Effective January 1, 2015, all Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Program DOJ Certified Instructor applicants are required to have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and must obtain a COE prior to applying to become a FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor.
The Certificate of Eligibility instructions and application are available at Certificate of Eligibility. Please note that COEs must be renewed annually. The COE processing time is approximately 4 – 8 weeks.
Once you have obtained your COE number from the Bureau of Firearms, you can apply to become a FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor by completing a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Program DOJ Certified Instructor application (form BOF 037) or apply online through the FSC Certified Instructor Firearm Certification System. Please note that a FSC Program’s DOJ Certified Instructors certification is valid for five years, provided you maintain a valid COE. The processing time for manual applications is up to four weeks, and online applications can take three to four business days.
To renew your certification, a FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor Application (form BOF 037) is available at https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/forms and must be submitted with the renewal box checked, or you may renew online through the FSC Certified Instructor Firearm Certification System at https://fcs.doj.ca.gov/login-form after accepting the Conditions of Use.
Becoming a firearms instructor allows you to share your passion for shooting sports and self-defense while helping others develop safe and responsible gun handling skills. With the proper credentials, you can teach firearm safety courses, concealed carry classes, tactical training, and more.
Gaining instructor certification through a respected organization like the NRA ensures you have the knowledge and credentials to effectively teach others. Here is a step-by-step guide to gaining NRA firearms instructor certification.
Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites
To qualify as an NRA instructor candidate, you must:
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Complete the basic safety course for the discipline you want to teach (NRA Basic Pistol Shooting, NRA Basic Rifle Shooting, etc.)
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Demonstrate solid firearm safety knowledge and shooting skills. You must be intimately familiar with each action type you want to teach.
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Pass pre-course assessments testing your firearm handling skills and background knowledge These are administered by an NRA Training Counselor,
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Be at least 21 years old. If you are 18-20, you can qualify as an Assistant Instructor.
Having a strong foundation in firearm safety and shooting fundamentals is key. Make sure you meet the prerequisites before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Take an NRA Instructor Training Course
NRA instructor courses are specific to each discipline, like pistol, rifle, shotgun, and personal protection. Courses are typically 16-22 hours over 2-3 days.
During the instructor course, you will learn:
- NRA policies, procedures, and teaching methodologies
- Lesson planning and presentation skills
- Use of training aids and shooting exercises
- Coaching beginning shooters
- Organizing and budgeting courses
The course uses hands-on practice to prepare you to teach. You’ll work in groups and take turns delivering course drills and lessons to other students who act as beginners.
Step 3: Pass the Instructor Exam
At the end of the instructor course, you must pass a certification exam that covers:
- Safety knowledge
- Shooting skills
- Teaching methodologies
- NRA standards and procedures
The exam has a written test and practical shooting qualification. Passing demonstrates you have mastered the instructional skills and knowledge needed to teach NRA basic firearms courses.
Step 4: Receive Your Instructor Credentials
Once you successfully complete the instructor course and exam, you will receive:
- NRA instructor certification
- NRA instructor ID number
- Instructional guidebook and training materials
- Authority to purchase NRA student course materials
Maintaining your instructor status requires staying up-to-date on developments in shooting sports and actively teaching NRA courses.
Step 5: Consider Advanced Training
The NRA offers many supplemental instructor courses and certifications:
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Discipline-specific coach training – For focused instruction in competition shooting sports.
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Advanced technical courses – Like metallic cartridge reloading, gunsmithing, and hunting.
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Tactical training certifications – For teaching defensive shooting, concealed carry, home defense, etc.
Pursuing additional credentials allows you to expand your expertise and offer more specialized instruction tailored to different audiences.
Finding Work as an NRA Instructor
Here are some tips for getting work after gaining your NRA instructor certification:
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Offer courses at local gun ranges and clubs. Many have regular class schedules and hire qualified instructors.
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Teach concealed carry or tactical classes at gun shops and training facilities. These skills are in high demand.
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Provide private and small group lessons tailored to students’ specific needs.
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Hold safety and basic shooting courses for youth groups, scouts, camps, and schools.
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Partner with shooting sports organizations and competitions to offer coaching.
The NRA instructor community provides a great network for finding job opportunities, mentors, and training partners as you build your instructional career. With dedication and hard work, you can thrive as a professional firearms instructor.
Specified Training Organizations in Firearms Safety
Organizations Specified by Penal Code section 31635, subdivision (b) as providing Acceptable Firearms Safety Training.
Penal Code section 31635, subdivision (b), authorizes DOJ to certify individuals possessing a training certificate from one of the following training organizations to be a FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor:
- Department of Consumer Affairs, State of California-Firearm Training Instructor
- Director of Civilian Marksmanship, Instructor or Rangemaster
- Federal Government, Certified Rangemaster or Firearm Instructor
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Firearm Instructor Training Program or Rangemaster
- United States Military, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as marksmanship or firearms instructor. Assignment as Range Officer or Safety Officer is not sufficient
- National Rifle Association-Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement Instructor, Rangemaster, or Training Counselor
- Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), State of California-Firearm Instructor or Rangemaster
- Authorization from a State of California accredited school to teach a firearm training course
Firearm Safety Certificate Program
FSCs are acquired by taking and passing a written test on firearm safety, generally at participating firearms dealerships and private firearms training facilities. A Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide to help individuals prepare for the FSC test is available for viewing/downloading from this website. A Firearm Safety webinar is also available for viewing or download on the Videos page.
The firearm safety demonstration protocols and FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor standards have been established and implemented by DOJ. An explanation of the firearm safety demonstration can be found starting on page 12 of the Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide.
These forms contain fields you can fill in on-screen by first downloading and saving the form to your computer, and instructions for submitting the completed forms to DOJ.
For additional information regarding the FSC program, please review the Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
How Do I Become a Firearms Instructor? – Austin Answers
How do I become a military firearms instructor?
After that, you can attend a specialized firearms instructor training program, or you can get certified through an online course. Once you have completed your training, you will be eligible to take the certification exam. To become a military firearms instructor, you must first complete basic military training.
How do I become an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor or coach?
Get training to become an NRA certified firearms instructor or coach. Our courses are designed and developed by experts in the field to help you learn the basics and hone your shooting skills. From marksmanship and shooting techniques to firearm safety, be the best shooter you can be by enrolling in an NRA firearm training course.
How do I choose a firearms instructor course?
Firearms instructor course fees vary according to the area and institution. When looking for a training course, also consider the number of courses you plan to take. Before applying for a training course, think about your career goals and how much time and money you’re prepared to invest in your education.
Why do you need a firearms instructor certification?
Earning a firearms instructor certification is essential for anyone looking to teach others how to use firearms safely. Becoming certified can qualify instructors to teach individuals in various sectors to operate firearms. These sectors include federal law enforcement, the military and the public.
