SDI Professional Crossover Program

You have already put in the work. You hold a professional dive certification and you know how to lead, guide, or teach. If that certification is with another agency and you want to add SDI to your credentials, or make SDI your primary agency, the crossover process is designed to make that straightforward.

SDI accepts professional crossovers from all qualified dive agencies. PADI, NAUI, SSI, BSAC, CMAS, and many others are all eligible depending on the level you hold. The process runs through five steps, and Dive Arizona can support you through the crossover as an SDI facility. Call us at (480) 881-4013 to talk through where you are and what the path looks like.

What Levels You Can Cross Over To

SDI crossovers are available at three professional levels. The level you qualify for depends on your current certification.

SDI Divemaster

Eligible agencies for Divemaster crossover include PADI Divemaster, SSI Divemaster, NAUI Assistant Instructor, BSAC Dive Leader, CMAS Three Star Diver equivalents, and many others. See the full list below.

SDI Assistant Instructor

Eligible agencies include PADI Assistant Instructor, SSI Dive Control Specialist, NAUI Divemaster, BSAC Assistant Open Water Instructor, CMAS One Star Instructor equivalents, and others. See the full list below.

SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor

Eligible agencies include PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, SSI Open Water Instructor, NAUI Instructor, BSAC Open Water Instructor, CMAS Two Star Instructor equivalents, GUE Rec 1 Instructor, and others. See the full list below.

The Five-Step Crossover Process

The SDI crossover runs through five steps. Dive Arizona can guide you through the full process as an SDI facility.

Step 1 -- Connect and Get Started

Contact Dive Arizona. We will walk you through the crossover payment process and what the transition looks like based on your current certification level and goals. Call us at (480) 881-4013 or stop by the shop.

Step 2 -- Log In or Create Your SDI Account

You will need an account on tdisdi.com. If you already have one from prior SDI training, log in. If you are new to SDI, create an account. This is where your crossover registration and eLearning will live.

Step 3 -- Complete the eLearning

Once your crossover payment is confirmed and your registration is complete, you will receive an eLearning code. This gives you access to the SDI materials required to complete your crossover transition. The eLearning is self-paced and covers the SDI-specific standards, procedures, and tools you will use as an SDI professional.

Step 4 -- Crossover Seminar

After completing the eLearning, you meet with your Instructor Trainer to review the final details of your crossover and get introduced to the tools and resources available within SDI. This session can be conducted in person or via web conference.

Step 5 -- Finalize and Submit Your Forms

After the seminar, you will receive the required forms to complete and submit. The forms you need depend on the level you are crossing over to. For full details and to download the current forms, visit tdisdi.com.

Full List of Eligible Agencies by Level

Crossover to SDI Divemaster

The following certifications are eligible to cross over to SDI Divemaster:

• ACUC Divemaster
• ANDI Divemaster
• BSAC Dive Leader
• CMAS: BEFOS-FEBRAS Three Star Diver
• CMAS: CFT Three Star Diver
• CMAS: DSF Three Star Diver
• CMAS: FIAS Three Star Diver
• CMAS: TDIF Three Star Diver
• CMAS: VDST Three Star Diver
• CMAS: VDTL Three Star Diver
• DDI Divemaster
• IAC Dive Leader
• IDEA Divemaster
• ISDA Divemaster
• NASDS Divemaster
• NAUI Assistant Instructor
• NDL Divemaster
• PADI Divemaster
• PDA Group Guide
• PDIC Dive Supervisor
• PSS Divemaster
• SNSI Divemaster
• SSI Divemaster
• WOSD Dive Leader

Crossover to SDI Assistant Instructor

The following certifications are eligible to cross over to SDI Assistant Instructor:

• ACUC Assistant Instructor
• ANDI Assistant Instructor
• BSAC Assistant Open Water Instructor
• CMAS: BEFOS-FEBRAS One Star Instructor
• CMAS: CFT One Star Instructor
• CMAS: DSF One Star Instructor
• CMAS: FIAS One Star Instructor
• CMAS: TDIF One Star Instructor
• CMAS: VDST One Star Instructor
• CMAS: VDT One Star Instructor
• DDI Assistant Instructor
• IAC Basic Instructor
• IDEA Assistant Instructor
• ISDA Assistant Instructor
• NASDS Scuba Instructor
• NAUI Divemaster
• NDL 1
• PADI Assistant Instructor
• PDA Assistant Instructor
• PDIC Assistant Instructor
• PSS Assistant Instructor
• SNSI Open Water Instructor
• SSI Dive Control Specialist
• WOSD Instructor Level 1

Crossover to SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor

The following certifications are eligible to cross over to SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor:

• ACUC Open Water Instructor
• ANDI Instructor
• BSAC Open Water Instructor
• CMAS: BEFOS-FEBRAS Two Star Instructor
• CMAS: CFT Two Star Instructor
• CMAS: DSF Two Star Instructor
• CMAS: FIAS Two Star Instructor
• CMAS: TDIF Two Star Instructor
• CMAS: VDST Two Star Instructor
• CMAS: VDTL Two Star Instructor
• DDI Instructor
• IAC Open Water Instructor
• IDEA Open Water Instructor
• ISDA Open Water Instructor
• NASDS OWSD Instructor
• NAUI Instructor
• NDL 2
• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
• PDA Instructor
• PDIC Instructor
• PSS Sua Instructor
• SNSI DM Instructor
• SSI Open Water Instructor
• WOSD Instructor Level 2
• GUE Rec 1 Instructor

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cross over to SDI from another agency?

The process runs through five steps: connect with an SDI facility like Dive Arizona, create or log in to your SDI account, complete the required eLearning, attend a crossover seminar with an Instructor Trainer, and submit the required completion forms. Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we will walk you through it based on your current certification.

Does SDI accept PADI certifications for crossover?

Yes. PADI is one of the most common crossover agencies. PADI Divemaster crosses to SDI Divemaster. PADI Assistant Instructor crosses to SDI Assistant Instructor. PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor crosses to SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor. See the full eligible agency list above for other agencies.

What agencies can cross over to SDI?

SDI accepts crossovers from all qualified agencies. The list includes PADI, NAUI, SSI, BSAC, CMAS affiliates, ACUC, ANDI, DDI, IDEA, ISDA, NASDS, NDL, PDA, PDIC, PSS, SNSI, WOSD, GUE, and others. The full list by crossover level is included on this page above. If you do not see your agency listed, call us at (480) 881-4013 and we can confirm eligibility.

How long does an SDI crossover take?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete each step. The eLearning is self-paced, the seminar can be conducted in person or via web conference, and the forms are straightforward once the seminar is complete. For most candidates who are ready to move quickly, the process can be completed in a matter of weeks. Call us at (480) 881-4013 for a realistic timeline based on your situation.

Do I need to retake any courses to cross over?

In most cases, no. The crossover is designed to recognize your existing training and experience and transition you to SDI standards through eLearning and a seminar, rather than requiring you to repeat training you have already completed. Specific requirements may vary depending on your current level and the level you are crossing to. We can walk through the details with you when you call.

Can Dive Arizona guide me through the full crossover process?

Yes. Dive Arizona is an SDI facility and can support you through the crossover process. Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we will go through the steps with you, confirm your eligibility, and get you connected to the right resources to complete the transition.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you hold a professional certification from another agency and want to add SDI to your credentials, call us at (480) 881-4013 and we will get the process started. We are open Monday through Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm, at 18618 S 186th Way, Queen Creek, inside The Shooting Range. For full crossover standards and to download the required forms, visit tdisdi.com.