Each NRA Instructor course consists of two primary components: Basic Instructor Training (BIT) and discipline-specific Instructor Training. Each serves a different purpose and prepares you for a different aspect of becoming an effective instructor.

 

Basic Instructor Training

Basic Instructor Training (BIT) provides the foundation for teaching NRA Basic Firearm Training courses. Because the material covered in BIT is common to all disciplines, the NRA generally requires it to be completed only once every 24 months.

 

BIT is a six-hour course that focuses on the fundamental principles and practices of NRA instruction. It is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to properly organize and conduct an NRA Basic Firearm Training course.

 

The BIT curriculum covers:

• The Instructor and the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program

• Using a Training Team

• Training Materials and Training Aids

• Organizing Your Course

• Preparing to Teach

 

Discipline-Specific Instructor Training

Discipline-specific Instructor Training is different from both BIT and the student-level Basic course you completed to qualify for instructor training. As an Instructor Candidate, you will take a much more active role in the learning process—and much more responsibility for demonstrating your ability to teach.

 

Qualifying for the Instructor Course

Before attending most discipline-specific Instructor courses, you must meet the required prerequisites. This typically involves three steps:

1. Successfully complete the applicable NRA Basic course, usually with a minimum score of 90% on the final examination.

2. Complete the NRA Instructor Training Program Pre-Course Questionnaire, when required.

3. Successfully complete the discipline-specific NRA Instructor Training Program Pre-Course Qualification.

 

The Training Counselor (TC) is responsible for ensuring that Instructor Candidates recommended for certification have the necessary background, knowledge, skills, and attitude to teach the applicable NRA Basic course.

 

If the Training Counselor does not already know you or your level of experience, you may be asked to complete the Pre-Course Questionnaire to provide additional information about your background and qualifications.

 

The Pre-Course Qualification

The NRA Instructor Training Program Pre-Course Qualification must be completed before the course or as part of the course, depending on the discipline and course requirements

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During the qualification, the Training Counselor will evaluate your knowledge and skills related to the firearms and techniques applicable to the discipline. This may include demonstrating specific shooting and firearm-handling skills, including shooting at designated distances and targets.

 

Know what will be expected before you arrive. Find out what is included in the Pre-Course Qualification and prepare accordingly. Practice the skills you will be expected to demonstrate until they become consistent and reliable.

 

What Happens During the Instructor Course?

The Instructor course itself is very different from the Basic course or BIT. Rather than simply listening to an instructor present the material, Instructor Candidates do much of the teaching themselves.

 

The Training Counselor will begin by introducing the Basic course lesson plans, instructional objectives, and overall course organization. The TC will then introduce individual lessons and divide the Instructor Candidates into groups or assign specific portions of the material to each candidate.

Each group or candidate will prepare and present the assigned portion of the lesson. After the presentation, the Training Counselor will lead a discussion and provide feedback on the presentation before moving on to the next portion.

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This process continues throughout the course until the Instructor Candidates have worked through the lessons included in the applicable NRA Basic course.

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The objective is not simply to see whether you know the material. You must demonstrate that you can present the material clearly, effectively, and safely to students.

 

Written Examination

Most NRA Instructor courses also include an open-book written examination. The typical passing score is 90%, although requirements can vary by discipline.

 

Final Evaluation

At the conclusion of the course, the Training Counselor may conduct an individual discussion with each Instructor Candidate. This provides an opportunity to review the candidate's performance, answer questions, and discuss the responsibilities that come with becoming an NRA Certified Instructor.

 

Ultimately, completing the course is only one part of the certification process. The Training Counselor must be satisfied that each Instructor Candidate possesses the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to responsibly teach the applicable NRA Basic course before recommending that candidate for certification.