Be at least the minimum age required by the certification agency
Complete a medical questionnaire and get medical clearance if required
Learn basic dive theory through a certified training agency
Enroll in an open water scuba certification course
Complete the classroom or online knowledge development
Pass the required quizzes or final exam
Practice confined water skills in a pool or shallow water
Demonstrate safe use of scuba equipment
Complete the required open water training dives
Show buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and emergency skills
Meet all performance requirements set by the instructor and agency
Receive your certification card after successful completion of the course
Keep your certification current with continued diving and refresher training when needed