NRA INSTRUCTOR EXAM ACTUAL EXAM 2026 (NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION) |
ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | UPDATED VERSION | BRAND NEW
VERSION
Question 1
What is the primary fundamental rule of gun safety according to the NRA?
A) Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
B) Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
C) Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
D) Always know your target and what is beyond it.
E) Always wear eye and ear protection.
Correct Answer: C) Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Rationale: This is the "Golden Rule" of firearms safety. A "safe direction" means that the
gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off, it would not cause injury or damage. It is the
first line of defense against accidents. While the other rules are vital, keeping the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction ensures that a mechanical failure or accidental discharge does
not result in a tragedy.
Question 2
When teaching students, the NRA emphasizes "TPI." What does this acronym stand for?
A) Total Professional Integrity
B) Technical Precision Instruction
C) Total Participant Involvement
D) Tactical Pistol Integration
E) Targeted Practical Information
Correct Answer: C) Total Participant Involvement
Rationale: NRA training philosophy is built on the concept of Total Participant Involvement
(TPI). This methodology suggests that students learn best when they are actively engaged
in the process through hands-on activities, questioning, and demonstrations, rather than
sitting through long, passive lectures. Instructors should aim to have students "doing"
more than "listening."
Question 3
Which of the following is considered the best way to handle a "Squib Load" during a training
, 2
session?
A) Continue firing to push the obstruction out with the next bullet.
B) Immediately clear the action and inspect the barrel for obstructions.
C) Keep the gun pointed downrange for 30 seconds before opening the action.
D) Tap the side of the firearm to settle the powder.
E) Only use high-pressure ammunition to prevent it from happening again.
Correct Answer: B) Immediately clear the action and inspect the barrel for obstructions.
Rationale: A squib load occurs when a cartridge has insufficient power (usually due to a
lack of powder) to push the projectile out of the barrel. If the shooter fires a subsequent
round with a bullet lodged in the bore, it can cause the barrel to burst, leading to severe
injury. Instructors must teach students to recognize the reduced noise and recoil of a squib
load and stop immediately.
Question 4
In the NRA's "A-V-A" instructional method, what does the "V" stand for?
A) Verbalize
B) Visualize
C) Visual
D) Verify
E) Velocity
Correct Answer: C) Visual
Rationale: The A-V-A method stands for Ask, Visual, and Action. First, the
instructor Asks a question to gauge knowledge. Second, the instructor provides
a Visual demonstration or aid. Third, the student performs the Action. This multi-sensory
approach ensures that students with different learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic)
all grasp the material.
Question 5
What is the proper procedure for a "Hangfire"?
A) Open the action immediately to see if the primer was struck.
B) Point the gun in a safe direction and wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before opening the action.
, 3
C) Shake the firearm vigorously to ignite the powder.
D) Look down the muzzle to see if the bullet is moving.
E) Immediately pull the trigger a second time.
Correct Answer: B) Point the gun in a safe direction and wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before
opening the action.
Rationale: A hangfire is a delayed ignition of the propellant. If a shooter opens the action
immediately after a failure to fire, the cartridge could explode while the action is open,
throwing shrapnel and hot gases into the shooter's face. Waiting 30-60 seconds ensures that
if the ignition was merely delayed, it occurs safely inside the chamber.
Question 6
Which of the following is a "Physical" requirement for an NRA Instructor?
A) The ability to run a mile in under 10 minutes.
B) The ability to demonstrate the fundamentals of the discipline being taught.
C) The ability to bench press their own body weight.
D) The ability to shoot with both hands simultaneously.
E) There are no physical requirements for instructors.
Correct Answer: B) The ability to demonstrate the fundamentals of the discipline being
taught.
Rationale: An instructor must be able to demonstrate correct form, grip, stance, and safety
procedures. Students often model their behavior after the instructor. If an instructor
cannot physically demonstrate a proper "Benchrest Position" or "Two-handed Grip," they
cannot effectively teach the kinesthetic portion of the course.
Question 7
What are the three main components of a modern firearm?
A) Barrel, Trigger, and Grip.
B) Action, Stock, and Barrel.
C) Cylinder, Slide, and Frame.
D) Primer, Powder, and Bullet.
E) Scope, Mount, and Sling.
, 4
Correct Answer: B) Action, Stock, and Barrel.
Rationale: This is the standard classification used in NRA basic courses. The Action is the
heart of the gun (loads, fires, and ejects); the Stock (or frame) provides the handle or
support; and the Barrel is the metal tube through which the projectile travels.
Understanding these parts is essential for student safety and maintenance education.
Question 8
Which of the following is the definition of "Sight Alignment"?
A) Placing the front sight on the center of the target.
B) The relationship between the front sight and the rear sight.
C) Focus of the eye on the target.
D) The distance between the eye and the rear sight.
E) The angle of the firearm relative to the horizon.
Correct Answer: B) The relationship between the front sight and the rear sight.
Rationale: Sight alignment is the most important shooting fundamental for accuracy. It
requires the shooter to center the front sight post within the rear sight notch, ensuring that
the top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear sight and there is equal light on
both sides. This ensures the firearm is pointing exactly where the sights are aimed.
Question 9
What is the definition of "Sight Picture"?
A) The image of the target through a scope.
B) The relationship between aligned sights and the target.
C) The drawing of the firearm on a piece of paper.
D) The blurriness of the rear sight.
E) The distance from the shooter to the target.
Correct Answer: B) The relationship between aligned sights and the target.
Rationale: Once proper "Sight Alignment" is achieved, the shooter places that aligned unit
onto the target (the "Sight Picture"). For most NRA basic courses, the "6 o'clock hold" or
"Center hold" is taught. The sight picture combines the mechanical alignment of the gun
with the intended point of impact.
ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | UPDATED VERSION | BRAND NEW
VERSION
Question 1
What is the primary fundamental rule of gun safety according to the NRA?
A) Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
B) Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
C) Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
D) Always know your target and what is beyond it.
E) Always wear eye and ear protection.
Correct Answer: C) Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Rationale: This is the "Golden Rule" of firearms safety. A "safe direction" means that the
gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off, it would not cause injury or damage. It is the
first line of defense against accidents. While the other rules are vital, keeping the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction ensures that a mechanical failure or accidental discharge does
not result in a tragedy.
Question 2
When teaching students, the NRA emphasizes "TPI." What does this acronym stand for?
A) Total Professional Integrity
B) Technical Precision Instruction
C) Total Participant Involvement
D) Tactical Pistol Integration
E) Targeted Practical Information
Correct Answer: C) Total Participant Involvement
Rationale: NRA training philosophy is built on the concept of Total Participant Involvement
(TPI). This methodology suggests that students learn best when they are actively engaged
in the process through hands-on activities, questioning, and demonstrations, rather than
sitting through long, passive lectures. Instructors should aim to have students "doing"
more than "listening."
Question 3
Which of the following is considered the best way to handle a "Squib Load" during a training
, 2
session?
A) Continue firing to push the obstruction out with the next bullet.
B) Immediately clear the action and inspect the barrel for obstructions.
C) Keep the gun pointed downrange for 30 seconds before opening the action.
D) Tap the side of the firearm to settle the powder.
E) Only use high-pressure ammunition to prevent it from happening again.
Correct Answer: B) Immediately clear the action and inspect the barrel for obstructions.
Rationale: A squib load occurs when a cartridge has insufficient power (usually due to a
lack of powder) to push the projectile out of the barrel. If the shooter fires a subsequent
round with a bullet lodged in the bore, it can cause the barrel to burst, leading to severe
injury. Instructors must teach students to recognize the reduced noise and recoil of a squib
load and stop immediately.
Question 4
In the NRA's "A-V-A" instructional method, what does the "V" stand for?
A) Verbalize
B) Visualize
C) Visual
D) Verify
E) Velocity
Correct Answer: C) Visual
Rationale: The A-V-A method stands for Ask, Visual, and Action. First, the
instructor Asks a question to gauge knowledge. Second, the instructor provides
a Visual demonstration or aid. Third, the student performs the Action. This multi-sensory
approach ensures that students with different learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic)
all grasp the material.
Question 5
What is the proper procedure for a "Hangfire"?
A) Open the action immediately to see if the primer was struck.
B) Point the gun in a safe direction and wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before opening the action.
, 3
C) Shake the firearm vigorously to ignite the powder.
D) Look down the muzzle to see if the bullet is moving.
E) Immediately pull the trigger a second time.
Correct Answer: B) Point the gun in a safe direction and wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before
opening the action.
Rationale: A hangfire is a delayed ignition of the propellant. If a shooter opens the action
immediately after a failure to fire, the cartridge could explode while the action is open,
throwing shrapnel and hot gases into the shooter's face. Waiting 30-60 seconds ensures that
if the ignition was merely delayed, it occurs safely inside the chamber.
Question 6
Which of the following is a "Physical" requirement for an NRA Instructor?
A) The ability to run a mile in under 10 minutes.
B) The ability to demonstrate the fundamentals of the discipline being taught.
C) The ability to bench press their own body weight.
D) The ability to shoot with both hands simultaneously.
E) There are no physical requirements for instructors.
Correct Answer: B) The ability to demonstrate the fundamentals of the discipline being
taught.
Rationale: An instructor must be able to demonstrate correct form, grip, stance, and safety
procedures. Students often model their behavior after the instructor. If an instructor
cannot physically demonstrate a proper "Benchrest Position" or "Two-handed Grip," they
cannot effectively teach the kinesthetic portion of the course.
Question 7
What are the three main components of a modern firearm?
A) Barrel, Trigger, and Grip.
B) Action, Stock, and Barrel.
C) Cylinder, Slide, and Frame.
D) Primer, Powder, and Bullet.
E) Scope, Mount, and Sling.
, 4
Correct Answer: B) Action, Stock, and Barrel.
Rationale: This is the standard classification used in NRA basic courses. The Action is the
heart of the gun (loads, fires, and ejects); the Stock (or frame) provides the handle or
support; and the Barrel is the metal tube through which the projectile travels.
Understanding these parts is essential for student safety and maintenance education.
Question 8
Which of the following is the definition of "Sight Alignment"?
A) Placing the front sight on the center of the target.
B) The relationship between the front sight and the rear sight.
C) Focus of the eye on the target.
D) The distance between the eye and the rear sight.
E) The angle of the firearm relative to the horizon.
Correct Answer: B) The relationship between the front sight and the rear sight.
Rationale: Sight alignment is the most important shooting fundamental for accuracy. It
requires the shooter to center the front sight post within the rear sight notch, ensuring that
the top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear sight and there is equal light on
both sides. This ensures the firearm is pointing exactly where the sights are aimed.
Question 9
What is the definition of "Sight Picture"?
A) The image of the target through a scope.
B) The relationship between aligned sights and the target.
C) The drawing of the firearm on a piece of paper.
D) The blurriness of the rear sight.
E) The distance from the shooter to the target.
Correct Answer: B) The relationship between aligned sights and the target.
Rationale: Once proper "Sight Alignment" is achieved, the shooter places that aligned unit
onto the target (the "Sight Picture"). For most NRA basic courses, the "6 o'clock hold" or
"Center hold" is taught. The sight picture combines the mechanical alignment of the gun
with the intended point of impact.
