Becoming an NRA instructor isn't only about knowing how to shoot, but also how to teach others to shoot with the safe and proper use of firearms.
Training courses are directed by NRA-certified training counselors who instruct candidates on evaluating beginners or those who want to improve their skills, according to NRA Explore, which explains the process.
Candidates learn basic NRA policies and public speaking skills for education. Counselors use courses and lesson plans to meet the learning objectives. Candidates must display confidence in handling firearms while learning specific instructional methods from the organization.
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To qualify as an NRA instructor, you must:
- Complete a course you choose to be certified, such as the basics of pistol shooting or rifle shooting.
- Demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting from previous training or experience.
- Show you have good firearm handling skills with a pre-course questionnaire and qualification exercises conducted by counselors.
- Complete the specific training course and receive endorsement from the NRA training counselor.
The training course has two parts, according to Defensive Strategies. There are six hours of instruction for basic instructor training followed by five to 14 hours in each discipline-specific instructor training course, such as pistol, rifle, or shotgun training.
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During the course, students use training materials and aids to organize courses and prepare to teach. They develop communication skills to establish a rapport with future students, and they must demonstrate organizational skills through various exercises.
Certification is good for one year initially, but instructors can get up to three years of certification after that. Certified instructors must be age 21 or older. Assistant instructors are required to be at least 18, and apprentice instructors can be ages 13 to 17.
There are various organizations sanctioned by the NRA for training courses in instruction. For example, women are increasingly interested in firearm training. A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League has NRA counselors to help women become certified NRA instructors.
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