PADI Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PADI exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 PADI Exam Format at a Glance
📚 PADI Topics to Study (69)
✍️ Sample PADI Questions & Answers
1. You are performing a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA) from a depth of 9 meters/30 feet. Which of the following actions is critical for preventing a lung-overexpansion injury?
During a CESA, the diver is ascending without breathing from scuba. As they ascend, the air in their lungs expands due to decreasing ambient pressure. To prevent a lung-overexpansion injury, it is crucial to release this expanding air by exhaling continuously. Making a continuous sound, like 'ahhh', ensures the airway remains open and air is constantly escaping.
2. When organizing a dive for a mixed-experience group, how should the dive plan accommodate novice divers?
The dive plan must be designed around the least experienced diver's skill level, certification limits, and comfort to ensure the safety of the entire group.
3. Which RDP table is used to find your pressure group AFTER a surface interval?
Table 2, the Surface Interval Credit Table, shows how your pressure group decreases during a surface interval.
4. Which natural navigation reference uses the position of the sun and wave surge patterns to determine direction?
Sun angle and wave surge direction are reliable natural references, as surge typically moves parallel to shore and the sun travels predictably across the sky.
5. What causes a 'squeeze' (barotrauma) during descent?
A squeeze occurs when increasing water pressure compresses unequalized air spaces like the ears, sinuses, or mask, causing pain or injury.
6. Which PADI specialty course focuses on identifying and interacting responsibly with marine life?
The PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty teaches divers to observe and interact responsibly with aquatic life and ecosystems.