ASI – Academy of Surfing Instructors

Teach in Portugal (IPDJ)

To work in Portugal, enrol in the "Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1" course offered by ASI. This certificate is the only one valid in Portugal, but it is not valid outside of Portugal.

If you want to work outside of Portugal, enrol in ASI's Level 1 Surfing Instructor course. This certificate is valid for other countries like Australia, but it is not valid for Portugal.

Which option aligns better with your career goals?

ASI has an office in Portugal. For more information you can also email us at: pt@academyofsurfing.com

What qualification do I need to work as a surf instructor in Portugal?

To legally teach surfing in Portugal, you must hold the Título Profissional de Treinador de Desporto Surfing (TPTD) issued by the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ).

This license is valid exclusively in Portugal and requires renewal every 3 years.

How to obtain your Portuguese IPDJ Certificate

Complete Training: Enrol in an IPDJ-approved Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1 course with ASI.

Submit Certification: Submit your official ASI course completion certificate directly to the IPDJ.

Receive TPTD: The IPDJ issues your official TPTD instructor license.

IPDJ surfing instructor courses

Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1

Qualifies you to teach beginner surfing lessons in Portugal.

  • General Component: 36 hours (Online learning)
  • Specific Component: 42 hours (6-day intensive workshop)
  • Internship: 550 hours (Includes 120 contact hours)
  • Entry Requirements: Demonstrate functional surfing ability (trimming left/right and executing at least two manoeuvres: bottom turn, top turn, or cutback).

Treinadores de Surf Grau 2

Qualifies you to coach intermediate-to-advanced surfers, operate or own a surf school, and mentor Grau 1 trainee instructors.

  • General Component: 60 hours (Online learning)
  • Specific Component: 60 hours (8-day intensive workshop)
  • Internship: 550 hours (Includes 160 contact hours)
  • Entry Requirements: Hold a valid Grau 1 certificate and possess advanced surfing skills.

Certification renewal requirements (IPDJ credits)

To maintain your TPTD certification, you must earn 3 Units of Credit (UC) every 3 years through IPDJ-approved short courses:

  • 1 UC = 5 hours of in-person training
  • 1 UC = 10 hours of online training

ASI regularly delivers IPDJ-approved short courses to fulfill your renewal credits.

Find ASI short courses....

Why train with ASI Portugal?

Authorised Provider: ASI is the only international surfing instructor organization approved by the IPDJ to deliver Grau 1 & 2 courses and UC credit workshops in Portugal.

Local Expertise: Learn from experienced local trainers and surf school managers using comprehensive, real-world training materials.

Global Pathways: Easily apply to transfer your local credentials toward an ASI International Certification.

Comparison: Local vs. International certification pathways

ASI Treinadores de Surf Grau 1

  • Recognition: Portugal only (IPDJ mandatory)
  • Surfing Ability: Trimming & 2 basic manoeuvres
  • Format:  36h online + 6-day workshop + internship 1 season 120 contact hours 
  • Additional Certifications:   Nil 

ASI International Level 1

  • Recognition:  Worldwide (Not valid in Portugal)
  • Surfing Ability:  ASI Surf Wise Intermediate Surfer Level 6 – perform and intermediate level manoevures – bottom & top turn and cutback. 
  • Format:  2-day workshop (or online) + 25h practical hours experience
  • Additional Certifications:   Surf Rescue,  Senior First Aid 

Certification Transfers

International Level 1 to Grau 1: Direct transfers are not permitted by Portuguese law. You must complete the full Grau 1 course, though special course fees apply for current ASI certification holders.

Grau 1 to International Level 1: Successfully complete Grau 1 to qualify for the streamlined ASI International Transfer Course at a discounted rate.

Enrol in the ASI Level 1 transfer course