So You Want to Become a NRA Training Counselor?

So you’ve just become a certified NRA Instructor... Congrats! Now you can begin teaching students all across the country on how to properly and safely use firearms. But what comes next? After you become an NRA Instructor, you may be eligible to become a Training Counselor.

What is a Training Counselor?

Training Counselors are the pinnacle of NRA training programs. They train NRA Instructors, who in turn, teach and train new shooters. There are currently over 2,000 Training Counselors nationwide. All Training Counselors have gone through the NRA Curriculum and are the only ones authorized to train NRA Instructors. 

How do I become a Training Counselor?

To become a NRA Training Counselor, it is a great privilege and honor. You must be a current NRA Instructor in good standing and apply to become a Training Counselor. Once accepted, you will be invited to a NRA Training Counselor Development workshop, where you will undergo a comprehensive training on how to facilitate and teach those interested in becoming NRA Instructors.


How do I find out if I’m eligible?

To find out if you are eligible to become a NRA Training Counselor, log into your account at NRAInstructors.org.

After you log in, if you are eligible, you will see a message indicating your eligibility. To be eligible to attend a Training Counselor Development Workshop, you need to be an NRA Certified Instructor for a minimum of 18 months, conducted a minimum of five NRA courses (as the lead trainer), have taught a minimum of 25 students, and successfully reported your training activity and go through an interview process with the NRA Training staff.


What can I expect to learn?

You will learn the roles and responsibilities of a Training Counselor,  NRA policies and procedures to maintain our training standards, and how to conduct a course on training experienced shooters to become NRA Certified Instructors. 

What If I have questions?

If you have questions regarding this process, reach the NRA Training Counselor Program Coordinator Monday - Friday at (703) 267-1422 between 8:30 am and 5:00pm ET or email your questions to [email protected].