Firearms Training

With hundreds of thousands of people attending NRA training courses annually, the NRA is recognized nationally as the Gold Standard for firearm safety training. Whether you're a new or prospective gun owner or hunter in search of training, whatever your age or level of expertise, whatever type of firearm you're interested in, NRA has the course for you. Individuals with a solid background with firearms can be credentialed and authorized to conduct NRA approved training courses. We offer gunsmith schools as well as courses to become certified Instructors, Counselors, Coaches, and Range Safety Officers.

125,000+ Instructors

Teach hundreds of thousands of students throughout the country every year

8,000+ Coaches

Provide training for shooting athletes looking to go beyond standard training

2,200+ Training Counselors

Train experienced shooters on how to teach firearm safety and shooting skills to others

NRA Gun Safety Rules

Whether you’re a parent in search of information about firearm safety in the home, a first-time gun owner, or an old pro looking to brush up on your firearm handling skills, the NRA is here to keep you and your family safe. Explore NRA’s fundamental rules of gun safety, as well as information how to safely store a gun and good cleaning practices.

NRA Instructor Working with People in a Firing Line at an Outdoor Gun Range in the Desert

Firearm Training

From beginner to developing competitor, the NRA Training Department develops safe, ethical, responsible shooters through a network of more than 125,000 instructors and range safety officers and coaches. NRA Training Counselors recruit and train instructors to teach NRA's basic firearm courses. NRA Coaches, in turn, develop competitors at the club, high school, collegiate and national levels.

Become An NRA Instructor

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 these courses.

Become A Training Counselor

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. Knowing how to shoot is an important requirement for NRA instructors, but you will also need to know how to teach others to shoot. NRA Instructor Training Courses help you develop the additional knowledge, skills and techniques needed to organize and teach courses in the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program.

NRA Range Safety Officers

The NRA Range Safety Officer program was developed in response to the demand for a nationally-recognized range safety officer certification. NRA Range Safety Officers are people who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.

Shooting Sports Coach Development

The NRA Coach Education Program offers multi-level training for coaches of the competitive shooting sports in partnership with USA Shooting, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, the Amateur Trapshooting Association, the National Skeet Shooting Association and the National Sporting Clays Association. Separate coach training courses are available for rifle, shotgun, pistol and high-power rifle. It is our goal to provide every coach with the tools to be successful. The NRA is committed to creating a positive environment in which coaches, athletes, parents, officials and fans work together to achieve our mission in the shooting community.

Adaptive Shooting

The NRA's goal is to increase access and participation in shooting activities for people with disabilities through specialized techniques and technologies that are safe and unique to each individual.

NRA Gunsmithing Schools

Gunsmithing is a craft that has long been a part of American history and culture. Gunsmiths have been responsible for some of the most historic technological advancements in firearm history, their raw skills and artistry making them unique to the trade.

NRA Online Training

Our web-based courses are the best and most convenient way for you to learn basic firearms safety, shooting techniques, personal defense strategies, or fulfill the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit in your state. Get started today!

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NRA Program Materials Center

Your one-stop shop for all program materials! Purchase training guides and kits, law enforcement gear, qualification programs, recreation shooting equipment, Eddie Eagle programming and accessories.

NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program

From a young shooter's first BB gun to sophisticated air rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, pistols, and rifles, the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program offers family fun and enjoyment that can last a lifetime.

Find A Course

Find NRA's education and training courses near your area and sign up for a course today!

Young Women Drawing Her Firearm from a Holster While She Wears Protective Goggles

NRA CCW

The NRA CCW course teaches the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to carry a concealed pistol for personal defense. The NRA CCW Course is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation, and is designed to provide the core competencies required for a particular state.. This instructor-led course gives you direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end and may be conducted in a classroom and on a shooting range.

NRA Training Course Catalog

Find the right training course for you—pistol, rifle, shotgun, self-defense or safety.

Find A Basic Firearms Training Course Near You

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NRAExplore is the resource for all programs of the National Rifle Association. Select an interest to browse programs and find information about firearm safety, a variety of events, educational courses and more!

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