Certifications › RSO
NRA range safety officer (RSO)
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 nationally recognized credential for people who organize, run and supervise safe shooting activities and range operations.
Who needs it
Range staff, club volunteers, and instructors who run live-fire lines.
Requirements
Pass the NRA RSO course: either the instructor-led Basic Range Safety Officer course taught by an NRA Chief RSO, or the online course (open to current NRA certified instructors and coaches), which ends with a test you must pass with 90%.
Typical cost and time
- Cost
- $125 for the online course (instructor-led course fees are set by the course sponsor).
- Time
- About 9 hours for the instructor-led course (classroom plus range exercises); the online course allows 90 days to finish.
Issuing body
National Rifle Association (NRA)
Renewal
Check with National Rifle Association (NRA)
Sources
Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.