Is becoming a firearms instructor your dream job? Many people who have experience in the military go on to become high-level gun experts and want to share their knowledge with others. Of course, you don’t have to be former military to be an instructor, but it’s definitely a path many veterans choose as a career after their service.
There are training schools all over America that will get you on the path to having a worthwhile career where you get to train people to become more proficient with guns for shooting sports, hunting, conceal carry, and self defense. The NRA specifically has a training program that will allow you to become a certified instructor. Here are some of the details.
The NRA Has Been Training People Since 1871
The NRA has made it their focus since its inception in 1871 to train people on how to correctly use a firearm. It was obviously one of their original missions. They have developed a series of training courses that will make you an expert in the use of any gun. Some of those basic courses include the following:
Pistol Training
- Defensive Pistol Course
- Pistol Marksman Stimulator Training
- Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading Course
Rifle Training
- FIRST Steps Rifle Orientation
- Basic Rifle Shooting Course
- Basic Muzzleloading Shooting Course
Shotgun Training
- Basic Shotgun Shooting Course
- Basic Shotgun Shell Reloading Course
- FIRST Steps Shotgun Orientation
Personal Protection Courses
- Defensive Pistol Course
- Basics of Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home
Pick a Specialty or Multiple Specialties
When you want to teach, the NRA has you pick a specialty surrounding one of those courses. Or, you can get certified to teach in multiple courses if you choose to go that route.
You have to be able to demonstrate your skills by going through a pre-qualification series of tests and exams. An NRA Certified Training Counselor will guide you through the process. It’s pretty intensive, and you must satisfy the requirements set forth by the program and the instructor training you. The NRA Training Counselors are at the top of their field in firearm instruction, so you’ll be in capable hands going through the training process.
They also teach you the principles and policies of the NRA so that you are able to speak about it to your future students. When you finish the process and get certified as an instructor, you will have access to the entire catalog of teaching tools that the NRA uses to instruct their students.
If you have any questions about becoming a certified NRA firearms instructor, you can email their program director at [email protected].
I would be willing to teach the following classes:
Defensive Pistol Course
Basics of Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home
Greetings, I’m am recently retired and would more information to becoming a firearms instructor. What pre-requisite are needed and fee for taking the course/s. Thank you, Miguel P.
I am definitely interested in becoming a NRA Certified Instructor. Please send me the necessary information.
I had Home Firearms Safety Instructor certification back in the 1960s, but dropped NRA membership in the 70s for personal reasons. Have rejoined (life member) and tried to get certification back. NRA says can’t do it.
I am interested in Defensive Pistol Course
Basics of Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home.
Many years ago I was a certified NRA Hunter Safety Instructor but let my license expire. I would like to teach the above courses
I am a vet and would like to be a nra firearms instructor
i have been shooting since i was 6,have done armed security,former marine(still and always),have had a gun shop since 1991,we give concealed classes ,and one on one weapon training classes,and i am interested in your nra firearms instructor course.could you please send me the information.thank you.
I am ex marine corps officer retired
recently retired. former hunter safety instructor, willing to take to the next level.
Is this something you do for free or is there some kind of compensation as an instructor? If there is compensation how much is it? How often do you instruct people?
Please send me more info on becoming a firearms instructor
I am currently a certified NRA Instructor – pistol and home defense, but am very interested in Basic Rifle Shooting….can someone contact me about getting certified for this course? Tks. in advance.
I want to become an instructor. Former reserve police officer.
I am a retired US Army 1SG, and am interested in becoming a NRA certified Instructor, both for pistols and long guns. Have many years experience on military ranges.