Updated January 25, 2007

[Discipline] = Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, etc.

Junior [Discipline] Trainer: The Junior [Discipline] Trainer provides support to the coach helping younger shooters learn safety and helping the coach at team activities. The Junior [Discipline] Trainer is recognized only to work under the direct supervision of an Appointed, Certified, or Advanced Coach. This level of the Coach Education Program was designed for young people who show leadership in shooting programs.

[Discipline] Coach (Level 1): The [Discipline] Coach (Level 1) is generally recognized to coach at the "grassroots" or club levels. The [Discipline] Coach (Level 1) is not eligible to work as a coach at the national level in shooting camps, clinics, and other NRA/USAS/CMP sponsored athlete programs.

Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 2): The Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 2) is certified by the NRA, USA Shooting and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) that, in our opinion, and based upon the evidence available to the NRA, USA Shooting and CMP, the candidate meets the requirements, which have been set for certification. The Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 2) is eligible to work at the national level in shooting camps, clinics, and other sponsored programs.

The previous rating of USA Shooting International Coach has been combined with the Certified Coach into the Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 2).

Advanced Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 3): The Advanced Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 3) is the highest-level coach currently certified by the NRA, USA Shooting and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The coach meets the highest requirements that NRA, USA Shooting and CMP have set for certification. The Advanced Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 3) is eligible to work at the international level in Junior Olympic Shooting Camps, clinics, and other USA Shooting sponsored programs.

Renewals

All coach credentials are valid for three years. During the year of credential expiration, the NRA will send the coach a renewal notice. The coach is responsible for completing all renewal requirements.

All coaches must provide a log for each of the previous three years of coaching activity. Coaches earn credits based upon the level of competitive shooting activity. Higher-level competition events earn more credits. A coaching log and table of coaching credits is available for download.

Credentials are issued upon the completion of all requirements. It may take six to eight weeks to receive the credentials from the time the NRA National Coach Trainer receives a coach's paperwork-longer if the all of the requirements are not completed necessitating return of the submitted material to the coach for correction/completion. The NRA National Coach Trainer first approves all credentials before being sent to the NRA Credentials Department for processing.

These renewal requirements are available here. There is no renewal option for the Junior [Discipline] Trainer. Junior [Discipline] Trainers must upgrade to the Appointed Coach Level.

To renew the [Discipline] Coach (Level 1) credential the coach must submit:

• A coaching log for the previous three years showing at least 20 coach credits per year.
• Credential Fee: (3 Year Fee $30.00)

To renew the Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 2) credential, the coach must submit:

• A coaching log for the previous three years showing at least 20 coach credits per year.
• Submit copy of current First Aid (American Red Cross Standard or equivalent program) Certification.
• 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 either NRA or USA Shooting.
• Include Credential Fee: (3 Year Fee $30.00)

To renew the Advanced Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 3) credential, the coach must submit:

• A coaching log for the previous three years showing at least 20 coach credits (10 of which must be international style events) per year.
• Attach copy of current First Aid (American Red Cross Standard or equivalent program)
• Make a presentation at a National Coaches Conference, conducted by the NRA, USA Shooting or CMP, or
• Publish an article in one of the three organization publications, or
• Volunteer at a National Championship (either NRA or USA Shooting) at least once in the previous three year period.
• Submit proof of membership in USA Shooting.
• Include Credential Fee: (3 Year Fee $30.00)

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 [Discipline] Coach (Level 2), or Advanced Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 3).

These upgrade requirements are available here.

Junior [Discipline] Trainer

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

[Discipline] Coach (Level 1)

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

• Be a Junior [Discipline] 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 [Discipline] Trainer.

Certified [Discipline] Coach (Level 2)

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

• Be a [Discipline] 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 [Discipline] Coach (Level 3)

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

• Be a Certified [Discipline] 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.