Becoming a certified NRA pistol instructor

[vtlithyouvong]

Is anyone here a certified NRA pistol instructor? I am thinking of getting certified. After much research, I see that the NRA offers a lot of classes but here's my thing, where do I begin and where does it end (class wise). There's prerequisite for prerequisites and so forth. What I'm saying is I'm asking someone who's actually been through it so I can take the right classes in the right order so I don't waste time and money on unnecessary classes. Thank You.

[readysetgo]

What is your location?

[Ora Serrata]

FAST OC !!!

They're awesome! I did my NRA pistol, shotgun and CCW there. Going to do rifle later this year.

[vtlithyouvong]

Orange County area

[vtlithyouvong]

Thanks Ora Serrato, I'll go check them out. How long did it take you to become a certified NRA pistol instructor?

[FirearmInstructor]

Being certified is a reasonable credential to have. But you still need to get experience teaching a few dozen people.

If you are doing it to make money, don't count on it. Firearm instruction is very difficult to make a living at. But it is a great hobby!

Join groups to help learn how to be a great instructor and take your time teaching a few friends and family members. Make sure you are polished so you can hit the street running.

[readysetgo]

Have you read through this?

https://firearmtraining.nra.org/become-an-instructor/

Search for a course here: http://www.nrainstructors.org/search.aspx

Click a class and read through those descriptions and or contact the NRA Training Counselor for that class.

Typically it's a two day (all day) class.

This instructor is well known in the area and has trained many Calgunners who have participated in Women On Target training classes: http://www.allsafedefense.com/course...o-cert/pistol/

This is another gentleman that has worked with Calguns before: https://www.california-firearms-institute.com/


Another cool thing, in the past Calguns was offering some reimbursement for instructor training if you volunteer at some Calguns WOT events. Something to think about, good practice and get some cash back.

Good luck.

[Ora Serrata]

The certification course is two full days. I already had 30+ years experience shooting and teaching friends/family.

[unusedusername]

The instructor course is the beginning, like getting a driver's license.

There is always more to learn to make yourself a better teacher.

[vtlithyouvong]

Thanks all. These are all great advices and resources.

I am not doing this for the money but I would like to have some sort of certification stating that I have been officially trained.

I enjoy teaching/training for those who are interested in knowing. Being in the military, more than half of our time is doing training.

In the mean time, I will continue to teach myself, teach family/friends, shoot more, surround myself with like minded individuals/groups.

Thanks all.

[FirearmInstructor]

To answer your question directly, the vast majority of students want to learn to shoot pistols. Maybe 5% of people want to learn anything else. I normally include basic long gun instruction along with pistol training for those who are interested. After shooting 10 rounds, most want to get back to handguns.

Look around at the ranges in your area. Some may charge a LOT for classroom time, pricing out all but large classes. For the most part, it is hard to get more than 3-4 students enrolled in a course (I live in a metro area of a couple million people and am the primary instructor at the prominent range.)

Most people want the Concealed Carry class or a short primer (about one-hour intro.) Many don't want more (even though they don't know what they don't know) which is the main reason the NRA is moving away from it's on-line training platform. People don't want 8-hours + on line and than classroom/range lessons in addition.

[Mute]

Contact TJ Johnston at:

http://www.allsafedefense.com/

He's one of the best NRA coaches in the area and will be able to certify you in any of the NRA certs you're looking for. Tell him Alex Tham sent you.

[diverwcw]

Contact TJ Johnston at:

http://www.allsafedefense.com/

He's one of the best NRA coaches in the area and will be able to certify you in any of the NRA certs you're looking for. Tell him Alex Tham sent you.

Another vote for TJ Johnston! I've taken a few classes from him and he is top notch.

[lgm118icbm]

Awesome! Being an instructor is a great way to protect civil rights and safeguard the shooting sports.

I am one of many Calguns instructors. There are lots of good instructors near OC (Allsafe, AKI Security, Forward Assist, etc). Honestly, can't go wrong with any. Just choose one and go for it. I would recommend trying different trainers for subsequent certifications though (for diversity).

Like others mentioned, getting your cert is just the beginning. It takes practice to get comfortable with public speaking and learning how to connect with your audience.

Let me know when you get your cert. We run the Women on Target program and it is an awesome way to hone your skills and help that next generation of shooters!

[Gauss]

Contact TJ Johnston at:

http://www.allsafedefense.com/

He's one of the best NRA coaches in the area and will be able to certify you in any of the NRA certs you're looking for. Tell him Alex Tham sent you.

I agree, TJ was very good indeed. I did the RSO officer class with him and willbegoing back for shotgun instructor.