been a serious DM intern..... not just filling tanks, but watching and listening to the Instructors in class, in the pool and during open water sessions, you'll do well during IDC.

Be serious about your IDC and you'll pass your IE.

The Standards Test, can and will, Kick Your Butt, if you do not study and/or pay very close attention during the IDC.

At my IE, 10 started and 7 got their Cert's, so it is not a give-away........ I can say everyone from my IDC class passed.

 

[Hank49]

I knew two guys who failed the Standards test. Amazing because that's an open book test. I think they just panicked.
I don't know if you're still allowed, but some put tabs in their instructor manuals pertaining to # of students per instructor in an AOW course etc etc.
I failed the first presentation because I didn't write my name on the board. I made it up the next day.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

I knew two guys who failed the Standards test. Amazing because that's an open book test. I think they just panicked.

My IE was at the Key West Community College. There were 2 or 3 other Instructor Factory groups with 5-10 candidates (9-12 day IDC's) and the host (KWCC) had possibly 20 candidates who did a Semester long course (could have included Rescue and DM ).

At least 9 of the KWCC candidates washed out on the Standards Exam...

None of the Instructor Factory candidates failed the Standards Exam.

 

[DBailey]

I'll be taking my IDC and IE --in Playa-- in Nov/Dec and I was wondering if there were any surprises I should look out for?

For example, how difficult do they make the rescue scenario? Are the exam questions written so as to 'trick' the candidates? Are the examiners very picky or are do they attempt to minimize candidate stress?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

My IDC was much harder than the IE. During the practice skills, the instructors were very critical on the skill, by the time you got to the 'graded' skill, you should have it down, and by the time you got to the IE, it was easy.

There are no trick questions, but there are plenty of poorly worded questions. As I tell my OW students, read the question and select the best answer for how the question is worded. Exaclty how the question is worded. Don't add "what ifs" or "are they asking this?". Read it, take it a face value, answer the question.

On the first day of the IE there will be plenty of stress. The second day is less stressful because you realize how you blew the first day completely out of proporition.

As far as surprises, watch out for the idiots among your fellow students. Your classmates will be the students during your teaching. The idiots will try to hide the mistakes, make them as subtle as possible, or make additional mistakes. The instructor will give the student a mistake to do (just one); however, if the student makes more than one mistake you need to correct them all.

 

[marinediva]

During my IE, one of the skills was from rescue diver.
I had a Dm exhibiting panic, and the student was doing the skill.
My 'mistake' I had to pick up was infact the DM NOT displaying panic to standard. He was subdued in his panic.
Remember stopping the demo and asking the DM to put more effort into it.
He was not doing it on purpose, that was the mistake given to him by the examiner.

And agree my IDC was harder than the IE.