It's a very large room with big screen for PowerPoint - probably 150 people or so. Location seems to change each year, but I believe it has returned to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce again this year? (someone will correct me if this is wrong). That's a nice facility in a nice, safe, friendly town. Plenty of restaurants etc. nearby.punkndisorderly wrote:I'm starting the process to become a CHL instructor and haven't really been able to find any details on what to expect at the instructor course other than the days being long and what the range qualification is like. I'd appreciate any information you guys could give about what the course is like.
Other than the generic, what's it like, I have a few specific questions. Is it always at the same hotel, or do they change it up? Is the range portion first or last? I imagine most of the instructors to be are good folks, but what are the DOT officers like? Does pretty much everyone pass. Is preparation beforehand warranted, or is it pretty much "If you can pass the shooting portion, they'll tell you everything you need to know"?
Thanks in advance!
Range portion is the last day. Just be sure you can score at least 225/250 on the CHL proficiency with BOTH semi-auto and revolver - some had problems with revolver. And be sure both your guns work perfectly and are in good repair (the DPS officers WILL check your gun for safety flaws/mechanical problems and a few instructor candidates were told they could not use their revolvers because of some problem with hammer or something. The range is pretty much the coolest I've ever seen
The officers are DPS not DOT ... they are THE BEST. Period. Some of the finest and most knowledgeable gentlemen I've ever met. A few DPS non-commissioned staffers (meaning not certified peace officers) give good info as well. There is one lady - a lawyer - who many find troubling because her views seem a bit anti-gun in some ways, but she's tolerable in small doses.
There is a lot of information, but if you're fluent in all the discussions that go on here you'll be well ahead of the game. Pay particular attention to the portions about the process of properly recording and reporting your classes, students, etc to DPS.