Range Safety Officer

Range Safety Officer

What is an NRA Range Safety Officer?
The NRA Range Safety Officer program was developed in response to the demand for a nationally-recognized range safety officer certification. NRA Range Safety Officers are people who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.

This course does not encompass the functions and responsibilities of a Range Officer, who conducts NRA competitive shooting events as defined by Rule 11.5 of the NRA Rule Books.

NRA Range Safety Officers must be 21 years of age or older.

The Range Safety Officer course consists of: Range Safety Officer’s roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and range rules, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and Range Safety Briefings which include emergency procedures. Candidates must also receive 90 percent or better on the written exam.

How does one become a certified NRA Range Safety Officer?
Individuals who currently possess a valid NRA Firearms Instructor certification or NRA Coach appointment in one of the NRA’s firearms training programs have the option of taking the Range Safety Officer course by home validation.

Those individuals who do not hold a trainer rating must attend a Range Safety Officer course. Range Safety Officer courses are conducted by Chief Range Safety Officers at IOTA.  Chief Range Safety Officers are individuals certified to train NRA Range Safety Officers. We also offer the NRA Chief Range Safety Officer Instructor Level Course.

The Course:
This course develops NRA Certified Range Safety Officers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations. It is a nine-hour course that consists of classroom time and practical exercises conducted at the Associated Gun Clubs Range. Range Safety Officer candidates will receive the Range Safety Officer Student Packet as stated below.

Range Safety Officer candidates will learn roles and responsibilities of an RSO; Range Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); range inspection; range rules; range briefings; emergency procedures; and firearm stoppages and malfunctions.

Each Range Safety Officer Candidate will receive:

  • RSO Student Study Guide
  • Basic Firearm Training Program brochure
  • NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
  • Instructor Application/Course Evaluation form

Costs:
Basic Course: $125