Each National Rifle Association class has prerequisites and time requirements. These are minimal times and may be exceeded as necessary.
Students must first complete the NRA Basic Training Coures in the chosen discipline. Then they must pass a Pre-Course Assessment. The candidate must be competent and familiar with the firearms for the instructor rating being sought and the candidate must display a certain proficiency with, and knowledge of that type of firearm. The course time length requirements vary among the instructor ratings. Every instructor candidate must take and pass the NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) class before adding any Instructor ratings. The NRA BIT class need only be taken once, unless the new rating is being added more than two years since taking a BIT class.
To qualify as an NRA Basic Instructor the candidate needs to be at least twenty one years of age to be a Certified Instructor, younger people can qualify as either an Assistant or Apprentice Instructor. They must also successfully pass an NRA Basic Instructor Class and finally receive the endorsement from an NRA Training Counselor. There is prior experience necessary, this must be demonstrated. Please don’t let this scare you away it is not as bad as you may think. This certification needs to be renewed after every two years, and doesn’t require the retaking of the class. Note … an appropriate NRA Instructor is required for any Scouts BSA or Venture Scout firearms shooting event.
This class cover the basics for a particular firearm discipline, no prior knowledge or experience is required. It is a requirement for an Instructor rating.
This course teaches the candidate how to conduct NRA courses. It includes logistics, teaching methods and record keeping.
This course teaches the candidate how to conduct NRA Rifle courses. It includes logistics, teaching methods and techniques specific to Rifle shooting. Range time is part of the course but the fee does include ammo.
This course teaches the candidate how to conduct NRA Shotgun courses. It includes logistics, teaching methods and techniques specific to Shotgun shooting. Range time is part of the course but the fee does not include ammo or the costs involved with clay targets.
This course teaches the candidate how to conduct NRA Pistol courses. It includes logistics, teaching methods and techniques specific to Pistol shooting. Range time is part of the course but the fee does not include ammo.
This course is designed for persons who have been assigned to oversee range safety and operation. Course content includes: ensuring the range is safe to use; conducting range safety briefings for shooters; handling ammunition and firearm malfunctions safely; supervising safety aspects of shooting activities; and handling emergency procedures as established by the range management. The BIT class is not required.
To qualify as an NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) the candidate needs to be at least twenty one years of age and successfully pass an NRA Range Safety Officer Class. There is no prior experience necessary. This certification needs to be renewed after every two years, and doesn’t require the retaking of the class. Note … an NRA RSO is required in addition to an Instructor for any Scouts BSA or Venture Scout firearms shooting event.
This course is usually offered after and in conjunction with the basic firearms classes above. The class teaches the candidate how to conduct NRA Muzzleloading courses. It includes logistics, teaching methods and techniques specific to Muzzleloading firearms. Range time is part of the course but the fee does not include Powder, Bullets/Shot or Clay Targets.
This course is designed for persons who will supervise multiple RSOs and ranges. The Chief Range Safety Officer also trains other individuals as Range Safety Officers and develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for individual ranges. The RSO course and BIT are required for this course.