As an NRA Certified Instructor and Training Counselor, I often get questions about the various NRA certifications. The most common one is, “What can I do with this certification?” They are usually both pleased and surprised at the answer. NRA firearms certification are not just for teaching firearms classes or adding credibility for one-on-one instruction. The certifications can be used for many different applications like working with youth organizations, starting a firearms training school, or finding a job.
Youth Organizations
The NRA has a long history of working with youth organizations. As a result, many NRA certifications are required for those who hold leadership positions in many of these youth organizations. As an example, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the NRA started working together in 1910. As soon as BSA became incorporated, the NRA established safety protocols and training materials for this organization. In 1911, the NRA helped to make marksmanship as the cornerstone of the scouting program. The “Marksman” merit badge was established and is known as one of the original 14 “Badges of Merit.” In the 1930s and 1940s, the NRA provided funds and technical advice to build gun ranges on Boy Scout camps throughout the nation.
Many youth organizations require certified NRA Range Safety Officers (RSOs) and certified NRA (Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol) Instructors to oversee safe shooting activities. The Instructor and the RSO have a separation of duties. One person cannot simultaneously serve as both the Instructor and the RSO. The difference is, the RSO supervises all shooters and focuses on the physical range setting and enforcing safety guidelines and rules; the instructor focuses on individual shooters and works with them to educate and improve their marksmanship and shooting techniques.
NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) / NRA Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO)
The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various youth organizations require that Certified NRA RSOs be present during shooting activities. The role of a certified RSO is to directly supervise shooters on the firing line while enforcing range safety rules. Their primary role is to oversee the entire range, rather than being drawn into the space of one shooter. They are responsible for range inspections, safety briefings, and emergency procedures. An RSO can also open and close a range. A Chief RSO has additional training and the responsibility to oversee other RSOs, manage range complexes, and train and certify RSOs.
For youth organizations such as scouting programs, the required RSO and instructor-to-shooter ratios vary by firearm type. The SOP states that one certified NRA RSO be present to supervise up to 8 rifle shooters on the rifle range; one RSO be present to supervise up to six shotgun shooters on the shotgun range; and one RSO be present to supervise up to three pistol shooters on the pistol range.
NRA Basic and Instructor Rifle Course
Youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Trail Life require NRA Rifle Instructors to provide one-on-one instruction on the rifle range. The range Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for opening the ranges requires one RSO plus one certified NRA Rifle Instructor for every eight shooters.
NRA Basic and Instructor Shotgun
These same youth organizations have shotgun programs that have similar SOPs apply. The requirements for opening the shotgun ranges requires one RSO plus one certified NRA Shotgun Instructor for every youth that is ‘actively’ shooting.
NRA Basic and Instructor Pistol
For those youth organizations that allow pistol shooting, similar SOPs apply. The requirements for opening the pistol ranges requires one RSO plus one certified NRA Pistol Instructor for every youth that is “actively” shooting.
NRA Muzzleloading CO-OP
Many youth organizations that offer muzzleloading ranges require a certified NRA Muzzleloading CO-OP Instructor to conduct these activities. The requirements for opening the muzzleloading range require one RSO plus one certified NRA Muzzleloading CO-OP (rifle only) instructor for every eight shooters. The NRA Muzzleloading CO-OP is only available to those who work with youth groups and conduct the muzzleloading activities.
NRA Shooting Sports Coach Development
The NRA offers Coach Certifications for individuals who run or establish shooting leagues or competitions, especially those designed for youth. The Coach Education program offers several different certifications including rifle, shotgun, pistol, and high-power rifle. The course teaches students how to mentor competitive shooters from beginner to advanced competitions. It delves into the sports sciences and methodology of marksmanship.
State License to Carry Permits
NRA Pistol Instructor Certification
Many states require their citizens to pass an approved firearm safety course, specifically a handgun safety course, to be eligible for their state’s license to carry permit. The NRA Basic Pistol Certificate satisfies this requirement. As an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, an individual can teach the NRA Basic Pistol Course to satisfy that state’s requirements.
NRA Concealed Carry Workshop (CCW) Instructor
Many states require passing a handgun course that teaches the proper carrying and deployment of a firearm to be eligible for their state’s license to carry permit. The NRA Basic Concealed Carry Workshop (CCW) Certification satisfies this requirement. As an NRA Concealed Carry Workshop (CCW) Instructor, an individual can teach the NRA Basic CCW to satisfy that state’s requirements.
Opening Your Firearms Training School
By having NRA Instructor and RSO ratings, it shows your customers you have been properly trained in safely handling firearms and teaching others the knowledge, skills, and attitude to be a responsible firearm owner and shooter. Customers and new clients tend to look for certified NRA instructors, since NRA certifications are viewed as the gold standard for firearms training. You can set yourself apart in the industry by becoming properly trained and certified with NRA credentials!
Gun Ranges
NRA Pistol Instructor Certification
The NRA Pistol Instructor Certification can help you get a job! Many gun ranges, both public and private, may require a Pistol Instructor Certification as a condition of employment. The NRA Pistol Instructor Certification satisfies this requirement.
NRA Range Safety Officer
Many gun ranges require NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Certification to oversee and run the ranges. Since the NRA’s RSO Certification is the only recognized Range Safety Officer Certification, NRA Certification is your one-stop-shop!
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO)
Since many ranges require a Certified RSO to oversee the ranges, many gun ranges require an employee to be Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) Certified to train other employees as NRA RSOs. Chief RSOs can also develop and write range Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Shooting Competitions
NRA Range Safety Officer
Shooting sports are growing activities that encompasses many different types of shooting, firearms, and actions. Many Sanctioned Shooting Competitions require anyone overseeing the line during live fire to have an NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Certification. By becoming a Certified RSO, you can become more involved in your sport of choice. In many instances, Certified RSOs are paid to oversee the event.
NRA Firearms Certifications are more versatile than many other certifications that only allow you to perform a specific activity. NRA Certifications open many opportunities. These include changing professions, making supplemental income, or teaching the benefits of the 2nd Amendment to the next generation.
When you become an NRA Certified Instructor, it takes your shooting experience to the next level. You are no longer just a participant. Your understanding of firearms, your experience, and your level of fun increases exponentially.
