The NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) program was developed in response to the demand for a nationally recognized range safety officer certification. To become a NRA Range Safety Officer, you must pass the RSO course and demonstrate that you 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.
Certified RSO looking to become a Chief RSO must take a course put on by an NRA Training Counsellor who also holds the Chief RSO certification. This 14-hour course is presented in two parts: Basic Instructor Training and NRA Chief Range Safety Officer training. Sessions include standard operating procedures, inspections, emergency procedures, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, safety briefings. Students must demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises and complete an open book exam. Once the course is completed the RSO will be upgraded to a NRA Chief Range Safety Officer