Becoming a Firearms Instuctor

[vdegani1]

I recently was able to teach a buddy from work how to shoot my rifle and his newly purchased pistol. This made me relize again how rewarding it is to teach someone to use a firearm and i want to start doing it as a profession. I found the Pheonix Univeristy online course for firearms instruction but i wanted to hear from other instructors on how they obtained their certification. Im a Marine Infantry NCO before my EAS so I have the background knowledge to do this effectively but it seems like these days everyone says that. So i wanted to actually become certified to give students the confidence that the training they will recieve is legit. So what do you all think i posted the link i was looking at below but if you have better courses i want to hear about them. Thanks for your time.

http://www.instructorlicense.com/gradfeedback.html

[Iraq Ninja]

Stay away from Phoenix State University... a bunch of BS.
An online course with no range time instruction?

If you really feel like you need certification, start with the NRA courses.

Paul Howe runs a great pistol and carbine instructor course. I think LAV has one too.

[ST911]

Begin with the NRA and the various programs they offer. Especially if "certification", and all that it entails, means something to you.

Thereafter, attend additional training in instruction and adult learning. Add additional training from every instructor you can find, and repeat the best courses often.

[Steve in PA]

Go the NRA route. While not the "ultimate" instructor course, it is widely accepted.

[HowardCohodas]

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/instructor.asp

Since 1871, a major objective of the National Rifle Association has been to provide education and training in the safe and proper use of firearms.

Today, that objective is being fulfilled through the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program. There are 11 different courses in the program being taught throughout the nation by NRA Certified Instructors. NRA Instructors also teach the three-hour FIRST STEPS Orientation Program (rifle, pistol, and shotgun) to introduce new shooters to a particular firearm model.

Instructors provide an invaluable service in their communities by training hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. As firearm and shooting activities expand, and more Americans choose to exercise their right to carry a firearm, so too grows the need for these courses.

You can be the vital element in meeting this need by becoming an NRA Certified Instructor and conducting NRA Basic Firearm Training Courses. As an instructor, you can experience the personal satisfaction of teaching others the basics -- the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will lead to a lifetime of safe, enjoyable and successful involvement in firearm and shooting activities.

The NRA is looking for new instructors who enjoy working with people, want to share their firearm knowledge and skills with others, and are willing to make a commitment to teach NRA training courses in their communities.

[C4IGrant]

Going the NRA route is certainly a good idea. Having a .Mil background will also help you I think.

I would suggest taking some advanced shooting schools from people like Vickers and Hackathorn to get a better idea of some of the pro's are doing.

I teach carbine, pistol and low light (all basic) at the local gun club for FREE. This is a good way to get your name out there and actually see if you like dealing with a large groups of new shooters.

Good luck.


C4

[rob_s]

Begin with the NRA and the various programs they offer. Especially if "certification", and all that it entails, means something to you.

Thereafter, attend additional training in instruction and adult learning. Add additional training from every instructor you can find, and repeat the best courses often.

Exactly this.

You need to build a base in certifications, especially ones that are likely to be productive or helpful to your prospective students. In Florida, for example, an NRA certified instructor is good for the requirements for CCW, and it would be a good idea to be certified to teach the "G" security license needed for armed security.

In the not-to-distant past the path to becoming a self-sufficient instructor was through teaching at Gunsite for awhile to build your cred. With a war on, and lots of guys returning looking to avoid the 9-5, there are a lot of folks looking to short-circuit that type of process.

Additionally, learning how to teach is as important as learning what to teach, and understanding that 40 year old accountants and lawyers aren't going to respond the way that 19 year old recruits do is key. Yes, there is a certain "outward bound" mentality that wants to be yelled at but by and large the open-enrollment market isn't going to go in for that crap.

[CarlosDJackal]

The NRA Basic Instructors Training (BIT) is a great way to get your feet wet as well as your creds. The methods they teach are very applicable not just to Firearms Training, but also other venues.

From there you can get your certification in other disciplines.

Good luck!!

[ST911]

Additionally, learning how to teach is as important as learning what to teach, and understanding that 40 year old accountants and lawyers aren't going to respond the way that 19 year old recruits do is key. Yes, there is a certain "outward bound" mentality that wants to be yelled at but by and large the open-enrollment market isn't going to go in for that crap.

So important, that it bears repeating.

Learning how to effectively transmit information to students cannot be shortcut. One can attend every HSLD course in the world, and have great technical proficiency, but if they can't deliver the info to the target audience they are of little use.

I know SWAT studs and combat vets that have great skill and extensive experience in doing what they do, but are terrible instructors even in the arenas they serve.

[Farva]

Paul Howe is going to be releasing a book on this subject soon.