New TN Concealed Carry Permit Classes starting mid-October 2025!
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New TN Concealed Carry Permit Classes starting mid-October 2025!
NRA Training is the Industry Gold Standard
Why NRA Training?
The NRA was formed just after the Civil War ended. Studies showed that our soldiers needed more safety and accuracy training. The NRA also created the first range safety rules and became the Gold Standard in firearms safety. They have been continually improving upon that standard.
Become an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
The benefits of becoming an NRA instructor (Youth Assistant and Apprentice Instructor Certifications also available on the Youth Programs link)
NRA Certified Instructors provide an invaluable service in their communities by training hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. As more Americans choose to exercise their right to own a firearm, so too grows the need for proper training courses. Because of your dedication to the shooting sports, you are providing a chance for others to enjoy the same benefits of firearm ownership that you have enjoyed in the past.
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor Frequently Asked Questions
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YES. To become a Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Chief RSO, Defensive Pistol 1 (PPITH), etc., certified Instructor, you must first take the NRA BIT (Basic Instructor Training). In addition, you must also take the Basic course of the discipline you want Instructor certification in. For example, if you want to become an NRA Basic Pistol Instructor, you must first take the NRA Basics of Pistol Course before taking the Instructor Certification.
Often times,, the NRA BIT training will come packaged with your NRA Basics of Pistol Instructor Certification course. That is why, the Instructor course will be 2 days. Day 1 is the BIT, Day 2 is the Pistol. Once you take your NRA BIT training, you do not have to take it again to get additional certifications, like rifle and shotgun. You must refresh your BIT every 2 years.
If you do not have any NRA Instructor Certification and want to become a rifle or shotgun Instructor, be sure to let your Training Counselor know that you also need to take the BIT training so they can arrange it.
No, you cannot substitute other training or certifications for the NRA prerequisites or qualification,. However there are a few exceptions where Defensive Pistol 1 (PPITH) is concerned.
While NRA Certified Instructors have to be at least 21 years old, juniors between the ages of 13 and 17 are eligible to become Apprentice Instructors. The Assistant Instructor program is open to students that are age 18 and older.
Apprentice and Assistant Instructors are required to undergo the same strict training and qualification as Certified Instructors, except the two lower ratings can score 85% to pass the written exam, while Certified candidates must have at least 90%. We’ve found that many young people score better this way, since they’re used to taking tests at school with a similar open-book format.
Apprentice and Assistant Instructor Certification is available for Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun but not Defensive Pistol 1 - PPITH.
Since Apprentice and Assistant Instructors have the option to upgrade, both programs serve as a pipeline for young people to reach NRA-Certified Instructor status. Apprentice Instructors can move up to Assistant after reaching 18 years of age.
The upgrade process is similar for Assistant Instructors who are 21 years of age or older and want to become certified. A written request and payment are required, plus a letter of recommendation from any NRA-Certified Instructor stating they’ve helped to manage a minimum of two NRA courses for which they hold the Assistant Instructor rating.
Questions about Instructor Course prerequisites, Youth Assistant or youth apprentice Certifications?
Give me a call or send me a text. 865-776-0373
Official NRA Classes (Local and Mobile) + Instructor Certs
NRA Basics of Pistol Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
NRA Basics of Pistol Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
NRA Basics of Pistol Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
This is the PRE-REQUISITE REQUIRED BEFORE taking Instructor Certification. The NRA Course for Basics of Pistol is the industry standard for firearms safety training and is also a prerequisite to many other NRA training disciplines including: many firearms Instructor certifications, EMT training, Carry Permit Instructors, security guards,
NRA Basics of Rifle Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
NRA Basics of Pistol Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
NRA Basics of Pistol Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
The NRA Course for Basics of Rifle is the industry standard for firearms safety training and is also a prerequisite for many youth based rifle programs. This is the PRE-REQUISITE REQUIRED BEFORE taking Instructor Certification.
NRA Basics of Rifle Course Instructor Certification
NRA Basics of Pistol Course (Instructor Pre-requisite)
NRA Basics of Rifle Course Instructor Certification
NRA RIFLE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE NRA BASICS OF RIFLE COURSE AS A PRE-REQUISITE BEFORE YOU CAN TAKE THIS CLASS. Class and range time will be at Bud's Indoor Gun Shop and Range in Sevierville, TN.
NRA Women on Target Pistol Clinic
Defensive Pistol 1: Personal Protection In the Home (Live-Fire, prerequisite required)
NRA Basics of Rifle Course Instructor Certification
This NRA classes for lady beginners is great for you and your daughter (ages 12+) and anyone who is a little stressed about going to the live fire range for the first time. I am an experienced, rare female NRA Training Counselor who will start you off with simulations and non-firing training firearms to get you comfortable. Then, it is off to the live fire experience. We use my reliable and easy to shoot pistols. This is low pressure, no tests, just fun and empowerment with other ladies like yourself.
NRA Basics of Pistol Instructor Certification
Defensive Pistol 1: Personal Protection In the Home (Live-Fire, prerequisite required)
Defensive Pistol 1: Personal Protection In the Home (Live-Fire, prerequisite required)
PISTOL INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE NRA BASICS OF PISTOL COURSE AS A PRE-REQUISITE BEFORE YOU CAN TAKE THIS CLASS. Class and range time will be at Windrock Shooting Range, Oliver Springs TN.
Seats are limited!
Defensive Pistol 1: Personal Protection In the Home (Live-Fire, prerequisite required)
Defensive Pistol 1: Personal Protection In the Home (Live-Fire, prerequisite required)
Defensive Pistol 1: Personal Protection In the Home (Live-Fire, prerequisite required)
So you just got your Carry Permit or you just took the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Class, what next? If you are looking to protect yourself, your family and your home, using a pistol as an option, this is the absolute next class you should take! We will even have a lawyer available to answer your legal questions.
Defensive Pistol 1: Instructor - Personal Protection In the Home
NRA Refuse to be a victim - crime prevention seminar (no shooting)
Defensive Pistol 1: Instructor - Personal Protection In the Home
Start scaling the defensive pistol ranks by getting this Defensive Pistol 1 Instructor Certification! You will gain access to many valuable drills. You must first be a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor with current BIT, before taking this course.
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
NRA Refuse to be a victim - crime prevention seminar (no shooting)
Defensive Pistol 1: Instructor - Personal Protection In the Home
You must take NRA Range Safety Officer training as a prerequisite before you can take this Chief Range Safety Officer Certification.
NRA Refuse to be a victim - crime prevention seminar (no shooting)
NRA Refuse to be a victim - crime prevention seminar (no shooting)
NRA Refuse to be a victim - crime prevention seminar (no shooting)
This non-firearm crime prevention NRA class was created in response to nationwide requests for crime prevention seminars, Refuse To Be A Victim NRA training teaches methods to avoid dangerous situations and prevent criminal confrontations. Our firearms academy participants will be presented with a variety of common sense crime prevention and personal safety strategies and devices that may be integrated into their personal, home, automobile, telephone, technological, and travel security.