Info on Firearms Instructor Certification

[Sparky]

Related to my RANT! post in the firearms section...

How many ways are there to be certified as a Basic Firearms Instructor? I mean, does it have to be NRA, or what? How dos it work where you are at?

Little help?

[Niteshift]

Florida simply says "commission approved". I know other than the FDLE run course, they accept FLETC and NRA and courses approved by other state POST's.

They are a little more specific when the state specifies the requirments of a Class K license to instruct civilian CCW and security guard classes:

1. The Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission Firearms Instructor's Certificate.

2. The National Rifle Association Police Firearms Instructor's Certificate.

3. The National Rifle Association Security Firearms Instructor's Certificate.

4. A Firearms Instructor's Certificate from a federal, state, county, or municipal police academy in this state recognized as such by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission or by the Department of Education.

[JKT]

NS listed most of them.

In Texas, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) or, as I think they are changing the name to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, only recognizes their Instructor Certification as far as for training LE Personnel.

TCLEOSE has a 40 hour Firearms Instructor school that includes classroom and range time. Covered are teaching and shooting techniques, how to recognize and correct common problems, how to make lesson plans, how to set up courses of fire for basic quals and tactical training, etc.

Entry requirements are already holding a TCLEOSE issued Basic Instructor's Certificate, a qualification course with a pistol and a revolver with score of 80%. (This is to be accepted INTO the class.)

At the end of the school, there is another pair of qualification courses with a minimum score of 90% to qualifiy for the Instructor's certificate, and the written test, also.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) holds the Instructor schools for those interested in teaching Concealed Handgun License classes.

As far as the different ways to be certified as a basic Firearms Instructor here; TCLEOSE, NRA, DPS are the most recognized.

Also, for the State to issue a Firearms Instructor Certificate, the Agency must endorse the Applicant (Officer). Sounds complicated, but it's not that bad.

[John from Maryland]

In Maryland, a firearms instructor must pass a week-long course approved by the training commission. The commission specifically mentions the NRA, FBI, and USSS as possible training providers, but other sources are acceptable. A firearms instructor must also attend the week-long instructor development school required of all certified trainers.

I read your RANT. Perhaps I misunderstood you, but the prices for NRA instructor courses seemed high. According to an NRA brochure, law enforcement instructor courses all cost $400, though you supply ammunition. You might check their website (www.nrahq.org) to see if there's a class near you.

Good luck and be safe.

[Sparky]

Yeah. It was $400 to the NRA and $300 to the academy. Total of $700. It was an NRA course.

I had no probs with the NRA. It was the academy staff that irked me. I had specifically aksed months ago if I needed to bring ammo and, if so, how much for pistol and how much for shotgun. They told me I didn't need to bring any.

Interestingly, even in the late notice that I would need 800 to 1000 rounds of pistol ammo, they still didn't tell me how much for the shotgun.

I shouldn't have to rrun around and contact the NRA to find out FOR SURE what I will or won't need for the course. The basic academy was hosting it and should be providing that info.

I'm going to check into the FBI FI course which, form what I hear, is FREE! Barring other options, I think they will offer the same course again next year and I will plan to go then.

It just irks me that the basic academy taught ME better than that when I went through ID. When I taught at the basic academy, I was expected to have my $hit together better than this. But now dealing with them as a student again, I see them as they are about as f*@#!d up as a football bat!

I need to call the Board of Minnimum Standards to see what types of FI courses they will recognize towards state FI certification.

[John from Maryland]

Sparky, I'm just full of good news. The FBI has significantly reduced its training of state and local law enforcement officers in the past several months. This occurred prior to September 11. You should check with the Bureau. I wish you good luck, but I wouldn't be optimistic about training with any federal agency in the near future.

This would be a great time for the NRA to ramp up its law enforcement training division. Many organizations, public and private, are going to need firearms instructors. NRA should also consider expanding its training function to other use of force/officer survival courses. This would benefit the NRA politically, as well as being a true public service.

Be safe.

[Sparky]

DANG FEEBS!!

As soon as you start to count on 'em.....WHAM! They pull the rug out from under you.

well....who knows...it never hurts to call 'em and ask. Maybe I can schmooze 'em up.

I'm going to keep trying. I am bound and determined to get instructor qualled on firearms.

[shooter1201]

Check into what the US military has to offer. My department is always sending officers to classes in southern Mississippi. 4 of my department's officers are attending a FREE drug interdiction class this week at such facility. All they have to provide is transportation.

[Sparky]

I'm guessing that's RCTA at Meridian NAS. BTDT, they don't offer FI classes. :(

[Niteshift]

I LOVE RCTA. Can't wait to have a reason to go back up there again.