The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends college credit for certain PADI scuba diver courses. ACE represents all colleges and universities before the U.S. federal government and as such is the unified voice of higher education. ACE evaluates educational courses according to established college-level criteria and recommends college credit for those that measure up to these standards.

The ACE credit recommendations for PADI courses may help you in receiving college credit at an American university or college -even if the courses aren't conducted on a university or college campus. Courses offered through PADI Dive centers, Resorts and other locations qualify.

Take a Course - Use the Credit
A university or college may use the ACE credit recommendations in a variety of ways. The institution may apply the credit to your major replacing a required course. They may also use the credit as a general elective to possibly waive a prerequisite course.

College Credit at No Extra Charge
Universities and colleges that accept ACE credit recommendations for PADI courses typically handle them like transfer credit. Transfer credit is often awarded without an additional fee. This may save you tuition fees while at the same time allowing you to possibly meet graduation requirements.

How Much College Credit Can I Earn?
ACE has set forth the following college credit recommendations for PADI Courses: