NRA CCW Instructor

Course may be presented in three parts: Basic Instructor Training, discipline specific instructor training and the Live-Fire Range instructor training. Instructor Candidates demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course, and must pass a written instructor certification examination. Additionally, the Instructor Candidates must pass the CCW Instructor Level shooting qualification Course of Fire. The NRA CCW Instructor Course will focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for Instructor Candidates to teach carrying and using a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly, and with confidence. As a result of participating in this course, the Instructor Candidate will be able to explain and demonstrate the following: How to apply the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling when carrying a concealed firearm, basic principles of concealment, the difference between cover and concealment, drawing from the holster, levels of mental awareness, developing the proper mindset when using a pistol for personal defense, clearing common stoppages, and more.

Note: This course does NOT meet the requirements for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit. Please see our classes page for class dates for TN Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP).

Who can take this class?

This is a hands-on learning class with a skills evaluation as part of the course.

This class is for any 21 years old or older adult that meet the pre-requisites below. Also, as per Federal law, all participants must be U.S. Persons as defined by 15 CFR § 772.1 and 22 CFR § 120.15.

Are there pre-requisites?

Current certification as NRA Pistol Instructor, successful completion of NRA Basic CCW course, completion of NRA BIT course within 24 months.

What do I need to bring?

• Laptop and software capable of reading Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files.

• Comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather.

• Comfortable close-toed shoes

• Baseball cap or a brimmed hat

• Eye and (electronic) hearing protection

• Handgun and three or more magazines or speed loaders/strips (See Note 1 below)

• 300 rounds of factory ammunition (no hand load/reloads)

• Strong (shooting) side belt/waistband holster and magazine holders or speed loader pouches

• NO drop holsters, appendix holsters, holsters with a TRIGGER FINGER ACTUATED retention device, duty belt/competition rigs, or soft, collapsible holsters

• Garment (shirt or vest) appropriate for concealed carry

• Lunch/snacks and drinks

• Snap caps/dummy rounds for the caliber of your handgun

• Bug spray and sunscreen

• A learning mindset

Firearm, holster, and ammunition requirements?

Your firearm must be a minimum of .380 caliber, fully functional, have all factory safety devices intact, and have no modifications (light/race triggers, etc.) that could affect safe operations and function. No pocket, ankle, bra, shoulder, or off-body holsters – belt/waistband mounted on your strong/shooting side only. Holsters must properly fit the firearm, completely cover the trigger guard, and remain open when the firearm is removed. Students that own a pocket pistol may bring them with appropriate ammunition for short-range exercises if time allows. Please let the instructor know if you have a pocket pistol for the class.

We will have a firearm and range gear inspection prior to the range exercises. Appropriateness, safety, and whether the equipment meets course requirements is at the sole discretion of the instructor(s). Any firearm or equipment not approved by the instructor will not be permitted on the range. If you have a question about your gear, please contact us prior to the class.

Follow *all* instructions from the instructor and/or range safety officer. Failure to follow instructions, misconduct, or grossly unsafe behavior can lead to dismissal from the class without refund.

Safety Note: No firearms or ammunition permitted in the classroom. Keep them secured in your vehicle until instructed to retrieve them for the range. We operate a Cold Range, which means firearms are always unloaded except when at the firing line. Keep your unloaded firearm inside the carrying case and unloaded except when on the firing line.

Seats are limited and are first-come-first-served basis.

Note 1: The instructor and/or range safety officer will inspect your handgun and ammunition to determine safety/functionality. Any handgun deemed unsafe will not be allowed. All decisions are final. If it is determined you have brought an unsafe handgun, you will be given the option to either rent one of ours or retake the course in its entirety at a later date at no extra charge. Rescheduling the course is subject to the course schedule and seating availability.