NRA RIFLE INSTRUCTOR COURSE EXAMINATION
2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES.
RIFLE INSTRUCTOR
Prepare effectively for the NRA Rifle Instructor Course Examination with this focused
study resource. It supports review of firearm safety, rifle handling, range procedures,
instructional techniques, coaching principles, and responsible training practices. Use
the material to reinforce your knowledge, review key topics, and identify areas that
may require additional study. This resource is suited for aspiring rifle instructors,
firearms educators, and candidates preparing for the NRA Rifle Instructor Course
examination.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: NRA Instructor Ratings & Requirements (Questions 1–20)
1. What are the three instructor ratings in the NRA training program?
A) Assistant, certified, and training counselor
B) Appointed, apprentice, and certified
C) Apprentice, assistant, and certified
D) Certified, appointed, and assistant
Answer: C) Apprentice, assistant, and certified
Rationale: The three instructor ratings are apprentice, assistant, and
certified. These ratings represent different levels of qualification and
responsibility within the NRA training program.
2. To become an apprentice instructor, a 17-year-old candidate must
complete the instructor course and score what percentage or higher on
the instructor test?
A) 85%
B) 90%
C) 75%
D) No score is required
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Answer: A) 85%
Rationale: A 17-year-old candidate must score 85% or higher on the
instructor test to become an apprentice instructor. This ensures that even
junior instructors demonstrate adequate knowledge of NRA training
standards.
3. Instructor candidates must complete registration and finalize
credentials at NRAinstructors.org within how many days?
A) 120 days
B) 90 days
C) 60 days
D) 30 days
Answer: D) 30 days
Rationale: Candidates must complete their registration and finalize
credentials within 30 days. This timeframe ensures timely processing and
activation of instructor credentials.
4. What is the time you should allow when ordering training materials such
as student packets, lesson plans, and instructional posters as indicated
in your NRA Trainer's Guide?
A) 1 week
B) 2 weeks
C) Within two days
D) 3-4 weeks
Answer: D) 3-4 weeks
Rationale: The NRA Trainer's Guide recommends allowing 3-4 weeks when
ordering training materials to ensure they arrive in time for the course.
5. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of an NRA Certified
Instructor?
A) To guarantee a student's safety regardless of their actions
B) To uphold the national training standards of the NRA Basic Firearm
Training Program
C) To recruit new members for the NRA at every opportunity
D) To alter the official NRA lesson plans to fit a student's preferences
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Answer: B) To uphold the national training standards of the NRA Basic
Firearm Training Program
Rationale: NRA Certified Instructors serve as the direct link between the
NRA and the shooting public. They are charged with maintaining the
organization's high standards of training.
6. What is the minimum passing score for the NRA Basic Rifle Shooting
Course exam?
A) 85%
B) 90%
C) 75%
D) 100%
Answer: B) 90%
Rationale: The NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course requires a minimum
score of 90% on the written examination.
7. Candidates must achieve what score on the written examination to
become an NRA Rifle Instructor?
A) 85% or better
B) 90% or better
C) 75% or better
D) 80% or better
Answer: B) 90% or better
Rationale: The key exam requirement is that candidates must achieve a
score of 90% or better on the written examination.
8. What is the prerequisite for certification as an NRA instructor?
A) College degree in firearms training
B) Possession of basic firearm safety and shooting skills
C) Military service
D) Five years of shooting experience
Answer: B) Possession of basic firearm safety and shooting skills
Rationale: Possession of basic firearm safety and shooting skills is a
prerequisite for certification as an NRA instructor.
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9. To become an NRA Range Safety Officer, you must:
A) Be at least 21 years old
B) Complete an NRA Range Safety Officer course and test scoring of
90% or better
C) Be an NRA certified instructor in all shooting disciplines
D) A and B
Answer: D) A and B
Rationale: The requirements to become an NRA Range Safety Officer are:
be at least 21 years old, complete an NRA Range Safety Officer course,
and achieve a test score of 90% or better.
10. A pre-course qualification for instructor candidates requires a
minimum passing score of what in firearms handling, shooting
competence, and firearms safety evaluation?
A) 70 out of 100 points
B) 75 out of 100 points
C) 80 out of 100 points
D) 90 out of 100 points
Answer: C) 80 out of 100 points
Rationale: The pre-course qualification requires a minimum passing score
of 80 out of 100 points in firearms handling, shooting competence, and
firearms safety evaluation.
11. What is the primary purpose of the National Rifle Association's
instructor training program?
A) To train competitive shooters
B) To prepare individuals to safely teach firearm handling and
marksmanship
C) To certify military firearms instructors
D) To sell firearms training equipment
Answer: B) To prepare individuals to safely teach firearm handling and
marksmanship
Rationale: The NRA Instructor Training Program focuses on preparing
qualified individuals to teach firearm safety, handling, and marksmanship