TexasCHLforum.com

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!

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!

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.

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.

Is the classroom portion just an extended version of what you get in the CHL class with the administrative stuff added in? Is it primarily sit and listen, or do they have the students practice "teach" like they do in the NRA instructor classes?

I just submitted my instructor application this last week.

Brian

It is a sit and listen enviroment with some pretty off the wall questions from the "what if crowd".

This is something I've been thinking about off and on for a long time also.

Generally speaking, what are the commitments in terms of time, fees, rounds fired for qualification, etc?

I already own one business, so I don't know that I would want to open my own CHL school, but I would love to collaborate with/work for other instructors in teaching CHL classes. The other thing I want to do is become an NRA certified instructor to teach basic handgun safety and shooting classes.

The people who are my role models in this regard are (although I've never told them so until right now) Crossfire and Marty. If I could attain their level of expertise, I would consider that quite an accomplishment.

I paid $102 to the state for the course...good for two years. A week of leave from work, hotel was around $350, minimum of 100 rounds (50 for revolver/50 for pistol) $35. Gas to get there and back, around $80. I ate the hotel's breakfast (free), had lunch with classmates $50, and did Ramen noodles for supper in my room that had a small microwave and fridge provided.

So for me, initial cost was right around $620 to $630.

I too hope to get some NRA Instructor courses under my belt.....soon I hope.

Stubble wrote:It is a sit and listen environment with some pretty off the wall questions from the "what if crowd".

The class is like the live action version of TexasCHLforum.com

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Getting my fingerprints this weekend (funny as I just had them taken for my new job in the last month). Looking forward to the class whenever I end up scheduled.

Thanks for pointing out that it's the dps and not dot. As a former trucker, I used the two interchangebly. Both drive black and whites and you didn't want to get pulled over by either. :)

punkndisorderly wrote:Thanks for pointing out that it's the dps and not dot. As a former trucker, I used the two interchangebly. Both drive black and whites and you didn't want to get pulled over by either. :)

That's understandable. People also get CHL and CDL mixed up.

Once you complete the instructor class in Austin, are you able to immediately begin teaching, or do you still have to wait for application processing, background checks, etc like you do with the CHL?

Brian

Once you pass the shooting test (and you've already passed the written), you're presented with your certificate, and you're good to go! (and teach, too!)

Do they prohibit firearms at the class?

we were told during the June class that as long as our weapons were concealed and stayed that way we could carry. you are able to teach as soon as you qaulify as long as the background has been completed. if the background has not been completed they hold the certificate until it is done.

My experience was that the instructor's class was stretching the CHL class into 4 days instead of 1. I agree that the instructors were great, and I think they realize that the class is longer than it needs to be, but they can't really express that opinion.
We were told NOT to bring our guns into class.

I wonder if they'll post a 30.06 at the door? :)