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Your First Steps to Safely and Effectively Using a Pistol

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course is a great way for you to learn the basics of pistol shooting from the top firearms training organization in the world! The course may be used for you to obtain the certification for your concealed carry permit in some states. Be sure to contact your county, city, or state to find out whether this course fulfills the requirement.

This easy-to-understand online training program allows you to go at your own pace and learn from the comfort of your own home. Simply go through the online course material, successfully complete the online exam, and you’ll receive your certificate of completion instantly.

This online course is designed to be used in conjunction with in-person training afterwards or while under the supervision of an NRA Credentialed Trainer. In addition, this online course does not meet the prerequisite for an instructor level course without completing the follow-up instructor led portion. Please visit www.nrainstructors.org for information about additional training.

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Firearm Training Since 1871

Built on the foundation of marksmanship, the NRA is the premiere firearm training destination and the gold-standard for firearm education.

Millions Trained Every Year

The number of gun owners continues to rise. Join the millions of men and women who know their firearm, and say you've been NRA trained.

Over 125,000 Instructors

Being labeled an NRA Certified Instructor is a label that you'll want. We teach the best, so you can learn from the best.

What You'll Learn

Essential gun safety rules
Different types of pistols and which one is best for you
The basics of ammunition
The fundamentals of pistol shooting

Different shooting positions
The most common shooting errors
Proper gun cleaning and maintenance
How to maintain your skills

Make sure you know the gun laws in your state

Which states will recognize your CCW permit

You've got questions, we've got answers

“Kudos to the NRA for the Basics of Pistol Shooting blended learning course. It is professional done and a very good training product.”

—Fred S., NRA Training Counselor

“Well done on refining the delivery of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course. My wife and I have wanted to take it for a while but the time commitment has prevented us from doing so since we have young children. The online, self-paced option will not only make it much easier for us to take the course, but we can also take it together.”

—Nathan C.

“I'm very impressed with the course. I do a lot of eLearning for my job. This was one of the best electronic learning classes I've taken. The best part, you get both a hard copy and electronic copy of the book when you finish.”

—Chris

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NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting