Instructor Certification

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NRA & USCCA Firearm Instructor

Thank you for your interest in the NRA Instructor Training Program. The goal of this program is to develop instructors to teach NRA Basic Firearm Training Courses according to the lesson plans and training standards of the National Rifle Association. This program is not designed to prepare you to teach other firearm training courses (such as law enforcement, security, or hunter safety courses), nor to prepare you to develop firearm training courses of your own.

Classes

The NRA Instructor Training Course is designed to teach you how to teach others to shoot using NRA lesson plans and training methods. The course is not designed to improve your shooting skills. Possession of basic firearm safety and/or shooting skills is a prerequisite for certification as an NRA instructor. You may be asked to demonstrate your firearm background through participation in pre-course assessment exercises. We highly suggest enrolling in the student level course before instructor training even when it is not a prerequisite. A complete NRA Instructor Training Course consists of two parts. The first is basic instructor training, which consists of 6 hours of instruction. The second part is discipline-specific instructor training, which consists of an additional 5 to 14 hours of instruction per discipline. For example, an NRA Instructor Training Course in rifle, pistol, and shotgun lasts at least 40 hours. During the NRA Instructor Training Course, you will receive from your Training Counselor the NRA Trainer’s Guide, the appropriate NRA Instructor Candidate Packet which includes the course outlines and lesson plans for the disciplines you wish to teach, the appropriate NRA basic course student packet which includes the handbook, certificates, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and other materials used in NRA basic courses. The NRA Training Counselor who conducts your course will make a recommendation to NRA concerning your certification based on an evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and attitude. You will be asked to demonstrate your organizational and teaching skills through participation in several practical exercises during the course of your training. You will also be asked to complete an instructor certification examination. A minimum score of 90 percent is required for certified instructor applicants (85 percent for assistant and apprentice instructor applicants). However, attendance at the course, or a passing grade on the examination, does not guarantee that you will receive the recommendation of the NRA Training Counselor. Instructor certification is valid for one year upon initial certification. After completion of the first year, instructors may renew their instructor credentials for up to three years at a time. NRA encourages instructors to remain active and would like to see at least one basic course taught per year. Please remember NRA Instructor Courses are performance based courses, Instructor Candidates must possess the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for this level of training. You do not pay and automatically pass Instructor training. You pay to have the opportunity to pass.

NRA Basic Instructor Training

This course is designed to develop NRA Certified Instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to conduct the NRA Basic Firearm Training Courses. It is the NRA class that helps people who already have subject matter expertise learn how to hold a class the NRA way so that their students earn recognized NRA certification. This course teaches you the policies and procedures for becoming an NRA instructor as well as effective teaching methods for training students. Basic Instructor Training is a pre-requisite for all instructor level courses. All courses include the required NRA documentation, instructor guides, student packets, instruction and follow up support. You will receive everything needed to first take and then teach each course. Note: There will be processing fees payable to the NRA due upon the completion of class. Fee’s are determined by how many and which courses you attend.

This course is the mandatory pre-requisite for initial NRA Certified Instructor training. To be certified as an NRA Instructor, students must complete this 6-hour course that teaches material common to all NRA courses. This course does not certify the instructor candidate to teach any NRA courses. Additional discipline-specific instructor training is required to certify instructor candidates to teach specific courses.

After you successfully complete NRA Basic Instructor Training and score at least 90% on the Trainers Examination you should be ready for whichever discipline-specific instructor training class comes next for you: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, or Personal Protection depending on your qualifications and enrollment. You demonstrate your qualifications through the Pre-Course Qualification tests associated with the specific discipline. Current Instructors adding a rating: When adding ratings, instructors may be required to attend another Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Course if they have not completed that course within the previous 2 years.

Cost: $ 150.00

NRA Basic Pistol Instructor Course

This course is at least 10 hours long and includes classroom and range time learning how to teach shooting revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Instructor Candidates learn how to teach NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, Instructor Manual, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Pistol Instructor Shooting Examination, and course completion certificate.

In order to take this course, you must pass the prequalification test which includes firearms safety, shooting evaluation etc., take the NRA Basic Pistol Course, and must have had Basic Instructor Training within the last 2 years if the BIT is not included in this course.

Cost: $ 600.00

NRA Basic Rifle Instructor Course

This course includes classroom and range time learning to how to teach the sport of shooting rifles. Instructor Candidates learn how to teach the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; rifle parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest, prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions; cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development. Instructor Candidates will receive the NRA Basic Rifle Instructor Manual & CD, Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Rifle Shooting Instructor Examination, and course completion card.

In order to take this course, you must pass the prequalification test which includes firearms safety, shooting evaluation etc., take the NRA Basic Rifle Course, and must have had Basic Instructor Training within the last 2 years if the BIT is not included in this course.

Cost: $ 600.00

NRA Shotgun Instructor Training

This class is designed to develop NRA Certified Instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to conduct the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course. NRA Shotgun Instructor Training begins with the NRA Basic Instructor Training class, which must be completed first. Both classes together form the required course for NRA Shotgun Instructor certification. (You are not considered an NRA Certified Instructor until the NRA Training Department processes your application and issues your instructor credentials.) This is an 11-hour course designed to teach the fundamentals of shotgun shooting, both hunting and skeet/trap for shotgun.

Cost: $ 650.00

NRA Personal Protection In The Home Instructor Course

Instructor Candidates should expect to shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. Instructor Candidates will learn how to teach the basic defensive shooting skills, strategies for home safety and responding to a violent confrontation, firearms and the law, how to choose a handgun for self-defense, and continued opportunities for skill development. Instructor Candidates will receive the NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor Manual, NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and course completion certificate. NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Instructor course is for law-abiding adult citizens, as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law, and experienced shooters (shooters able to show mastery of the basic skills of safe gun handling, shooting a group, zeroing the firearm, and cleaning the firearm) to maximize what can be learned from this course.

You must have completed and be Certified to teach NRA Basic Pistol course along with having successfully completed the Personal Protection in The Home Student Course and pass the prequalification test in order to take this Certification Course. You also must have had Basic Instructor Training within the last 2 years if the BIT is not included in this course.

Cost: $ 600.00

NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home Instructor Course

The course teaches Instructor Candidates how to teach the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations and for the safe, effective and responsible use of a concealed pistol for self-defense outside the home. Instructor Candidates have the opportunity to attend this course using a quality strong side hip holster that covers the trigger, or a holster purse. From a review of safe firearms handling and proper mindset to presentation from concealment and multiple shooting positions, this course contains the essential skills and techniques needed to teach students to prevail in a life-threatening situation. The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor Course is divided into two levels (basic and advanced). Level one offers the essential knowledge and skills that must be mastered in order to carry, store, and use a firearm safely and effectively for personal protection outside the home. Upon completion of level one, Instructor Candidates will attend level two, which is additional range training and teaches how to teach advanced shooting skills. After the classroom portion, Instructor Candidates should expect to spend several hours on the range during level one. Level two involves additional hours on the range and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. The ammunition requirements are minimum and may be exceeded. Instructor Candidates will receive the NRA Personal Protection outside the Home Instructor Manual & CD, NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and the appropriate course completion card. The NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home Instructor Course is for adult individuals who are not disqualified from possessing a firearm as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law and are of good repute and possess defensive pistol skills.

**This is a 2-Day Course** You must have completed and be Certified to teach NRA Basic Pistol and Personal Protection in the Home course along with having successfully completed the Personal Protection Outside The Home Student Course and pass the prequalification test in order to take this Certification Course. You also must have had Basic Instructor Training within the last 2 years if the BIT is not included in this course. Note: any Instructor Candidate that points a firearm in an unsafe direction or swipes another student either intentionally or unintentionally will automatically fail and be asked to leave (with no refund given).

Cost: $ 650.00

NRA CCW Instructor Course

The goal of the NRA CCW Instructor Certification Course is to equip firearms trainers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to teach others how to safely and responsibly carry a concealed pistol for personal protection. NRA CCW is a newly-developed curriculum that builds on the fundamentals taught in the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course and puts those skills into a defensive context for private citizens who carry concealed handguns. The CCW Instructor Certification Course is 16 hours in length (over two days), with a significant portion of the class spent on the range.

This course teaches firearms trainers how to deliver the NRA’s CCW lesson plans. The lesson plans include the following topics (which instructor candidates will learn to teach):

  • Review from NRA Basic Pistol or PR Handgun Carry Permit class
    • gun safety rules
    • proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols
    • Fundamentals of marksmanship
    • ammunition knowledge and selection
  • holster selection
  • different carry modes
  • drawing from a holster (open and concealed)
  • defensive mindset
  • defensive accuracy and flash sight picture
  • emergency reloading
  • malfunction clearances
  • one-handed shooting
  • shooting from moderate distances (10-15 yards)
  • shooting with a timer
  • and much more!

The course concludes with a written instructor candidate exam and a shooting qualification drill. Small classes ensure low student-to-instructor ratios for lots of individualized attention.

Instructor candidates will need:

    • a quality defensive handgun
    • a properly-fitted holster and belt
    • at least two spare magazines or speed-loaders (and a method of carrying them on your person)
    • roughly 150 rounds of ammunition
    • a cover garment for concealment
    • anything you need to keep yourself comfortable in the elements (we’ll spend several hours on an outdoor range)

Course may be presented in three parts: Basic Instructor Training, CCW instructor training and the Live-Fire Range instructor training. Instructor Candidates demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course, and must pass a written instructor certification examination. Additionally, the Instructor Candidates must pass the CCW Instructor Level shooting qualification Course of Fire. The NRA CCW Instructor Course will focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for Instructor Candidates to teach carrying and using a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly, and with confidence. As a result of participating in this course, the Instructor Candidate will be able to explain and demonstrate the following: How to apply the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling when carrying a concealed firearm, basic principles of concealment, the difference between cover and concealment, drawing from the holster, levels of mental awareness, developing the proper mindset when using a pistol for personal defense, clearing common stoppages, and more. This course is only conducted by NRA Certified CCW Training Counselors.

Instructor Candidates must be have an Active Certified Pistol Instructor rating. Prior to the CCW instructor training, candidates must first complete and pass the student level NRA CCW Course as per NRA Training Policy.  Also, Instructor Candidates must show proof that it has completed the NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) within the past 24 months. These prerequisites are non-negotiable, and there are no exceptions.

Cost: $ 650.00

Download the Pre-Course Questionnaire Here! PreCourse-Questionnaire.pdf

NRA Instructor Metallic Cartridge Reloading

This 14-hour course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching the NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course. The course is presented in two parts: basic instructor training and discipline specific instructor training. Students demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course and complete an instructor certification examination. Students will receive the NRA Trainer’s Guide, NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor Candidate Packet, and NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course student packet.

Prerequisites: Candidates must complete the NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course student examination with a score of 90 percent or better and perform pre-course assessments that demonstrate basic knowledge, skills and safe handling procedures for reloading metallic cartridges.

Cost: $ 600.00

Download the Pre-Course Questionnaire Here! PreCourse-Questionnaire.pdf

NRA Instructor Shotgun Shell Reloading Reloading

This 14-hour course that teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching the NRA Basic Shotgun Shell Reloading course. The course is presented in two parts: basic instructor training and discipline specific instructor training. Students demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course and complete an instructor certification examination. Students will receive the NRA Trainer’s Guide, NRA Basic Shotgun Shell Reloading Instructor Candidate packet, and NRA Basic Shotgun Shell Reloading course student packet.

Prerequisite: Candidates must complete the NRA Basic Shotgun Shell Reloading course student examination with a score of 90 percent or better and perform pre-course assessments that demonstrate basic knowledge, skills and safe handling procedures for reloading shotgun shells.

Cost: $ 600.00

Download the Pre-Course Questionnaire Here! PreCourse-Questionnaire.pdf

NRA Chief Range Safety Officer Course

This course is conducted in a classroom and may include a Range facility. NRA Chief Range Safety Officer candidates will learn how to teach the roles and  responsibilities of an RSO; Range Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); range inspection; range rules; range briefings; emergency procedures; and firearm stoppages and malfunctions. Each Chief Range Safety Officer Candidate will receive a Chief RSO Instructor Manual, an RSO Student Manual, Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, an NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, an Instructor Application/Course Evaluation form. Chief Range Safety Office is an Instructor rating, so you must be a current certified NRA Range Safety Officer and must have had Basic Instructor Training within the last 2 years if the BIT is not included in this course.

Download the Pre-Course Questionnaire Here! PreCourse-Questionnaire.pdf

Cost: $ 600.00

USCCA Instructor Course

It takes a lot to have successful CCW classes. You must be knowledgeable and skilled in many areas. Not only must you be knowledgeable enough to train others how to safely use guns, but you must find ways to promote your classes, create and maintain a website, create a dynamic PowerPoint presentation, communicate with students and handle all of the administrative requirements. These daunting tasks are made much easier with training received at a US Concealed Carry Association Instructor Certification Course. You will be equipped with the knowledge and materials to be successful in this highly competitive field.

  • Phase 1 of the course is an 8-hour on-line training module developed by Michael Martin of the USCCA. The training module mirrors his book “Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals” and the professionally developed PowerPoint presentation for use in your classes. The on-line training module must be completed prior to attending the live training session. The cost of phase 1 is $250 and includes the Instructor Toolkit and E-Learning Module. These are purchased directly from the USCCA. As registered students for the Instructor Certification Course, you will receive a substantial price reduction for these items. If you already have one or both of these, your price will be reduced or eliminated. Upon completion of the class you will be sent the Instructor Toolkit.
  • Phase 2 is a live certification session consisting of classroom instruction, hands-on breakout sessions, and live-fire exercises. The live certification session covers the following topics:
    • Course Introduction and FAQs
    • Instructor Mistakes
    • Teaching Best Practices
    • Managing a Safe Live Fire Range
    • Live Fire Exercises
    • Presenting the Student Multimedia
    • Marketing Your Business
    • Final Test and Review

The cost of phase 2 is $347 and is paid directly to the classroom instructor. Class space is limited to 12 students per instructor.

Successful completion of phase 1 and 2 will earn you the right to be called a United States Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor. Your certification is approved to teach CCW classes in 36 states. You will be listed on the USCCA Instructor website and your classes will be searchable to prospective students.

Please understand that this is not an automatic, rubber-stamp course. You must pass a shooting qualification, pass a written exam and you must pass the instructor’s approval in class participation and presentation skills. You must earn the right to become a USCCA Certified Instructor.

USCCA Instructor Toolkit – It has been called a “CCW Class in a Box.” The USCCA Instructor Toolkit contains all of the material you need to conduct your classes. The Instructor Toolkit includes: 10 copies of Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals by USCCA Chief Instructor Michael Martin, his complete 235-slide PowerPoint presentation, 14 professional quality classroom videos that enhance the subject being discussed, and one classroom poster printed in high resolution color, using the same incredible graphics from the book and PowerPoint.

Cost:

  • Phase 1: $350.00
  • Phase 2: $450.00