To apply for instructor certification, a candidate must:
- Possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills acquired through previous firearm training and/or previous shooting experience. Instructor candidates must be intimately familiar with each action type in the discipline they wish to be certified.
- Demonstrate solid and safe firearms handling skills required to be successful during an instructor training course by completing pre-course questionnaires and qualification exercises administered by an NRA Appointed Training Counselor.
- Satisfactorily complete the NRA Basic course in the discipline they wish to teach.
- Satisfactorily complete an NRA Instructor Training Course in the discipline they wish to teach (e.g., NRA Basic Pistol Course), and receive the endorsement of the NRA Training Counselor conducting that training.
Meet the following age requirements:
- Certified instructor: 21 years of age or older
- Assistant instructor: 18 years of age or older
- Apprentice instructor: 13-17 years of age
Receive a passing grade on the NRA Trainer’s Examination and appropriate instructor certification examination:
- Certified: 90% or higher
- Assistant: 85% or higher
- Apprentice: 85% or higher
