NRA Pistol Instructor Course — Foundational Knowledge

​

What We Will Cover

​

• Instructor roles, ethics, and NRA training policies; how to organize, promote, and deliver the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course. nrainstructors.org

• Core pistol curriculum you’ll be teaching: gun safety rules, parts & operation (revolver/semi-auto), ammunition, fundamentals, cleaning, storage, range safety. nrainstructors.org

• Teaching methodology: lesson planning, coach-pupil method, diagnosing shooter errors, remediation, and running safe, efficient live-fire blocks. nrainstructors.org

• Admin & standards: student packets, course control codes (for blended formats), qualifications, documentation, and reporting. nrainstructors.org

​

Approximate Length

​

• ~16 hours for the Pistol Instructor portion, plus ~6 hours of Basic Instructor Training (BIT) if you’re not current. (BIT must be current within the last 24 months, or you’ll retake it.) nrainstructors.org

​

Outcome

​

• Candidates who successfully complete the pre-course qualification, all teach-backs, live-fire evaluations, and the written exam are recommended for NRA Certified Pistol Instructor credentials (final approval/processing by NRA). You’ll be authorized to teach NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting after credentialing. nrainstructors.org

​

What to Expect Logistically

​

• Prerequisites:

  • Solid background in firearm safety & pistol shooting; complete the pre-course questionnaire and pre-course qualification (minimum 80% passing score across phases). firearmtraining.nra.org

  • BIT within 24 months (or included/retaken with this course). gunforhire.com

  • Age: 21+ for Certified Instructor (18–20 may qualify as Assistant Instructor; 13–17 as Apprentice). Pacific Skyline Council

• Exams & Evaluations: Written instructor exams typically require 90% for Certified, 85% for Assistant/Apprentice. An Official Journal Of The NRA

• Equipment (typical): Reliable pistol (revolver or semi-auto), ~200 rounds of quality factory ammo, 2–3 magazines/speed-loaders, eye/ear protection, and a notebook. (Your Training Counselor will confirm final round count.) nrainstructors.org

​

Why It Matters

​

• This course upgrades you from “good shooter” to effective teacher—able to coach safely, fix fundamentals, and run compliant classes that meet NRA standards. nrainstructors.org

• Certification expands your offerings (private lessons, group classes, youth/Scouting programs) and adds credibility with ranges, clubs, and clients. nrainstructors.org