Probationary

To become a full member of the NRA you are required to complete our Probationary Training Programme if you are either new to shooting and are not a member of a Home Office Approved Club, or have been out of the Armed Forces for more than 5 years. Please wait for membership confirmation before booking any training.

This course focuses on knowledge and safety, featuring both theoretical and practical elements. 

Course Modules

This programme is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to shoot independently, with a club and to enter competitions.

Module 1 will introduce you to:

  • The NRA’s four Safety Rules
  • The basics of handling firearms
  • Principles of marksmanship

 

All 2024 Probationary Training dates have been published.

Please click HERE to view the full list of Module 1 dates. 

Upcoming Courses

Module 1 (Limited Spaces)

Start Date:

Nov 30, 2024

This programme is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to shoot independently, with a club and to enter competitions.

Module 2 will introduce you to:

  • Grouping and scoring
  • Angles, elevation and sight adjustment
  • How to read different sight systems
  • How to zero a rifle

 

All 2024 Probationary Training dates have been published.

Please click HERE to view the full list of Module 2 dates

Upcoming Courses

Module 2 (Fully booked)

Start Date:

Dec 01, 2024

This programme is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to shoot independently, with a club and to enter competitions.

Module 3 will introduce you to:

  • Using elevation table for longer range shooting
  • Wind reading and calculating sight changes
  • How to use a score card

 

All 2024 Probationary Training dates have been published.

Please click HERE to view the full list of Module 3 dates

Upcoming Courses

Module 3

Start Date:

Nov 23, 2024

Module 3 (Fully booked)

Start Date:

Dec 07, 2024

This programme is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to shoot independently, with a club and to enter competitions.

Module 4 will assess your knowledge of:

  • All theory covered on the course through a multiple choice quiz
  • Safe handling of the different firearm types operated on this course
  • How to zero a rifle and adjust sights for windage and elevation

 

All 2024 Probationary Training dates have been published.

Please click HERE to view the full list of Module 4 dates

Upcoming Courses

Module 4 (Fully booked)

Start Date:

Dec 08, 2024

The aim of the Probationary Modules 5 and 6 is to introduce you to the procedures and protocols that are required for a safe and enjoyable day shooting at Bisley as an individual or a member of a Club. There will be no classroom work.

 

All 2024 Probationary Training dates have been published.

Please click HERE to view the full list of Module 5 and 6 dates.

Upcoming Courses

Module 5 (Fully booked)

Start Date:

Nov 30, 2024

Module 6 (Fully booked)

Start Date:

Dec 01, 2024

Module 5

Start Date:

Dec 07, 2024

This programme is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to shoot independently, with a club and to enter competitions.

The Final Briefing Session (FBS) is a half-day event/ graduation to full NRA membership. Three main topics will be covered:

  • Final briefing on NRA rules for individual members (focusing on duties of action as your own Range Officer/ solo shooting)
  • Final supervised shooting test (in the form of a fun shooting competition)
  • Where to next briefing

After attending the Final Briefing Session, you will be granted full NRA membership and will be posted your 4-year full-member NRA SCC.

All 2025 Probationary Training dates have been published.

Please click HERE to view the full list of FBS dates.

Applying for Probationary Membership

  • Step 1: Apply to join as a Probationary Member – Click Here to download a form.
  • Step 2: Book Probationary Training sessions – Once your Probationary Membership application has been approved, we will invite you to book onto the Modules.

We would like all Probationers to complete their full Probationary training within 1 year of their Probationary membership approval date.

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You are advised to not leave long gaps between each session. If you leave a gap of several months or longer between sessions, you may be required to repeat a session or restart your training from the beginning.

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The modules must be taken in order, and once completed will give you access to a Full NRA Membership.

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NOTE: Please do not book onto a Probationary Module until you have received a Probationary Membership approval email and your membership number from the Membership team. Any bookings made before you receive this will be cancelled.

Membership Benefits

NRA Support, Advice & Discounts

  • Liaison with police on Firearms queries and FAC applications, renewals and visitor permits
  • Support for range application and safety certificates
  • Reduced entry fees for NRA meetings
  • Comprehensive insurance cover

Training, Development & Events

  • Training courses including RSO/RCO and Club Instructor
  • Exclusive NRA member training fees
  • Regional support to deliver club training
  • Accreditation of club training courses
  • Full calendar of competitions open to NRA members

Regional Support

  • Access to and help from regional representatives throughout the UK
  • Regional training officers to deliver courses throughout the UK

NRA Journal & Communications

  • NRA Journal 4 times per year which includes shooting news, results and articles
  • Monthly e-zine communication keeping you up to date with the latest news from the NRA

Bisley Benefits

  • Hire targets at the world famous Bisley camp
  • Hire of firearms by the day from the NRA, within provisions of the Firearms Act
  • Shoot at ranges up to 1200 yards
  • Eligible to register for the NRA Shooting Club