Take the next step from experienced shooter to confident firearms instructor.
What will you learn?
Teaching Firearm Safety
Learn to effectively communicate and demonstrate safe firearm handling to students.
Instructional Methods
Learn how to organize lessons, communicate clearly, use training aids, and work with different learning styles.
Teaching Pistol Fundamentals
Develop the ability to explain and demonstrate grip, stance, aiming, trigger control, and other fundamentals.
Coaching Shooters
Learn to identify common shooting problems and provide useful, constructive corrections.
Range Management
Develop the skills necessary to safely organize and supervise live-fire training.
Student Evaluation
Learn how to evaluate student knowledge, firearm handling, and shooting performance.
Conducting NRA Courses
Learn how to organize and teach NRA pistol training using the NRA curriculum and standards.
Learn How to Teach Others Safely and Effectively
The NRA Pistol Instructor Course is designed for experienced shooters who are ready to take the next step and learn how to teach others. Knowing how to safely and accurately use a pistol is important—but being able to effectively communicate those skills to a new shooter requires an entirely different set of abilities.
Instructor candidates learn how to organize and conduct NRA pistol training, present classroom material, demonstrate shooting fundamentals, coach students, manage live-fire exercises, and create a safe and supportive learning environment.
Choose Your Dates and Sign Up for $350
November Instructor Training
$350
- Friday November 6th 9am-6pm
- and
- Saturday November 7th 9am-6pm
Need a different date? Send us a message, and tell us what you are looking for, get in touch
Who is this class for?
Experienced Shooters
You've developed your skills. Now learn how to teach them.
Future Instructors
Ready to begin teaching firearm safety and pistol fundamentals? Start here.
Club Members and Leaders
Build the skills and credentials to help others become safer, more capable shooters.
Prerequisites
NRA Instructor Training is designed for experienced, competent shooters who already have a solid foundation in pistol safety, operation, and marksmanship.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting
You must have successfully completed the instructor-led NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course before attending the Pistol Instructor Course. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE STUDENT CLASS.
Pre-Course Qualification
Instructor candidates must successfully complete the required NRA Pistol Instructor pre-course assessment, demonstrating their knowledge, safe gun handling, and shooting ability.
Safe & Confident Gun Handling
You should already be comfortable safely loading, unloading, operating, and demonstrating the use of both semi-automatic pistols and revolvers.
Minimum Age
NRA Certified Instructors must be 21 years of age or older. Candidates ages 18–20 may be eligible for Assistant Instructor credentials where applicable.
Not Sure If You’re Ready?
You don't need to be an expert or competitive shooter—but this is not a beginner pistol class. If you have the desire to become an instructor but aren't sure whether your current skills meet the prerequisites, contact us before registering. We can help you determine what training you need to be ready for the instructor course.
What's Included
NRA Instructor Training Materials
The required NRA instructor course materials and resources used throughout your training.
Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
Instruction in NRA teaching methods, lesson planning, communication, training aids, student evaluation, and the fundamentals of being an effective instructor.
Pistol Instructor Training
Discipline-specific training focused on teaching the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting curriculum safely and effectively.
Hands-On Teaching Experience
Opportunities to practice presenting lessons, demonstrating skills, coaching students, and receiving feedback.
Range Time & Qualification
Range time for the required shooting exercises, demonstrations, and instructor-candidate qualification.
Instructor Candidate Evaluation
Required written examinations and evaluations of your knowledge, firearm-handling ability, teaching skills, and overall performance.
NRA Instructor Certification Application
Guidance through the process of completing your NRA instructor credentialing requirements following successful completion of the course.
Small-Class, Supportive Instruction
Plenty of opportunity to ask questions, practice teaching, and get individual feedback as you develop your skills as an instructor.
What to Bring
Your Handgun
Bring a safe, functional handgun you are comfortable operating and demonstrating with.
Ammunition
Bring at least 100 rounds of factory ammunition appropriate for your handgun.
Eye & Ear Protection
Bring your own shooting glasses and hearing protection for the range portions of the course.
NRA Basic Pistol Course Completion Documentation
Bring documentation showing successful completion of the instructor-led NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course.
Notebook & Pen
There is a lot of information covered during instructor training. Come prepared to take notes.
Lunch, Snacks & Drinks
Instructor training makes for a long day. Bring what you need to stay comfortable and focused throughout the course.
A Willingness to Teach
Come prepared to participate. Instructor candidates will be expected to present material, demonstrate skills, work with other candidates, and receive constructive feedback.