NRA Assistant and Apprentice Instructor Program

The NRA Assistant Instructor rating is for experienced shooters ages 18 to 20 who wish to assist NRA Certified Instructors in an effort to gain the knowledge & experience needed to become NRA Certified Instructors themselves.

The NRA Apprentice Instructor appointment is available to young people between the ages of 13 to 17 who have the emotional maturity to be chosen by NRA Certified Instructors to understudy their instructional methods & assist with their courses.

Only NRA Certified Instructors may conduct courses or lessons & provide instruction in the NRA Basic Firearm Program. Assistant & Apprentice Instructors may assist Certified Instructors in the conduct of a course lesson or practical exercise.

Like NRA Certified Instructor Candidates, you must demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety & shooting skills through the satisfactory completion of an NRA Basic

Firearm Training Course & experience in shooting sports activities, target shooting, experience in hunting, or other firearm-related activities. You must satisfactorily complete an NRA Instructor Training Course in the area of specialization you wish to teach (e.g., NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting) & receive the endorsement of the NRA Training Counselor in charge. An Assistant or Apprentice Instructor must complete their examination with a minimum score of 85%.

Apprentice Instructors, after becoming 18 years of age (but before 21 years of age), may upgrade to Assistant Instructor by submitting an instructor application, together with the appropriate processing & certification fees & a letter of recommendation from any NRA Certified Instructor with whom they have satisfactorily worked in the conduct of at least five NRA courses in the rating the Apprentice held.

Assistant Instructors, 21 years of age or older, may upgrade to Certified Instructor by submitting an Instructor application, together with the appropriate processing & certification fees & a letter of recommendation from any NRA Certified Instructor with whom they have satisfactorily worked in the conduct of at least five NRA course classes in the rating the Assistant Instructor held.