Become a certified
Basic shotgun Instructor
The NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor certification prepares you to teach safe shotgun handling, operation, and marksmanship fundamentals to students at any level. Whether your students are first-time shooters or experienced hunters looking to sharpen their technique, you'll have the skills and credentials to deliver exceptional instruction.
CERTIFICATION
NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor
FORMAT
In-person, Hands-on Instruction
WHO'S IT FOR
Aspiring firearms instructors, experienced shotgun shooters, and sporting clay and hunting professionals
NRA
ALIGNED
CERTIFICATION
100%
HANDS-ON
INSTRUCTION
BSI
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL
LA
BASED IN
LOS ANGELES
ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATION
Teach Safe, Skilled, Responsible Shotgun Shooting
The Basic Shotgun Instructor certification prepares you to deliver comprehensive shotgun instruction — covering safe handling, mechanical operation, shotgun fit and mount, marksmanship fundamentals, and the discipline-specific skills that make shotgun shooting unique among firearms.
As a certified Basic Shotgun Instructor, you'll be authorized to teach the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course — and equipped to deliver instruction that genuinely develops your students' skills, safety habits, and confidence whether they're shooting trap, skeet, sporting clays, or hunting in the field.
ERE's instructor certification course focuses equally on content mastery and teaching effectiveness. You'll learn how to structure lessons, manage live-fire environments, give real-time coaching feedback, and adapt your instruction to students at every level — from first-timers to experienced shooters refining their technique.
NRA-Aligned Basic Shotgun Instructor Certification Nationally recognized credential · Comprehensive instructor preparation · Hands-on teaching methodology
CURRICULUM
what you'll learn
What the Basic Shotgun Instructor Course Cover
01
Shotgun Safety Rules & Responsible Ownership
The foundation of all shotgun instruction — the four fundamental rules of firearm safety, safe storage and transportation, and how to establish and reinforce a safety-first culture in every student you teach.
02
Shotgun Types, Actions & Configurations
Break-action, pump-action, semi-automatic — understanding the mechanical differences, advantages, and appropriate applications of each shotgun type so you can guide students in selecting and operating the right firearm for their purpose.
03
Ammunition, Chokes & Patterns
Shot sizes, shell lengths, choke selection, and how ammunition and choke choice affects pattern and effective range — critical knowledge for instructors teaching students across hunting and sport shooting disciplines.
04
Shotgun Fit, Mount & Swing
Shotgun shooting is unique — proper gun fit and a consistent, natural mount are fundamental to success. Learn how to assess gun fit, teach a proper mount and swing, and help students develop the muscle memory that makes these movements automatic.
05
Fundamentals of Shotgun Marksmanship
Lead, sustained lead, swing-through, and pull-away — the core target-acquisition and shooting techniques that apply across trap, skeet, sporting clays, and field shooting, and how to teach each method progressively.
06
Teaching Methodology & Lesson Planning
Adult learning principles applied to shotgun instruction — how to structure a course, differentiate instruction for students with varying experience, give feedback that improves performance, and build student confidence through progressive challenges.
07
Range Management & Live-Fire Instruction
Safely managing students during live-fire exercises — range commands, supervising multiple shooters, coaching in real time, and maintaining safety at clay target facilities and field ranges.
08
NRA Curriculum & Course Delivery
A complete review of the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course — structure, learning objectives, required materials, and how to deliver a compliant and effective course as a certified instructor.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
Built for Anyone Ready to Teach Responsible Shotgun Shooting
Experienced Shotgun Shooters — Whether your background is hunting, trap, skeet, or sporting clays, this course gives you the teaching framework to share your knowledge and build the next generation of responsible shotgun shooters.
Hunting Guides & Outfitters — Certified instruction sets your operation apart and ensures your clients are safe, prepared, and performing at their best in the field.
Sporting Clay & Trap Club Professionals — Clubs and sporting facilities that want to offer structured, credentialed instruction benefit enormously from having certified shotgun instructors on staff.
Range Professionals — Add shotgun instruction to your range's service offerings and expand the value you provide to your customers.
Youth Program Leaders — Organizations that introduce young people to shotgun sports — including 4-H, Scouts, and school shooting teams — need certified instructors to deliver safe, structured, age-appropriate instruction.
Aspiring Full-Time Firearms Instructors — The Basic Shotgun Instructor certification is a key credential for any firearms education professional looking to offer comprehensive instruction across multiple disciplines.
CERTIFICATION DETAILS
What you'll receive
Upon successful completion of the Basic Shotgun Instructor course, participants receive an NRA-aligned Basic Shotgun Instructor certification — authorizing you to teach the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course to students.
NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor certification
Authorization to teach the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course
Nationally recognized instructor credential
Complements RSO, Pistol, and Rifle instructor certifications
PRICING
choose your training format
Whether you're an individual or booking for your entire team, we have a package that fits.
for individuals
INDIVIDUAL
Contact us for current open enrollment pricing and upcoming course dates.
NRA BSI certification included · Hands-on curriculum · Small class sizes
FOR TEAMS
STANDARD GROUP
Private on-site BSI training for teams and small organizations.
Custom scheduling · All materials provided · NRA certification for all participants
FOR LARGE TEAMS
EXTENDED GROUP
Comprehensive BSI training for larger organizations and departments.
Multiple instructors · Priority scheduling · NRA certification for all participants
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? We've got answers
Do I need to be an expert shotgun shooter to take this course?
A solid foundational understanding of shotgun safety and operation is recommended. The course emphasizes your ability to teach effectively — not elite-level marksmanship. If you're safe, knowledgeable, and passionate about shotgun shooting, this course is right for you.
What can I teach with this certification?
As a certified Basic Shotgun Instructor, you are authorized to teach the NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting course — covering safe handling, shotgun types and mechanics, ammunition, fit and mount, and marksmanship fundamentals across hunting and sport shooting applications.
Is this an NRA certification?
ERE's Basic Shotgun Instructor course is aligned with NRA curriculum standards. Upon completion, participants receive an NRA-aligned instructor certification recognized by ranges, clubs, and organizations nationwide.
Is this course relevant for sporting clay and trap instructors specifically?
Yes. The curriculum covers the shooting techniques and instructional approaches that apply directly to clay target sports — including trap, skeet, and sporting clays — as well as field hunting applications.
Can I teach multiple firearms disciplines with separate certifications?
Yes. NRA instructor certifications are discipline-specific. ERE offers RSO, Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, and Basic Shotgun instructor certifications — contact us if you're interested in pursuing multiple courses.
Is this course appropriate for youth program leaders?
Yes. Organizations that run youth shotgun programs — including 4-H, Scouts, and school shooting sports teams — frequently seek certified instructors. This course provides the credential and curriculum to deliver safe, structured instruction to young shooters.
How long is the course?
Contact us for current course duration and scheduling information.
Does ERE offer group pricing for clubs and organizations?
Yes. Contact us for group pricing and custom scheduling for sporting clubs, ranges, and organizations certifying multiple instructors.
Ready to teach the art and safety of shotgun shooting?
Earn your NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor certification and start building skilled, responsible shotgun shooters.
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