TexasCHLforum.com

Basic Pistol Instructor cert satisfies the state but you'll also need Basic Instructor Training to satisfy NRA requirements to get the pistol instructor cert. Normally the NRA instructors package BIT, Home Firearm Safety, and Basic Pistol. Two days to complete.

I believe I can answer most of your questions. Yes, you must be a pistol instructor before you can be a CHL instructor. Most folks are taking the NRA route, but it is not the only possibility. Most NRA certifications are done as a package, NRA - BIT (Basic Instructor), Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol Instructor. The package takes two days and includes both classroom and range qualification. You'll need proof of your instructor qualification prior to being admitted to the CHL Instructor class.

The CHL class is held in, actually usually near, Austin. It depends on where they can find a facility to hold the class in. Mine was in Georgetown fairly close to the DPS training facility and gun range. It was 4 days of class, and one day of range qualification. I understand that they MAY have shortened it to 4 days total. I'm sure someone else will chime in that took it more recently than me. You must pass the classroom test and range qualification (225 of 250) with both a revolver and semi-automatic. You receive your cert at the range upon qualifying the last day and you can teach immediately. You'll have to create your own classroom curriculum using the DPS Guide provided. Cost is $100 DPS fee, plus your time, room, food, ammo, gas, etc.

Also suggest strongly you get liability insurance that covers you as an instructor. It is available through the NRA.


Good luck!



http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/faqs/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


To become a CHL instructor certified by DPS, you must meet all the eligibility criteria under the Texas Government Code, §411.172 and §411.190. This includes proof you certified to instruct others in the use of handguns (firearm instructor) as listed below:

Certified by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a firearm instructor - supporting documentation includes a copy of your TCOLE firearm instructor certificate. (Must be a firearm instructor, basic instructor is not sufficient.)
Certified under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, as a firearm instructor – supporting documentation includes a copy of the Private Security instructor registration.
Certified by NRA as a firearm instructor – supporting document includes a copy of certificate of training and a copy your unexpired NRA credentials. (Must be certified to instructor handgun/pistol)
Proof of graduation from a handgun instructor school that uses a nationally accepted course designed to train persons as handgun instructors. (Applicants under this section must regularly instruct others in the use of handguns.)