NRA Instructor Certificate

[Guest Khitan]

Im interested in getting the NRA Instructor Certificate (or something comparable) so that I can become a State Certified Instructor. The only place near me (Memphis) that has a class in Range Master. I didnt take any of my previous classes there so they want me to take Level 1 thru 3 all over again.... so Im not planning on going there.

Anyone have any ideas on where I can go in Memphis or the surrounding area to get some Instructor training that will allow me to get my Instructor Certificate?

Khitan Kurgan

[Marswolf]

So you took 1-3 but they want the revenue from those classes before they will do the instructor course? Good grief.

Good luck. I'll bet someone here can suggest a good honest place to get the instructor certificate.

[Guest Len]

To get an NRA Pistol Instructor Rating (what you need to get in order to get the TN State Certified Hangun Instructor certificate) you must do the following:

1) Take & pass NRA Beginning Pistol (Pistol I)

2) Take & pass NRA Basic Instructor's Training (BIT) (This is a classroom-only course on "how to be an NRA Instructor")

3) Take and pass NRA Pistol Instructor

Some schools will do this all in one 3-day course, some will make you take 3 separate courses at 3 separate times. There is an option to "test out" of the basic pistol course for highly qualified individuals. The test is a written exam and a shooting skills evaluation.

The place I work at (www.hgrfirearms.com) runs the 3 course sequence over 2 weekends (weekend 1: Basic Pistol & Basic Instructor, weekend 2: Pistol Instructor). The next class starts this Saturday 0830. We're in middle TN, but you can call NRA for a list of NRA Training Counselors (only ones allowed to teach instructor courses) in your area. The NRA website does not always list all courses, as they are posted by the schools themselves at their discretion.

For more info: https://www.nrahq.org/education/training/basictraining.asp

or call NRA Training at: 703-267-1430

or PM me. If you are ever in middle TN, we'll take care of you. Need a place to stay during the course, we can help with that as well.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

-Len

[Guest Khitan]

I understand them wanting to make sure that all the people in the class are "on the same page" ... but the classes are expensive. My training up until now has been with an instructor who is the leader of a local SWAT team.

I am an IT guy, and as such I do alot of informal instruction. And even some formal, classroom type instruction. Teaching is teaching. So I just need to know the material that has to be taught for the handgun carry permit class. I know the fundamentals, just need to know specifically what the state wants taught.

Khitan

[Guest Len]

There are other ways of getting the TN certificate than showing your NRA credentials to the state. Maybe that might be an alternative worth looking into. I've been teaching full time for 16 years, 20 with part time added in, and NRA still made me take the BIT class. I had to follow the process I laid out in my last post, and I've seen many with even more qualifications have to do so as well.

I understand them wanting to make sure that all the people in the class are "on the same page" ... but the classes are expensive. My training up until now has been with an instructor who is the leader of a local SWAT team.

I am an IT guy, and as such I do alot of informal instruction. And even some formal, classroom type instruction. Teaching is teaching. So I just need to know the material that has to be taught for the handgun carry permit class. I know the fundamentals, just need to know specifically what the state wants taught.

Khitan

[Guest Khitan]

Len,

thanks for the informative reply. I certainly understand alot more about why the classes are 3 days now.

I have family in Gallatin, so I think Ill come up and try you guys out.

[Guest tjbert47]

I got my NRA Pistol Instructor Rating with farrisfirearms. That was about 3 years ago and I'm not sure they still offer any of the classes. Thats no help to you though they are near Gallatin TN.

Tom in TN

[Marswolf]

I thought Len might provide the info you need.

[Guest Len]

Just trying to be a good upstanding member of the community...

I thought Len might provide the info you need.

[Guest tjbert47]

Len

I need to get with you so I can add (Shotgun, RTBAV) to my NRA credentials. I already have my NRA Pistol Instructor & RSO certification.

Tom in TN

[Guest Len]

No problem! PM me at your convenience.

We can help w/Shotgun Instructor, and you can "self-certify" the RTBAV on your own. Just call NRA training, tell them that you are an Instructor who wants to self-certify RTBAV, and they'll tell you the process -very simple.

Shotty Instructor is a fun course!

-L

Len

I need to get with you so I can add (Shotgun, RTBAV) to my NRA credentials. I already have my NRA Pistol Instructor & RSO certification.

Tom in TN

[Guest Khitan]

There are other ways of getting the TN certificate than showing your NRA credentials to the state. Maybe that might be an alternative worth looking into. I've been teaching full time for 16 years, 20 with part time added in, and NRA still made me take the BIT class. I had to follow the process I laid out in my last post, and I've seen many with even more qualifications have to do so as well.

Im with you on that one. I want the Instructor Certificate for more than just the ability to be able to teach, I also want to learn more. I like the process you laid out. It lays the foundation for further training/instructing. As we all know if the foundation isnt strong then the house will fall.

I dont want to take any shortcuts, however I dont want to spend anymore money or time than is absolutley necessary. Ive also heard that there is a freeze on new instructor certificates from the state right now. So I may wait a little while anyway.

I checked out your site, I didnt see a schedule for intructor classes or pricing. How can I get that info?

Khitan Kurgan

[Guest Len]

The state freeze you speak of has been lifted. I also got my instructor ratings as a ticket to learn more. I have found the NRA courses to be a good way for me to learn more about firearms & shooting, and the instructor training helped me take it to the next level.

Don't get me started about our website...

The price for the total package - Pistol I, Basic Instructor, Pistol I Instructor is $600.00. If I teach or assist with any/all of the package, TGO members get a 10% discount. If you dont need all 3, the price is pro-rated down. Your best bet is to call the boss --Greg Knox 615-364-4359, tell him I suggested you call. He'll get back to you. I will also see him tomorrow morning (I'm assisting with a Pistol I/Carry Permit class) and will make sure he calls you. Greg's a good guy and knows his stuff.

-Len

Im with you on that one. I want the Instructor Certificate for more than just the ability to be able to teach, I also want to learn more. I like the process you laid out. It lays the foundation for further training/instructing. As we all know if the foundation isnt strong then the house will fall.

I dont want to take any shortcuts, however I dont want to spend anymore money or time than is absolutley necessary. Ive also heard that there is a freeze on new instructor certificates from the state right now. So I may wait a little while anyway.

I checked out your site, I didnt see a schedule for intructor classes or pricing. How can I get that info?

Khitan Kurgan