NRA Shotgun Instructor Course - Foundational Knowledge

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What We Will Cover

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Instructor roles, ethics, NRA policies, and how to organize, promote, and run the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Core shotgun curriculum you’ll be teaching: safety rules, shotgun parts/operation (pump, semi-auto, break-action), gauges & ammunition, chokes, patterning, mounting & fit, recoil management, cleaning, storage, and range procedures. nrainstructors.org

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Teaching methodology: lesson planning, coach–pupil method, diagnosing misses (eye dominance, mount, stance, swing, follow-through), remediation, safe live-fire management on trap/skeet/sporting stations, and evaluating students. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Admin & standards: student and instructor packets, conduct of pre-course qualification, documentation, reporting classes, and use of NRA training materials & the Instructor Portal. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Oklahoma note: This is an NRA instructor credential, not a state license; verify any employer/club requirements (e.g., RSO, background checks) locally. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Approximate Length

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16 hours for the Shotgun Instructor portion (delivered with Basic Instructor Training plus discipline-specific blocks). nrainstructors.org

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Outcome

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Candidates who successfully complete the pre-course qualification, teach-backs, live-fire evaluations, and the written exam—and receive the Training Counselor’s endorsement—are recommended for NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor credentials (final processing by NRA). firearmtraining.nra.org

After credentialing, you’re authorized to teach NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting and issue NRA student certificates. firearmtraining.nra.org

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What to Expect Logistically

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Prerequisites:

Completion of NRA Basic Shotgun (student course) in the same discipline you wish to teach. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Pre-course questionnaire & qualification to verify safe gun handling and shotgun fundamentals. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is part of the instructor program; some Training Counselors require BIT to be current before adding new ratings. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Age for instructor ratings: Certified (21+), Assistant (18–20), Apprentice (13–17). scoutingevent.com

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Exams & evaluations: Participation in practical exercises, instructor certification exam, and on-range performance per the NRA instructor format. firearmtraining.nra.org

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Typical equipment: 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with interchangeable chokes, 150–200 light target shells, eye/ear protection, brimmed hat, note-taking materials; your Training Counselor will confirm final requirements (pattern-board use is common). defensivestrategies.org