Developmental Instructor

Developmental Instructor, abbreviated DI, is a title in the trainer system of FIDE, the International Chess Federation. It is intended for people who introduce chess to children and adult beginners, build basic habits, and help learners understand and enjoy the game.

The official description typically associates DI work with students rated up to 1200. A rating is a numerical estimate of competitive strength. The word typically matters: 1200 indicates the usual teaching level, but it is not an absolute boundary and does not guarantee a student's strength.

DI is a professional teaching title, not a player title. It does not claim that the holder has a particular over-the-board strength, and it is not earned simply by reaching a rating. It belongs to a trainer-title ladder; FIDE Instructor is a later category aimed at more advanced players.

FIDE separates the title from the license. The title is awarded for life unless suspended or revoked, but a new award includes an initial two-year license. Ordinary renewals last four years, and only a holder with a valid license may use the title as current official certification. The title and the current license status should therefore be checked separately.