How to become an NRA Instructor?

[Rottentofu]

I tried to do some research online, but my google-fu is not very strong. All I found was a bunch of NRA classes. Do I have to take them all? If I want to become an NRA Pistol Instructor, what classes do I need to take? Is there a website with Step-by-step instructions? I don't want to take some random classes that I might or might not need. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[pipboy]

If you want to get certified as an NRA pistol instructor, you only have to take their pistol instructor class. You take the instructor class for the discipline you want to teach.

Plug in your zip code at the link below to find one near you.

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

[readysetgo]

If you click through to an actual course, they'll give more details.

Recent changes have included an online pre-req portion.

Example of a coach's notes on his class:

All instructor candidates must complete The Basics of Pistol Shooting Phase I (online) with a minimum score of 90% or higher; as well as the pre-course questionnaire and pre-course qualification. This course includes Basic Instructor Training (BIT).. All candidates MUST thoroughly review the Pre-Course Qualification in order to be prepared to pass the course.

So

1) The Basics of Pistol Shooting Phase I (online) with a minimum score of 90% or higher
2) Basic Instructor Training (BIT) (almost always included, usually 1 day, this is foundational and all disciplines receive this training)
3) The discipline Instructor Training (typically the second day)

Search by zip or state: http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx
Choose only the discipline/s you're looking for.
Enter your zip and search.
Sign up. You'll receive further instructions from the chief.

[keith1911]

The NRA instructor course is a 2 day class. I got my cert from TJ at Allsafe Defense. We had to take the online portion of the beginning handgun class before the instructor course started. I don't know where you're located but I can recommend TJ.

I tried to do some research online, but my google-fu is not very strong. All I found was a bunch of NRA classes. Do I have to take them all? If I want to become an NRA Pistol Instructor, what classes do I need to take? Is there a website with Step-by-step instructions? I don't want to take some random classes that I might or might not need. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[russ69]

The first step is to become a very good shooter. That means, shooting at the NRA expert level or preferably master or high master. Without that knowledge you'll have very little to teach except gun safety. Teachers should be someone that excels in that arena, not everybody can do it and you'll have little knowledge of the problems your students are having unless you have struggled through them yourself.

[Rottentofu]

Thank you all for your help! Truly appreciate it!

[keith1911]

The first step is to become a very good shooter. That means, shooting at the NRA expert level or preferably master or high master. Without that knowledge you'll have very little to teach except gun safety. Teachers should be someone that excels in that arena, not everybody can do it and you'll have little knowledge of the problems your students are having unless you have struggled through them yourself.

There is that. There were people in my class who I thought shouldn't be instructor material because they were having a VERY difficult time passing the shooting qualification.

[CouchOperator]

OP, serious question: What is your motivation to become an instructor?

[Rottentofu]

OP, serious question: What is your motivation to become an instructor?

I want to learn more about each type of firearms and firearms safeties. Becoming an instructor will be a long-term goal and I hope in the process of becoming one, I will gain a considerate amount of firearm knowledge.

[dk94044]

15 yrds, 20 rds, and only 6" spread is the shooting qualification is not that easy.

[mif_slim]

6" @ 15 yards is easy. I think 95% of my class passed.

[keith1911]

15 yrds, 20 rds, and only 6" spread is the shooting qualification is not that easy.

If that course of fire isn't easy for you then you probably should get some more experience and practice until it is.

[russ69]

15 yrds, 20 rds, and only 6" spread is the shooting qualification is not that easy.

The 10 ring on the NRA 50 foot (16.6 yards) is less than an inch in diameter. That is shot using one hand.

[tbc]

15 yrds, 20 rds, and only 6" spread is the shooting qualification is not that easy.

A 6" group from that distance is too easy. An instructor should do a lot better than that IMHO.

[russ69]

A 6" group from that distance is too easy. An instructor should do a lot better than that IMHO.

You need to shoot a minimum of 90% to be at the bottom of expert (about a middle classification). So basically you have to shoot 10 shots in the 9 ring. Just a wild guess but a 6 inch group would put you at the lowest level (marksman).