How long does it take to get your SCUBA certification?

you have to take a class to become certified. (license) you read a PADI book. take the quizes on each chapter then go to a padi location to take a test, then take hands on classes in a pool with an instructor, i believe you do this about 3 days, then you take your final written test and a open water dive test, depending on where you are it will be either in a lake or in the ocean then once you have done all of that. you get a passport photo taken and receive your Id certification card. You never have to re-new its good for life.

Addition

The cost just depends on where you take your class. Taking a class at a dive destination can be more expensive, but not always. The cost of the beginning class will be approximately $150 on the low end to $295 USD on the upper end in the US. This will include your instruction, books, etc. While the price generally includes the Scuba equipment for the pool sessions, it generally does not include any equipment to rent for the open water dives. Most stores also require you to have our own personal equipment such as a mask, snorkel, fins, boots and sometimes gloves too.