Confirmatory factor analysis of a test used for certification in sport scuba diving

The purpose of this study was to confirm the underlying factor structure of the entry-level scuba diving certification test published by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). The test measures knowledge mastery across 6 content areas. A sample of 400 female and male entry-level scuba diving students aged from 18 to 47 years participated in the study. A rigorous structural equation modeling approach was used to confirm the factor structure of the test. The results verify that two latent factors or constructs accurately represent knowledge mastery for entry-level scuba diving students. Also, cross-validation procedures were used to examine the accuracy of measurement model replication. Collectively, these findings support the construct validity of the test.