Rochester Personal Defense

NRA Certified Pistol Instructor Certification Workshop

This course is designed for experienced shooters who want to become NRA-Certified Pistol Instructors. It is not intended for new or novice shooters. Candidates must have prior shooting and professionally led firearms training experience. (2 years minimum)

An NRA-certified pistol instructor is often a new shooter’s first introduction to the shooting sports. That role requires knowledge, skill, and the right attitude: a clear training approach and a genuine commitment to student success.

Who Should Attend:
Applicants should already be comfortable on the range, able to teach fundamentals, and prepared to represent the NRA and the shooting sports professionally.

What’s Included:
Tuition typically covers:

• • NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (BOPS) — 8 hours
  • Basic Instructor Training (BIT) — 8 hours
  • Pistol Instructor training modules — 10 hours

Together, these modules meet NRA requirements for pistol instructor certification and draw on more than 25 years of Dave’s instructional experience. Most NRA-specific course materials are included. A list of any additional required materials will be provided upon registration.

If you have already completed BOPS or BIT within the past 2 years, contact Dave for a possible tuition adjustment. A BOPS course is currently scheduled for November 6.

Subjects Covered:

• • Instructing the NRA Basic Pistol curriculum
  • Classroom and range operations (often not covered in other NRA instructor courses)
  • Evaluation drills and more effective student feedback
  • Expanded range protocol and student management

Prerequisites:

• • Verifiable shooting and training history as a student (minimum 2 years)
  • Successful completion of NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (instructor-led) within the past 1–2 years, with a score of 90% on the exam and Level 4 on the SAhooting Qualification
  • Passing score on the pre-course assessment (scheduled separately in advance; $50)
  • Current NRA membership before or during the workshop
  • Ability to state and discuss the three NRA fundamental rules of gun safety
  • Working knowledge of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols
  • Ability to safely manipulate common handgun action types
  • Solid fundamental shooting skills
  • Ability to shoot a group of 6 inches or less at 15 yards without warmup
  • Willingness to learn current instructional methods and training doctrine
  • Commitment to mentoring new shooters and representing the shooting sports accurately and respectfully

Required Equipment:

• • A serviceable pistol (revolver and semi-automatic preferred)
  • Eye and ear protection
  • 200 rounds of ammunition (do not bring ammunition into the classroom)
  • Weather-appropriate, professional attire
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Water, snacks, and lunch

If you meet the prerequisites and want to become certified as an NRA Pistol Instructor, this course is the next step. Contact Dave with questions about eligibility, discounts, or scheduling.