Resort Diving, get a course first?

[JonT]

Yes, if your going to do the whole thing at the resort, you need to take a 2 week trip. If not, you will spend your week passing the course.

I personally haven't done the courses (on my short to do list) but I know others that have done it.

Some places offer "classes" that will get you enough to do a dive (shallow reef) but most will do full cert, and that is the week.