NRA Instructor Pistol Shooting Course

[kc_hhsl]

I am looking to take this course to get certified. Mainly to teach youth in our area - 4H and others.

Anyone have insight and how to prepare for this. Really don't want to flunk ... not sure how hard it is.

You input would be appreciated ... especially for any tips.

Thanks

 

[Outrider27]

Contact the NRA and find out when and where the Instructor certification course for Basic Pistol Marksmanship will be given in an area near you. I was able to take it as a package deal and got both Basic Pistol and Basic Rifle instructor certs. The instructor classes, like the basic marksmanship courses themselves, are taught to a class of perspective instructors in person, then a test is administered and when you pass, you get your certification(s). With the lectures, demonstrations and handouts given in the course, you'll be able to pass the exam.

One thing of interest; when teaching either course I never failed to learn something from my students - every group had one or more individuals that would approach some portion of the course matter from a different perspective and ask a question that would give me (as instructor) and the rest of the students a whole different (and useful) slant on something.

 

[NCFrank]

It is not a difficult course. Every Training Counselor I've met has been professional and wants to have a successful group of new instructors. Attitude of the potential new instructors certainly plays a big part. With that in mind it is obviously to your benefit having a good working knowledge of the marksmanship fundmentals, the characteristics of different firearms, safe and responsible firearms handling.

Since you are working in youth programs you are well aware of the impact that you, as an instructor can have with these young minds. I appreciate your desire and willingness and I wish you well with this undertaking.

Upon successful completion it may take a month, give or take, to receive your Instructor Card and Certificate from the Training Division. They maintain a data base of Instructors and TC's and you can view your certifications online by logging in with your NRA member number.

http://training.nra.org/training/become-an-instructor.aspx

James

 

[mousegunner]

I'm doing the basic online course now and will go to the instructor course later. I'm going to practice the shooting portion before I actually go. It's doable but I haven't dropped the hammer in awhile. I'm going to practice with three different autos and see which one works best for me.

 

[Outrider27]

The idea to practice is fine, but be advised that the actual shooting portion of the Instructor courses isn't about accuracy as you might think - the training counselor is watching how you handle the firearm, because firearms handling is one of the most important aspects that you, as an instructor, will be teaching when you give the course, due to its impact on safety. They want you to set a good example as you go about your tasks as an instructor, so they want safe handling to be second nature to you, as that will rub off on your students.

Go for it; you will find that being an instructor is a very satisfying experience.

 

[hpshooter]

I am looking to take this course to get certified. Mainly to teach youth in our area - 4H and others.

Anyone have insight and how to prepare for this. Really don't want to flunk ... not sure how hard it is.

You input would be appreciated ... especially for any tips.

Thanks

Wife and I had our rifle/pistol/ shotgun instructor certs for close to 20 years. Unless things have changed you shouldn't have a problem with the written or performance test if you read the provided written material and listen to the instructor. Gave up the instructor certification about 15 years ago but I have kept my RSO certification.

As mentioned in a previous post, the range portion of the course is designed to evaluate safe handling as opposed to shooting X's.

We worked with 4-H shooting sports participants as well as people wanting to acquire a carry permit. Over a 10 year period put 1500 folks through the basic pistol course to meet the requirements for the Virginia CCW permit. We did this as a team effort with 5 other instructors and all proceeds after paying for materials went to our gun club for range improvements.

Investigate any applicable liability laws in your state as well as a personal liability policy with a company familiar with insuring firearms instructors. At one time a policy was offered through a company that worked with the NRA. Can't speak to the current availability of any policies or providers.

It was a rewarding venture for us, especially the work with the 4-H youngsters.

 

[dolek]

I am not sure if this goes state by state or instructor by instructor , but my son took the instructor course a month or so ago . To be certified he was required to shoot 16 of 20 shots in a 6" ring at 15 yards . The instructor was very strict on this and stressed it during pre-registration online before they sent in their money .