NRA certified instructor

Last verified November 1, 2026

Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal or career advice. Licensing rules, hours and fees change and vary by state and employer. Verify every requirement with the issuing body before you enroll, apply or work.

What it is

A discipline-specific credential (pistol, rifle, shotgun, home firearm safety, personal protection and more) that lets you teach NRA basic firearm training courses.

Who needs it

Firearms instructors, range staff and trainers who teach NRA courses or whose employer asks for NRA credentials.

Requirements

Complete the NRA basic course in the discipline you want to teach, show solid firearm safety and shooting skills in pre-course assessments, then pass an NRA instructor training course taught by an NRA Training Counselor and earn that counselor's endorsement.

Typical cost and time

Cost: Check with National Rifle Association (NRA)
Time: Instructor courses run from 11 hours (Home Firearm Safety) to 22 hours (Personal Protection Outside the Home); the pistol and rifle instructor courses are 16 hours.

Issuing body

National Rifle Association (NRA)

Go to the official site

Renewal

Check with National Rifle Association (NRA)

Find NRA instructor classes Jobs requiring NRA instructor

Sources

firearmtraining.nra.org/become-an-instructor

Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.