The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation and is available for delivery in two ways. One option is the traditional, instructor-led course where you will receive direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end. The other option has two components: a self-study or “eLearning module” which is completed online in your own timeframe and a hands-on practical portion conducted in a classroom and shooting range with an Instructor.
Course topics include: gun safety rules, proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, ammunition knowledge and selection, pistol selection and storage, shooting fundamentals, pistol inspection and maintenance, marksmanship, and shooting range safety. Additionally, students will complete live fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with an NRA Certified Instructor. Students will receive the NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination and receive a course completion certificate bearing the signature of the NRA Secretary and your NRA Certified Instructor.
Yes. All License to Carry, Firearms, NRA Basic Pistol Courses will have range instruction and live fire. In addition, you must qualify while at the range for some courses.
Emerald Shield is not a range. We are a training academy. A range will be chosen prior to the day of class and is based on availability on the day of class. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, reservations for range time cannot be made in advanced. Therefore, arrangements are made after confirmation that a class will be held.
No. Range fees are not included in course fees
No firearms are provided for the qualification portion of the course. Ammunition is not provided either. Each student is responsible for providing their own firearm and ammunition. However, if a situation arises where your weapon malfunctions and is not a recoverable malfunction, it would be up to the Instructor to decide on loaning a firearm to finish qualifying, but there is no guarantee that will happen.
The NRA Basic Pistol Course only uses two designations, semi-auto and revolver. You can use any caliber and sighting system except for AR style pistols. We suggest a 22 LR pistol. There aren’t any bonus points for using a higher caliber. You will need a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition. We do not have restrictions on the type of casings.
Students are allowed to bring more than one firearm. However, for NRA Basic Pistol Course the only two designations are semi-auto and revolver pistols.
The Instructor Led Only takes place in a traditional classroom and range environment. This course may be completed in a single day format or over several days with smaller blocks of instruction. To sign up for the Instructor Led Only click on the “Find A Course” icon. This opens the Course Listing page where you will select the Basics of Pistol Shooting-Instructor Led and scroll to the bottom of the page to enter details that refine the search criteria to generate a list of available courses. After selecting a course you will enter your information in the registration fields. The course Instructor will contact you shortly thereafter.
Yes. NRA Basic Pistol Course includes both classroom and range instruction.
The course length of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course is based on the estimated length of each lesson indicated in the lesson plans. The actual course length may vary from this figure, as the time required for each lesson will vary because of class size, facilities, instructor experience, student experience and comprehension level, student-to-instructor ratio, weather, and unforeseen circumstances. The course is objective based so we’re looking for proficiency and not a time limit.
The Blended training format provides students the flexibility to complete a significant portion of the course in an eLearning environment, prior to arriving for the classroom and range session with an NRA Certified Instructor. You can find the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Blended course in the same manner as above. When you register for the blended course, you’ll create a unique username and password. The instructor will provide you with a Course Control Code and directions to complete the self-study portion of the course prior to class date.
The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation and is available for delivery in two ways. One option is the traditional, instructor-led course where you will receive direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end. The other option has two components: a self-study or “e-Learning module” which is completed online in your own time-frame and a hands-on practical portion conducted in a classroom and shooting range with an Instructor. See more…
This 16-hour course teaches the knowledge, skills and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching NRA’s Basic Pistol Shooting course.
Course is presented in two parts: basic instructor training, and discipline specific instructor training. Students demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course, and complete an instructor certification examination. Students will receive the NRA Trainer’s Guide, NRA Pistol Shooting Instructor Candidate Packet and NRA Basic Pistol Shooting course student packet.
Prerequisite: Possession of basic firearm safety and shooting skills is a perquisite for certification as an NRA instructor. Prior to the instructor training, candidates complete a pre-course questionnaire and demonstrate their firearm background in pre-course assessment exercises.
An applicant who is a peace officer is not required to submit fingerprints with the applicant’s application. On request, the law enforcement agency or other entity that employs the peace officer or the entity that maintains the peace officer’s fingerprints shall provide the fingerprints for the peace officer to the department. The applicant shall provide sufficient information to the department to enable the department to obtain the fingerprints under this subsection.
(Tex. Occ. Code 1702.282(d))
NOTE: The Texas Department of Public Safety charges the following fees. Emerald Shield Academy does not collect fees for any application or renewal made to the Department of Public Safety.
Each line item below is considered a separate application.
Level II Security Guard and Private Investigator
Level III and IV Security Guard
Level III and IV School Instructor
This is if you fail the first exam for licensure.
An additional fee of $5.00 will be charged for any new application or renewal requiring the issuance of a new pocket card. Fees collected are non-refundable and non-transferable. Original fees shall not be prorated. The full fee shall accompany all original applications.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.131(a-f))
Yes. The subscription fees detailed in this section are authorized under Texas Government Code, §2054.252.
NOTE: The Texas Department of Public Safety charges the following fees. Emerald Shield Academy does not collect fees for any application or renewal made to the Department of Public Safety.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.132 (1-5))
A person may not contract directly with a client to perform a regulated service unless licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a company under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
In Texas, a Level III Security Guard is better known as an Armed Guard or Commissioned Security Guard. They are required to wear an approved uniform and open carry a handgun if armed. Not all commissioned security guards work armed positions (may not be carrying a handgun in a holster while on duty), but may have access to a shotgun for defense of life and property.
A complete security officer commission application must be submitted on the most current version of the form provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Application must include the following:
(Tex. Admin Code 35.81(a)(1-7))
The passing grade of all examinations shall be a minimum of 75% correct answers.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.144(c))
All individuals qualifying with a firearm to satisfy the requirements of the Act shall qualify with an actual demonstration by the individual of the ability to safely and proficiently use the category of firearm for which the individual seeks qualification.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.145(b))
An individual who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse may apply for a license under this section if the individual:
(Tex. Admin Code 35.183(a)(1-2) and (b))
Verified military service, training, or education that relates to the commission or license for which a military service member or military veteran has applied will be credited toward the respective experience or training requirements.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.184(a))
The Semi-Automatic qualification authorizes the carrying of either semi-automatic or non semi-automatic handguns.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.145(d))
Yes. Only Commissioned Security Guards (Level III) in uniform and on duty may openly carry a handgun or shotgun. Personal Protection Officers (Level IV) must be in uniform to carry a shotgun or handgun openly. Neither a Level II, III nor Level IV security guard may carry a rifle while on duty.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.7(a-b))
A Level III Security Guard is not required as a part of the licensing requirement to qualify with a shotgun. However, any commissioned security officer licensed by the department who, in the performance of his/her duties, has a shotgun available to assist in the protection of life or property must demonstrate proficiency to a department approved firearms training instructor by successfully completing the course of fire for shotgun training.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.146(a))
Individuals licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety to perform a regulated service may only perform such services for companies licensed under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
A commissioned security officer shall not perform the duties of a commissioned security officer for any person(s) other than the licensed employer reflected in department records.
(Tex.Admin Code 35.82(b)(1))
A person may not contract directly with a client to perform a regulated service unless licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a company under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
A commissioned security officer shall not perform the duties of a commissioned security officer for any person(s) other than the licensed employer reflected in department records.
(Tex.Admin Code 35.82(b)(1))
In Texas, a Personal Protection Officer is better known as a Body Guard or Level IV Security Guard. PPO’s are not required to wear a uniform while on duty and may conceal their firearm. They are also allowed to enter places that are required to post “51%” signs with their firearm while on duty.
An applicant for a personal protection license shall:
(Tex. Admin Code 35.91(a)(1-5))
The passing grade of all examinations shall be a minimum of 75% correct answers.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.144(c))
An individual who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse may apply for a license under this section if the individual:
(Tex. Admin Code 35.183(a)(1-2) and (b))
Verified military service, training, or education that relates to the commission or license for which a military service member or military veteran has applied will be credited toward the respective experience or training requirements.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.184(a))
Individuals licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety to perform a regulated service may only perform such services for companies licensed under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
A personal protection officer shall not perform personal protection officer duties for any person(s) other than the employer indicated in the department records.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.93(b)(1))
A person may not contract directly with a client to perform a regulated service unless licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a company under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
Individuals licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety to perform a regulated service may only perform such services for companies licensed under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
A person may not contract directly with a client to perform a regulated service unless licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a company under the Private Security Act.
(Tex. Admin Code 35.2(a))
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