Friday, March 13, 2020

Training Certification

The State of Tennessee only certifies two firearms training classes: the Handgun Carry Permit and the Armed Guard License. While there are many HCP classes, most firearms classes outside of that are simply not "certified" or "licensed" classes.

It must also be mentioned that law enforcement agencies often have Police Officer Standards in Training - POST - classes. Typically, these are not open to the public. However, the skills taught in their course material are no different than you might learn at a typical tactical class. The POST evaluations are often substantially similar. This author enjoys shooting different POST evaluations from different LEO agencies.

Outside of State certification, there are few ways that firearm instruction is codified. Certainly, one can become an NRA Certified Instructor. The USCCA also has an instructor program. Certification in either would be a worthy credential.

As much as anyone might have issue with the NRA, the fact is that their standardization is universally recognized. This author has had training classes with former military, former LEO, and NRA instructors. To be sure, a low-quality class can be put on by anybody, but it has happened less with the NRA certified instructors. And any former military or LEO instructor worth his salt would be well advised to pick up the NRA Instructor certification.

It is entirely possible to pick up NRA Instructor certification, and not teach NRA classes. Indeed, most instructors will tell you there is a lack of demand for NRA style classes, and tremendous demand for "tactical" classes.

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