PADI is continuing its PRO+ rewards programme, giving dive professionals the opportunity to reduce the cost of their future membership by teaching and certifying divers.
The programme links certification activity directly to rewards, with PADI Professionals earning ProPoints as they issue certifications. Those points can then be applied as savings against future PADI Professional Membership fees.
The latest qualifying period runs from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2027, with rewards earned during that period applied towards 2028 PADI Professional Membership.
Rewards Start At Five Certifications
Unlike recognition programmes aimed only at instructors processing large numbers of certifications, PADI PRO+ begins rewarding activity relatively early.
Professionals unlock their first ProPoints after issuing five certifications.
The current structure awards:
- 5 certifications: 5 ProPoints
- 10 certifications: 10 ProPoints
- 25 certifications: 25 ProPoints
- 50 certifications: Elite 50 status and 50 ProPoints
- 100 certifications: Elite 100 status and 100 ProPoints
- 150 certifications: Elite 150 status and 250 ProPoints
- 250 certifications: Elite 250 status and 500 ProPoints
- 350 certifications: Elite 350 status and 1,000 ProPoints
At the highest level, PADI says the 1,000 points earned for reaching 350 certifications will cover the full cost of the professional’s membership renewal.
The programme builds on PADI’s existing Elite Instructor recognition scheme, effectively combining professional recognition with a tangible financial benefit.
Who Can Take Part?
PADI PRO+ is open globally and extends beyond Open Water Scuba Instructors.
Eligible PADI professional ratings include Divemasters, Assistant Instructors, Open Water Scuba Instructors and above, Freediver Instructors, Mermaid Instructors, TecRec Instructors, Emergency First Response Instructors and Public Safety Diver Instructors.
PADI says professionals simply continue teaching and certifying students as normal, with qualifying certifications contributing towards their ProPoints total.
Professionals can monitor their progress using the Student Certification Report and Pro Credential Report available through the PADI Pros’ Site.
Questions about individual eligibility or the programme can also be directed to the appropriate PADI Regional Team.
Turning Teaching Activity Into A Membership Benefit
The programme creates an interesting shift in the relationship between professional membership and teaching activity.
Rather than membership renewal operating entirely as an annual cost of remaining active within the PADI system, PRO+ allows instructors and other professionals who are actively generating certifications to offset some or potentially all of that expense.
For busy instructors and dive centres, the highest tiers could therefore represent a meaningful operating saving alongside the Elite Instructor recognition attached to them.
PADI Professionals can find full programme details, eligibility requirements and applicable terms and conditions through the PADI Pros’ Site.
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