Portugal Grau Courses FAQs

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

To work as a surfing instructor in Portugal, holding the "Titulo Profissional de Treinador de Desporto Surfing Grau 1 (TPTD)" certificate is a minimum requirement. This certificate is issued by the IPDJ (Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude).

It's important to note that the TPTD certificate is only valid in Portugal and needs to be renewed every 3 years.

To obtain your TPTD certificate, you first complete the “Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1” training course with an approved IPDJ training provider.

ASI is an approved IPDJ Training Provider, making it a reliable choice for this certification journey.

When you have finished your training with ASI, you submit the “ASI Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1 certificate” to the IPDJ to obtain your TPTD certificate.

The first step in becoming a surfing instructor. You will be qualified to instruct beginner surfing lessons.  The course covers 3 components:

  • General component 36 hours  - online learning

  • Specific component:  42 hours – 6 days in a row, face to face workshop 

  • Internship:  550 hours  (including 120 contact hours)

Course requirements... 

Elevate your career as a surfing instructor by specializing in surf coaching - intermediate to advanced surfers. To operate and own a surf school, you’ll need a Grau II instructor qualification. With this certification, you can also mentor Grau 1 trainee instructors, guiding the next generation of surfing professionals.

The course covers 3 components:

  • General component 60 hours – online learning 

  • Specific component:  60 hours – 8 days in a row, face to face workshop

  • Internship:  550 hours  (including 160 contact hours)

To enrol, you must hold the Treinador de Desporto Surfing Grau 1 certificate and have advanced level surfing skills.

Course requirements...

To renew your Titulo Profissional de Treinador de Desporto (TPTD) certificate, undertake professional development training courses. These must be IPDJ approved short courses.

A total 3 units of credits (UC) is required.

  • 1 UC = 5 hours of in-person workshop short course

  • 1 UC = 10 hours of online short course

ASI is approved by the IPDJ to deliver short courses. Short courses are listed on the ASI website and change regularly throughout the year.

Find ASI short courses....

ASI Portugal is the only international surfing instructor organization approved by the IPDJ to deliver Surfing Grau 1 & 2 courses and short courses with credits (UC).

ASI's training programs are comprehensive and designed to provide real-life skills essential for surfing instructors. You'll learn from experienced and qualified trainers, who are local experts in surf coaching and managing surf schools. Their expertise ensures you receive valuable techniques and tips to become a successful surf coach.

During the course, you'll gain practical experience at local beaches and have access to industry-specific training manuals and online resources, ensuring a thorough learning experience.

Additionally, you can easily apply for the ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor international certificate, with a seamless transfer from the ASI Grau 1 & 2 courses.

Consider enrolling in the ASI International Level 1 Surfing Instructor course. Please note that these certificates are not valid in Portugal.

If you have completed the ASI Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1 course, you can apply for the ASI International Level 1 Surfing Instructor certification. We recognize your training in Portugal, provided you apply within 12 months of completing your ASI Grau 1 training. You only need to submit a video demonstrating your intermediate surfing skills and a first aid certificate. A small fee applies.

However, if you already hold the ASI International Level 1 Surfing Instructor certification, it is not possible to gain recognition for prior learning. You will need to complete all the requirements of the Grau 1 course, meaning you must enroll in the Treinadores de Surfing Grau 1 course.  However, special fees apply.

Certification and Recognition

ASI Treinadores de Surf Grau 1:
 It is the only course approved by the IPDJ (Institute of Sport) and is required to work as a surf instructor in Portugal.  It is not recognised outside of Portugal.

ASI International Level 1 Surfing Instructor:
This course is the first step for anyone looking to start a career as a surfing instructor globally.  It is not recognised in Portugal.

Course Entry Requirements:

ASI Treinadores de Surf Grau 1:   
Surfing ability – trim right or left, performing at least 2 manoeuvres – bottom turn, top turn or cutback.

ASI International Level 1 Surfing Instructor:  
Have a least 500-750 hours surfing experience. 
Surfing ability - equivalent to ASI Level 6 Intermediate Surfer -able to ride the wave from start to finish, demonstrating control and linking intermediate level manoeuvres (bottom turn, top turn, cut-back on forehand) on the one wave.   Surf minimum 3ft.

Course Format:

ASI Treinadores de Surf Grau 1:
36 hours of online learning
6-day intensive in-person workshop
6 month internship

ASI International Level 1 Surfing Instructor:
2-day intensive workshop or flexible online learning
25 hours on the job experience at an approved surf school
hold a current surf rescue certificate
hold a current senior first aid certificate