Colorado NRA Firearms Instructor Course

Description

Take the next step in your firearms training career with the US Firearms Training Academy Firearms Instructor Development Course. This comprehensive instructor development program is designed for experienced shooters, security professionals, Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders, competitive shooters, Range Safety Officers, and aspiring firearms instructors who want to develop the knowledge, confidence, and teaching skills needed to professionally instruct others in firearm safety, marksmanship, and defensive shooting.

Whether your goal is to become an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, expand your professional credentials, or improve your instructional abilities, this course provides practical, hands-on training focused on becoming an effective firearms educator—not just a proficient shooter.

Students receive instruction in firearm safety, instructional techniques, range safety procedures, lesson planning, coaching and corrective techniques, student evaluation, classroom presentation skills, live-fire range management, and instructor professionalism. The course emphasizes safe firearms handling, effective communication, leadership, and developing the confidence necessary to successfully teach new shooters and experienced gun owners alike.

Training is led by Mark Schneider, an NRA Training Counselor, certified firearms instructor, and Training Manager with extensive experience in firearms instruction, private security, law enforcement support, and defensive firearms training. Mark was also recognized as "Top Gun" during NRA Training Counselor Class 202605, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in instructor development.

This course is ideal for:

• Future firearms instructors
• Security professionals
• Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) instructors
• Range Safety Officers (RSOs)
• Competitive shooters
• Experienced firearm owners who want to teach others
• Individuals preparing for future instructor certifications

Intermediate firearm experience is recommended. Students should already possess safe firearm handling skills and prior range experience before attending this course.

US Firearms Training Academy proudly trains instructor candidates from across Colorado, including Denver, Thornton, Aurora, Lakewood, Westminster, Arvada, Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock, Centennial, Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Durango, and surrounding communities.

For questions about prerequisites, instructor disciplines, or upcoming courses, contact US Firearms Training Academy at (720) 437-7900, email usfta2@gmail.com, or visit https://usfirearmstraining.academy.

Topics Covered

• The NRA Firearms Instructor Course prepares qualified candidates to become professional firearms instructors capable of safely teaching NRA firearm training programs. Through classroom instruction, coaching exercises, practical teaching evaluations, and live-fire activities, candidates develop the skills necessary to effectively educate new shooters while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

  Topics covered include:

  • NRA Instructor Training System – Learn the structure, philosophy, and standards of the National Rifle Association's instructor development program.
  • Teaching & Presentation Skills – Develop effective classroom communication, presentation techniques, coaching methods, and student engagement strategies.
  • Lesson Planning & Course Delivery – Learn how to organize and deliver NRA lesson plans using approved instructor materials and training resources.
  • Student Coaching & Evaluation – Practice evaluating student performance, providing constructive feedback, and adapting instruction for different learning styles.
  • Range Safety & Range Management – Learn how to safely conduct live-fire exercises, supervise shooters, and maintain a safe range environment.
  • Firearm Safety Instruction – Reinforce the universal rules of firearm safety while teaching safe loading, unloading, handling, transportation, and storage.
  • Practical Teaching Exercises – Instructor candidates deliver classroom presentations and receive personalized coaching to improve instructional effectiveness.
  • Professional Instructor Responsibilities – Review instructor ethics, professionalism, administrative responsibilities, recordkeeping, and maintaining NRA certification.
  • Live-Fire Coaching Techniques – Learn effective methods for coaching shooters during live-fire exercises while reinforcing safety and marksmanship fundamentals.

  By the end of the course, qualified candidates will have the confidence, knowledge, and instructional skills necessary to teach NRA firearm courses professionally and safely.

Expectations and Outcomes

Who can become an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor?
Individuals who meet the NRA prerequisites, demonstrate safe firearm handling skills, and successfully complete the instructor certification process may become NRA Certified Firearms Instructors.

Do I need previous teaching experience?
No. The course is designed to teach effective instructional techniques, coaching methods, and classroom presentation skills. Previous teaching experience is not required.

Do I need to complete an NRA Basic Course before becoming an instructor?
Yes. Most NRA instructor disciplines require candidates to successfully complete the corresponding NRA Basic Course before attending the Instructor Course.

What instructor certifications do you offer?
Instructor disciplines vary by schedule and may include NRA Basic Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection Inside the Home (PPITH), Personal Protection Outside the Home (PPOTH), and additional NRA firearm training disciplines.

How long does the instructor course take?
Course length varies depending on the instructor discipline, NRA requirements, and any prerequisite training.

Will I receive NRA certification after completing the course?
Candidates who successfully complete all NRA requirements receive NRA Instructor certification for the discipline completed.

Can law enforcement officers, military personnel, or security professionals attend?
Absolutely. Many law enforcement officers, military members, armed security professionals, hunters, competitive shooters, and experienced firearm owners attend to become certified instructors.

Do you offer instructor courses throughout Colorado?
Yes. US Firearms Training Academy serves instructor candidates from across Colorado, including Denver, Thornton, Aurora, Lakewood, Westminster, Arvada, Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock, Centennial, Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Durango, and surrounding communities.

What should I bring to class?
Bring your government-issued ID, any required NRA documentation, notebook, firearm(s), eye and hearing protection, ammunition, and any additional equipment identified in your course confirmation.

What opportunities are available after becoming an NRA Certified Instructor?
Many instructors teach private lessons, NRA Basic Courses, concealed carry classes (where authorized), work with shooting clubs and ranges, provide firearms education, or expand their professional credentials within the firearms industry.

Where can I learn more or register?
For complete information about becoming a firearms instructor in Colorado, instructor prerequisites, upcoming course dates, and online registration, visit:

https://usfirearmstraining.academy/become-a-firearms-instructor-colorado/

If you have questions or would like assistance selecting the appropriate instructor discipline, contact US Firearms Training Academy at (720) 437-7900 or usfta2@gmail.com. Our team is happy to help you begin your journey toward becoming an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor.

Types

Basic, Intermediate, Instructor Coach Training Courses, Instructor Training Courses, NRA Courses

Documentation Requirements

Students must provide the following prior to or at the start of class:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• ONE of the following:
  • Valid Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP/CCW), OR
  • Current CBI background check

Failure to provide required documentation may result in denial of participation in the course.

The instructor requires a copy of your Government Issued ID once you register.

The instructor requires a copy of your Concealed Carry Weapons permit once you register.

Requirements

Students should bring:

• Reliable semi-automatic handgun
• Minimum of 3 magazines
• Strong-side holster
• Eye and ear protection
• 300 rounds of ammunition
• Note-taking materials
• Appropriate range attire

Students must also provide:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• Valid CCW/CHP permit OR current CBI background check

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