How to Become an NRA Certified Instructor: A Step-by-Step Guide
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most respected and well-known organizations in the firearms industry, and becoming an NRA certified instructor can be a rewarding and challenging experience. As an NRA certified instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to share your passion for firearms safety and education with others, and help shape the next generation of responsible gun owners. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to become an NRA certified instructor.
What is an NRA Certified Instructor?
Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand what an NRA certified instructor is. An NRA certified instructor is a trained and qualified individual who has completed the NRA’s instructor training program and has been certified by the organization to teach specific NRA courses. As an NRA certified instructor, you’ll be authorized to teach NRA-approved courses, which include firearms safety, basic shooting skills, and specific gun handling techniques.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To become an NRA certified instructor, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
- Pass a background check
- Complete the NRA’s Basic Pistol Course or other NRA-approved firearms training course
- Be able to read and write English
Step 2: Choose the Right Instructor Training Course
The NRA offers several instructor training courses, each designed to prepare you to teach specific NRA courses. The most popular instructor training courses are:
- NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT): This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of NRA instructor training and prepare you to teach NRA’s Basic Pistol Course.
- NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor Training Course: This course is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge needed to teach NRA’s Personal Protection in the Home course.
- NRA Firearms Instructor Training Course: This course is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge needed to teach NRA’s Firearms Instructor course.
Step 3: Register for the Instructor Training Course
Once you’ve chosen the right instructor training course, register for it on the NRA’s website or through an NRA-affiliated firearms dealer. You’ll need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth.
Step 4: Complete the Instructor Training Course
The instructor training course typically lasts one to two days and covers the following topics:
- NRA’s Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Course:
- NRA’s history and mission
- Instructor responsibilities and ethics
- Lesson planning and presentation techniques
- How to teach NRA’s Basic Pistol Course
- NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor Training Course:
- Personal protection concepts and techniques
- Home safety and security measures
- How to teach NRA’s Personal Protection in the Home course
- NRA Firearms Instructor Training Course:
- Firearms safety and handling techniques
- Firearms laws and regulations
- How to teach NRA’s Firearms Instructor course
Step 5: Pass the Written Exam and Practical Exercise
After completing the instructor training course, you’ll need to pass a written exam and practical exercise to demonstrate your understanding of the course material.
Step 6: Apply for Certification
Once you’ve passed the written exam and practical exercise, you’ll need to apply for certification on the NRA’s website. You’ll need to provide your personal information, instructor training course completion certificate, and proof of completion of an NRA-approved firearms training course.
Step 7: Maintain Your Certification
To maintain your certification, you’ll need to:
- Complete continuing education requirements every two years
- Recertify as an NRA instructor every five years
- Follow NRA’s instructor guidelines and ethics
Benefits of Becoming an NRA Certified Instructor
Becoming an NRA certified instructor can be a rewarding and challenging experience, and offers several benefits, including:
- Job opportunities: As an NRA certified instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to work with firearms dealers, range owners, and other organizations to teach NRA-approved courses.
- Professional development: The instructor training course will help you develop your teaching skills and knowledge of firearms safety and handling techniques.
- Networking opportunities: As an NRA certified instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other instructors and industry professionals.
- Sense of accomplishment: Becoming an NRA certified instructor is a significant achievement that requires dedication and hard work.
Conclusion
Becoming an NRA certified instructor is a significant achievement that requires dedication and hard work. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a certified NRA instructor. Remember to choose the right instructor training course, register for the course, complete the course, pass the written exam and practical exercise, apply for certification, and maintain your certification to stay up-to-date with the latest training techniques and NRA guidelines.
