Course Catalog

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a handgun for protection of self and family, including legal considerations for self-defense. Covers basic defensive shooting skills, home safety strategies, responding to violent confrontations, firearms and the law, handgun selection for self-defense, and continued skill development. The legal portion is taught by a qualified legal professional. Approximately 100 rounds required. Students receive the NRA Guide to Basics of Personal Protection In The Home handbook, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and completion certificate.

Learn the fundamentals of pistol shooting, safety, and responsible ownership. This course covers firearm safety rules, pistol parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, and pistol cleaning and storage. Includes both classroom instruction and live-fire range time. No prior experience required.

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe use of a rifle in target shooting. Covers safe gun handling rules, rifle parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, range rules, shooting positions (bench rest, prone, sitting, standing, kneeling), cleaning, and continued skill development. Includes classroom instruction and range time. Students receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and completion certificate.

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for the safe and proper use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target. Covers safe gun handling rules, shotgun parts and operation, shell components, shell malfunctions, shooting fundamentals, range rules, straight-away and angled target shooting, cleaning, and continued skill development. Includes classroom instruction and range time. Students receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and completion certificate.

Teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations and for the safe, effective, and responsible use of a concealed pistol for self-defense outside the home. Covers safe and effective firearm carry, storage, and use for personal protection. Available in two levels: Level One (9 hours, approx. 100 rounds) and Level Two (additional 5 hours, approx. 115 rounds) for advanced shooting skills. Includes several hours of range time. The legal portion is taught by a qualified legal professional. Students receive the NRA Guide to Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook and appropriate level completion certificate(s).

Comprehensive course for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience. Covers gun safety rules, revolver and semi-automatic pistol operation, ammunition selection, pistol selection and storage, shooting fundamentals, inspection, maintenance, and marksmanship. Includes both classroom instruction and live-fire range qualification with a certified instructor. Available in traditional instructor-led or blended (online self-study plus hands-on) format. Students receive the NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook and completion certificate bearing the NRA Secretary's signature.

Advanced certification course for current NRA Range Safety Officers who want to achieve Chief RSO status. This two-part, 14-hour program covers advanced range safety management, instructor training techniques, and specialized Chief RSO responsibilities. Includes a practical teaching demonstration and open-book examination. Led by an NRA Training Counselor holding Chief RSO certification. Upon successful completion, candidates are certified to conduct NRA RSO courses and serve as Chief Range Safety Officer at ranges and events.

Advanced course teaching the knowledge, skills, and attitude to carry and use a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly, and with confidence. Covers applying NRA safe handling rules for concealed carry, concealment principles, cover vs. concealment, drawing from a holster, mental awareness levels, developing a defensive mindset, clearing stoppages, and pocket pistol use. Students receive the NRA Guide to Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook and Defensive Pistol certificate. Taught by NRA certified Advanced Pistol Instructors only.

Hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific rifle action type. Designed for new rifle purchasers. Limited to four or fewer students for maximum personalized instruction. Covers NRA safe gun handling rules, rifle model parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, rifle cleaning, and continued skill development. Includes both classroom and range time. Students receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and FIRST Steps completion certificate.

Hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific shotgun model, including shooting at moving targets. Limited to four or fewer students. Covers NRA safe gun handling rules, shotgun model parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, shotgun cleaning, and continued skill development. Includes both classroom and range time. Students receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and FIRST Steps completion certificate.

Non-shooting course that teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition in the home. Covers NRA's three safe gun handling rules, firearm parts, unloading techniques, ammunition components, cleaning, care, safe storage, and an introduction to shooting sports. Students receive the NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook and completion certificate.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA Home Firearm Safety Course. Part one covers basic instructor training including NRA training philosophy, lesson planning, teaching methods, and range safety. Part two covers discipline-specific training for home firearm safety instruction. Includes practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA Home Firearm Safety student course.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home course. Part one covers basic instructor training. Part two covers discipline-specific training for personal protection instruction including defensive shooting skills, home safety strategies, legal considerations, and scenario-based teaching. Includes practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home student course.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home course. The most advanced NRA instructor certification, covering concealed carry instruction, defensive shooting in public environments, legal use of force, scenario-based training, and advanced coaching techniques. Includes practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home student course.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course. Part one covers basic instructor training including NRA training philosophy, lesson planning, teaching methods, and range safety. Part two covers discipline-specific training for pistol instruction. Includes practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting student course.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA Basic Rifle Shooting course. Part one covers basic instructor training including NRA training philosophy, lesson planning, teaching methods, and range safety. Part two covers discipline-specific training for rifle instruction including all shooting positions. Includes practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA Basic Rifle Shooting student course.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course. Part one covers basic instructor training including NRA training philosophy, lesson planning, teaching methods, and range safety. Part two covers discipline-specific training for shotgun instruction. Includes practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting student course.

Learn pistol marksmanship fundamentals using a virtual training system — no shooting range required. Uses a simulated pistol with a resetting trigger and laser feedback system to teach sight alignment, trigger control, grip, and breath control. Ideal for beginners who want to build confidence before live fire, or experienced shooters looking to refine technique. Students receive an NRA participation certificate.

Nationally recognized Range Safety Officer certification course for those who want to organize and supervise safe shooting activities and serve as an RSO at ranges and events. This instructor-led course covers RSO roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and setup, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and conducting range safety briefings. Includes both classroom instruction and range practical exercises. Led by an NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer. Upon successful completion, candidates receive NRA Range Safety Officer certification.

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of muzzleloading guns. Includes classroom instruction and range time covering safe gun handling rules, muzzleloader parts, loading, shooting, cleaning, and shooting positions (standing and crossed stick). Training may cover muzzleloading rifle, shotgun, pistol, or a selected combination. Students receive the Muzzleloading Rifle Handbook, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and completion certificate.

Two-part instructor certification course that prepares candidates to teach the NRA-NMLRA Basic Muzzleloading Shooting course. Covers instructor training in muzzleloader safety, loading procedures, shooting techniques, cleaning, and teaching methods specific to muzzleloading firearms. Includes multiple practical teaching exercises and a certification examination. Upon completion, instructors are certified to teach the NRA-NMLRA Basic Muzzleloading Shooting student course.