YES. To become a Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Chief RSO, Defensive Pistol 1 (PPITH), etc., NRA 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 the NRA 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 NRA Pistol Instructor Certification.

Often times,, the NRA BIT (Basic Instructor Training) will come packaged with your NRA Basics of Pistol Instructor Certification course.  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 NRA 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. Contact me to discuss.

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.

I currently give NRA Certifications and classes in the following locations:  Sevierville TN, Oliver Springs TN, Chattanooga TN and Millington TN throughout the year.

I can come to your location to give a NRA Certification class only if certain conditions are met.  Some of those conditions are area saturation, private group must be 6+ paying individuals, must be aligned with a reputable live-fire range, and more.  Contact me to discuss.