How to become an instructor

[RottenApple]

I know there have probably been a lot of posts about this, and I searched through the forum (really, I did), but I'm just not finding what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find out what I need to do, step-by-step. This is what I've come up with so far; Would any of you experienced instructors please correct me where I'm wrong?

1) Per GC 411.190, obtain TCLEOSE certification (I'm not a LEO), graduate from a handgun instructor school, or become an NRA certified handgun instructor (already signed up for the class).
2) Start the TX CHL Instructor application process
3) Fingerprints & photos
4) Wait for DPS to schedule the class

The part I'm iffy on is #1. There's been some talk in this forum about a "short" class vs a "long" class and whether you need the TCLEOSE/NRA Instructor/handgun instructor school certs or not.

Thank you in advance for any advice and correction you can provide.

[KC5AV]

#1 is the big question right now. We are looking for/waiting for clarification. The rest is spot on.

[RottenApple]

#1 is the big question right now. We are looking for/waiting for clarification. The rest is spot on.

Ahhh. Cool. I look forward to hearing the answer to this when we get it.

[KC5AV]

There's another thread near the top here... there's a lot of confusion right now. Austin is swamped. It will just take a little bit of time to get it all sorted out.

[RottenApple]

From what I've gathered from other threads, the NRA certs are required now. I was planning on getting them anyway, so this just means I'll do them first. So as it stands now:

I joined the NRA 3 days ago (yeah, yeah, I shoulda done it long before now).
I'm scheduled for the NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor and Basic Pistol Instructor courses on Feb 23rd & 24th.
After I'm certified, I'll then apply for the TX CHL Instructor
And, hopefully, after a few months I'll be able to teach!

I am kinda curious though; Do you experienced instructors allow us new guys to "audit" your class in order to get some experience with teaching? I'm especially interested in instructors in the DFW area who would allow me to attend and help them (in any capacity they allow).

[conn6554]

Certification is now required.

· NRA certified firearm instructor - a copy of certificate of training and a copy your unexpired NRA identification card.


· TCLEOSE firearm instructor - a copy your TCLEOSE firearm instructor certificate. (Please note, that “basic instructor” is not sufficient.)

· 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.)

[RX8er]

Certification IS required. It has been on the books since, I think 2011 and I think it was missed or overlooked in the past.

I would expect that they will require current instructors to take the course too before renewal. Only seems fair to me.

[Crossfire]

I know there have probably been a lot of posts about this, and I searched through the forum (really, I did), but I'm just not finding what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find out what I need to do, step-by-step. This is what I've come up with so far; Would any of you experienced instructors please correct me where I'm wrong?

1) Per GC 411.190, obtain TCLEOSE certification (I'm not a LEO), graduate from a handgun instructor school, or become an NRA certified handgun instructor (already signed up for the class).
2) Start the TX CHL Instructor application process
3) Fingerprints & photos
4) Wait for DPS to schedule the class

The part I'm iffy on is #1. There's been some talk in this forum about a "short" class vs a "long" class and whether you need the TCLEOSE/NRA Instructor/handgun instructor school certs or not.

Thank you in advance for any advice and correction you can provide.

No photos required.

[Keith B]

I know there have probably been a lot of posts about this, and I searched through the forum (really, I did), but I'm just not finding what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find out what I need to do, step-by-step. This is what I've come up with so far; Would any of you experienced instructors please correct me where I'm wrong?

1) Per GC 411.190, obtain TCLEOSE certification (I'm not a LEO), graduate from a handgun instructor school, or become an NRA certified handgun instructor (already signed up for the class).
2) Start the TX CHL Instructor application process
3) Fingerprints & photos
4) Wait for DPS to schedule the class

The part I'm iffy on is #1. There's been some talk in this forum about a "short" class vs a "long" class and whether you need the TCLEOSE/NRA Instructor/handgun instructor school certs or not.

Thank you in advance for any advice and correction you can provide.

No photos required.

They only issue you a paper Instructor's certificate with no photo on it, not a new license. Once you get certified you can have the word Instructor added to your CHL for a $25 fee ($2.50 a letter ). They will just reprint your license and send you a new one.

[JALLEN]

What is a "TCLEOSE?"

If one takes and is certified as a NRA Pistol Instructor and Firearms Safety Instructor, is that equivalent for Texas purposes?

[G26ster]

What is a "TCLEOSE?"

If one takes and is certified as a NRA Pistol Instructor and Firearms Safety Instructor, is that equivalent for Texas purposes?

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education

[RottenApple]

What is a "TCLEOSE?"

If one takes and is certified as a NRA Pistol Instructor and Firearms Safety Instructor, is that equivalent for Texas purposes?

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education

According to TX GC §411.190:

Code: Select all

GC §411.190. QUALIFIED HANDGUN INSTRUCTORS. (a) The director may certify as a qualified handgun instructor a person who:
(1) is certified by the [b][Texas][/b] Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education [b](aka "TCLEOSE")[/b] or under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, to instruct others in the use of handguns;
(2) regularly instructs others in the use of handguns and has graduated from a handgun instructor school that uses a nat ionally accepted course designed to train persons as handgun instructors; or
[color=#FF0000](3) is certified by the National Rifle Association of America as a handgun instructor.[/color]

BOLD text added by me. Any of these 3 provide the necessary qualifications.

[snorri]

I would expect that they will require current instructors to take the course too before renewal. Only seems fair to me.

The law doesn't appear to have a renewal exemption or grandfather clause, so they would be intentionally violating Texas law if they don't follow those rules for all instructors this year.

.

[RossA]

I have asked about taking an NRA instructor's class in the past. What I have seen online, and had explained to me, is that to get an NRA INTRUCTOR'S Certification, you must first take the NRA basic handgun class, then perhaps another class (can't quite recall), and THEN you can take the NRA instructor's class. So unless I have bad information, we would have to take at least two NRA classes to get NRA instructor certification.
Either way, maybe we could get a "group buy" on some classes since there will apparently be a LOT of guys needing to do this.

[RottenApple]

I have asked about taking an NRA instructor's class in the past. What I have seen online, and had explained to me, is that to get an NRA INTRUCTOR'S Certification, you must first take the NRA basic handgun class, then perhaps another class (can't quite recall), and THEN you can take the NRA instructor's class. So unless I have bad information, we would have to take at least two NRA classes to get NRA instructor certification.
Either way, maybe we could get a "group buy" on some classes since there will apparently be a LOT of guys needing to do this.

Nope. You can take the NRA Instructor Pistol Shooting Course (make sure it includes the Basic Instructor Training - it usually does) and get certified. No other classes are necessary.