Knowing how to shoot is an important requirement for NRA instructors, but you will also need to know how to teach others to shoot. 

The NRA Instructor Curriculum consists of two parts. The NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) Course and the NRA Instructor Training Course in the discipline they wish to teach (e.g., NRA Basic Pistol Course), and receive the endorsement of the NRA Training Counselor conducting that training. Each course is 8 hours long.

Due to the requirement for student interaction, development of presentation skills, role play, and feedback; a minimum of 4 students is required to conduct this training curriculum.

Candidates must possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills acquired through previous firearm training and/or previous shooting experience and be intimately familiar with each action type in the discipline for which they wish to be certified. Candidates will also be required to demonstrate solid and safe firearm handling skills during an instructor lead pre-course questionnaire and qualification exercise administered by the NRA Training Counselor.

The Training Counselor will evaluate the candidates' performance based on their ability to handle the firearms with confidence, use appropriate training aids, follow the lesson plans and meet all learning objectives while utilizing the teaching philosophies expected of NRA Certified Instructors. Candidates will learn the NRA discipline-specific instructional methods for evaluating and improving the performance of beginning shooters.