How many questions are in the PADI IDC physics exam?

The PADI Instructor Exam physics written paper contains 12 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score 75% or higher to pass. Each of the four practice exams on this page contains 13 questions drawn from all eight physics topic areas, giving slightly more exposure per sitting than the real exam.

What topics are covered in the PADI IDC physics practice exams?

Each practice exam mixes questions from all eight physics topic areas: pressure fundamentals, depth-to-depth calculations, density at depth, partial pressure and Dalton's Law, buoyancy state, lift bag calculations, fresh water pressure, and general knowledge covering Charles's Law, Henry's Law, sound underwater, and heat loss. All four exams are designed to replicate the topic spread of the real PADI Instructor Exam.

Do the physics practice exams include worked explanations?

Yes. Every question in all four practice exams shows a full worked explanation after you answer, whether your answer was correct or not. Questions that have a matching video explanation from Will Welbourn include a link to watch the full worked solution. The explanations follow the same simple two-step approach taught throughout the Go Pro Caribbean physics study notes.

What is the best way to use these practice physics exams?

Work through the study notes for each physics topic before attempting a practice exam. Treat each exam as a timed test — attempt every question without referring to notes first. After completing the exam, read the explanation for every question you missed and return to the relevant topic page for any area where you scored below 75%. Repeat each exam until you consistently score 10 or more out of 13.

Test your knowledge with practice 12 questions exams that are similar to the exam you will do at the PADI IE.

Physics — Topics

Pressure Depth Calcs Density Partial Pressure Buoyancy Lift Bags Fresh Water General Knowledge

Practice Questions ← Physics Hub ← Theory Hub

Physics Practice Exam — 1 of 4

Refraction • Heat • Altitude • Density • Henry’s Law • Boyle’s Law • CO contamination • Nitrox • O² toxicity • Buoyancy • Lift bags

Physics Practice Exam — 2 of 4

Visual reversal • Altitude • Charles’s Law • Density • Gauge pressure • CO contamination • Nitrox • Boyle’s Law • Pumping air • Buoyancy • Lift bags

Physics Practice Exam — 3 of 4

Refraction • Henry’s Law • Charles’s Law • Density • Rigid containers • Boyle’s Law • Partial pressure • O² toxicity • Buoyancy • Lift bags

Physics Practice Exam — 4 of 4

Refraction • Visual reversal • Altitude • Sound • Charles’s Law • Density • Boyle’s Law • Air consumption • O² toxicity • Buoyancy • Lift bags • BCD lift

Physics — Topics

Pressure Depth Calcs Density Partial Pressure Buoyancy Lift Bags Fresh Water General Knowledge

Practice Questions ← Physics Hub ← Theory Hub