NRA Coaching Credential Upgrades

Congratulations on becoming a shooting coach! The sport needs dedicated people to develop the next group of champion shooters.

Beginning athletes need a good fundamental background in the skills required to participate in local and state competition. Advanced shooters require assistance with training and techniques along with a continuous reinforcement of the fundamentals in order to compete at a higher level. The Coach Education Program trains individuals to coach these athletes from beginner to advanced.

To improve your knowledge about coaching, consider becoming a Certified Coach (Level 2), or Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3).

These upgrade requirements are available here.

Junior Trainer

Junior Trainers cannot renew and must upgrade to the Appointed Coach level.

Coach (Level 1)

To upgrade to the Coach (Level 1) credential, the Junior Trainer must:

Be a Junior Trainer or complete the Coach School and pass the test (85% is passing)
Be at least 18 years old
Submit a coaching log showing at least 20 coach credits per year for each previous year as a Junior Trainer.

Certified Coach (Level 2)

To upgrade to the Certified Coach (Level 2) credential, the coach must:

Be a Coach (Level 1)
Be at least 21 years old
Complete the Coaching Principles Course from the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) Submit a copy of current First Aid (American Red Cross Standard or equivalent program) Certification.
Submit a coaching log for the previous three years showing at least 20 coach credits per year.
Hold (or have held) an NRA or USAS classification card or fire in a match (discipline specific e.g., rifle for rifle)
Submit proof of membership in either NRA or USA Shooting.

Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3)

To upgrade to the Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3) credential, the coach must:

Be a Certified Coach (Level 2)
Attend the Advanced Coach School and successfully pass all the course requirements.
Submit a coaching log for the previous three years showing at least 20 coach credits.
Submit copy of current First Aid (American Red Cross Standard or equivalent program) Certification.
Show proof of continuing education by attending a National Coaches Conference, coach seminar, shooting camp or other approved program conducted by the NRA, USA Shooting or CMP at least once in the previous three year period.
Submit proof of membership in USA Shooting.

There are NO ADDITIONAL FEES to upgrade as long as you are current.

If you have any questions about your credentials or upgrade requirements, please contact us.