NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
The foundational training module required for all NRA instructor certifications.
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
The First Step to Becoming an NRA Instructor
The NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is the foundational module required for every NRA instructor certification. It covers the NRA instructor's role and responsibilities, teaching methodology, lesson plan use, and how to evaluate student performance. BIT must be completed before—or as part of—any NRA discipline-specific instructor course.
Course Overview
BIT is the required first step for anyone pursuing an NRA instructor certification. Through classroom instruction you will learn the NRA's standardized teaching methodology, how to deliver lesson plans, use training aids, conduct classroom and range instruction, and evaluate student performance.
Topics include the NRA instructor role and responsibilities, teaching methodology, using NRA lesson plans and training aids, conducting classroom and range instruction, evaluating student performance, and the NRA instructor certification process. Successful completion qualifies you to continue into a discipline-specific instructor course.
Approximately 6 hours. Classroom only. Prerequisite for all NRA instructor courses.
NRA BASIC INSTRUCTOR TRAINING (BIT)
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1 Day | Instructor Level
Requirements to Attend
- Be at least 21 years of age for certified instructors (instructors under 21 can still attend to be certified as assistant or apprentice instructors depending on the age of the instructor candidate)
- Be a lawful, non-prohibited person able to possess firearms
- Have completed the corresponding NRA student-level course for the discipline you intend to teach
- Demonstrate safe gun handling and marksmanship fundamentals
- Be of good moral character with a clean background
Fee is all inclusive. No hidden fees, additional costs, or pricing mark ups.
What to Bring
Classroom:
- • Note-taking materials
- • Your corresponding NRA student-level course certificate
- • Open mind and willingness to learn
Note: BIT is classroom-only. Live-fire range time and equipment are not required for this module, but will be required for the subsequent discipline-specific instructor course.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)?
BIT is the foundational training module required for all NRA instructor certifications. It covers the NRA instructor's role and responsibilities, teaching methodology, lesson plan use, and how to evaluate student performance. BIT must be completed before—or as part of—any NRA discipline-specific instructor course.
Do I need to take BIT separately?
Not necessarily. BIT is often included as the first portion of a discipline-specific instructor course (such as Pistol Instructor or Personal Protection Instructor). However, if your previous BIT was completed more than 2 years ago, or if you are adding a new discipline and your BIT is not current, you must retake BIT before the new instructor course.
What are the prerequisites?
You must have completed the corresponding NRA student-level course for the discipline you intend to teach. You must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for safe firearm handling, and pass a pre-course qualification evaluation and an instructor-led interview.
What does the course cover?
The course covers the NRA instructor role and responsibilities, teaching methodology, using NRA lesson plans and training aids, conducting classroom and range instruction, evaluating student performance, and the NRA instructor certification process. Successful completion qualifies you to continue into a discipline-specific instructor course.
How long is the course?
BIT is approximately 6 hours of classroom instruction. It is typically delivered as the first day of a discipline-specific instructor course, but may be taken as a standalone refresher if your previous BIT is no longer current.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion you will receive an NRA Basic Instructor Training completion certificate. This certificate is required to proceed into any NRA discipline-specific instructor course.
Can this help me become a California DOJ CCW instructor?
Yes. BIT is the first step in the NRA instructor pathway, which is part of the California DOJ CCW instructor certification process. Combined with the required discipline-specific instructor courses and the DOJ application, this training supports your instructor qualifications.
What if I don't see a date that works for me?
Call us at 310-650-6896 — we often have the next date already in the works, and private training is available.
Don't see a date that works? Call us at 310-650-6896
Range Location & Map
Lopez Canyon Shooting Range, Sylmar, CA
Directions and address will be provided upon booking a course. It is approximately 10 minutes' drive from our classrooms.
Important Notes:
- • When you are driving on the dirt keep speeds under 10mph.
- • For classes and qualifications, we will be on the lower ranges. As soon as you cross the wooden bridge, we are immediately to the right on the first driveway.
- • You may bring your equipment to the bay, do not uncase until instructed to do so. Firearms may not be hand carried from the car.
- • Do not load magazines until instructed to do so.
Facilities Available:
- • Private range, there is no access for public shooters.
- • Women's and Men's restrooms available.
- • Shade and seated areas.
- • Wheelchair ramp ADA accessible.
- • There are no ammunition vendors on site. All rental or range equipment must be requested ahead of time. Eye protection and hearing protection first come, first served.
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"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
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