NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program
Young shooters can set goals, track their progress, and earn NRA qualification awards through this self-paced program for youth and adults.
The NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program gives youth and adult shooters a structured, self-paced way to improve their skills, track their progress, and earn recognition across a variety of shooting disciplines.
Rather than competing directly against other shooters, participants work toward established performance standards in their chosen discipline. Shooters begin with attainable skill levels and progress at their own pace toward increasingly challenging ratings.
Whether you are a new shooter looking for a structured starting point, a young athlete developing strong fundamentals, or an experienced shooter seeking a new challenge, the program provides clear goals and a rewarding way to measure improvement.
Who can participate
Youth and adults of all skill levels
Format
Self-paced and based on established performance standards
Schedule
Not limited to one class or event; qualifying scores may be completed during practice sessions, leagues, or matches
Disciplines
Pistol, rifle, air gun, shotgun, muzzleloading, multi-gun, and more
Progression
Pro-Marksman through Distinguished Expert
Recognition: Patches, rockers, pins, medals, medal bars, and certificates are available
Location
Qualifications may be completed on an appropriate HHA range while following all club and range rules
Official program information
Visit the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program website
How the Program Works
Participants begin by selecting a shooting discipline and reviewing its official NRA course of fire. Each course identifies the required firearm or equipment, target, shooting distance, positions, scores, and number of times each score must be achieved.
Ratings are earned in sequence. Shooters begin with the entry-level ratings and advance as they meet the required standards.
Required scores do not need to be achieved consecutively or during the same range session. Scores earned during practice sessions, leagues, or matches may count toward the rating on which the shooter is currently working.
The program can be completed independently on the honor system or administered by a parent, club leader, coach, or instructor.
Who Can Participate
The NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program is open to youth and adults. Participants do not need previous competition experience, and the progressive rating system allows new and experienced shooters to begin at an appropriate level.
New shooters should first obtain appropriate firearm-safety instruction and become familiar with the equipment, targets, shooting positions, scoring procedures, and range rules used for their selected discipline.
The qualification program provides goals for continued skill development, but it does not replace foundational firearm-safety training.
All participants using HHA facilities must comply with applicable club-access requirements, range rules, and youth-supervision policies.
Available Shooting Disciplines
The NRA offers qualification courses across numerous shooting disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Pistol and defensive pistol
- Conventional bullseye pistol
- Air pistol
- Rimfire, air, smallbore, and four-position rifle
- High Power, sporting, F-Class, and tactical rifle
- America’s Rifle Challenge
- Basic and standard shotgun
- Trap and skeet
- Muzzleloading firearms
- Multi-gun
Available courses and requirements may change. Participants should use the current information published by the NRA and confirm that their selected course is compatible with HHA facilities and range rules.
View the current NRA courses of fire and qualification requirements
Skill Levels and Awards
Shooters progress through the following ratings:
● Pro-Marksman
● Marksman
● Marksman 1st Class
● Sharpshooter
● Expert
● Distinguished Expert
Qualification awards include discipline patches, skill rockers, pins, medals, medal bars, and certificates. Awards may be ordered through the NRA Program Materials Center by the individual shooter or a program administrator.
The requirements become progressively more challenging as shooters advance. Distinguished Expert is the program’s highest rating.
Scores completed for the Distinguished Expert rating must meet the NRA’s current witnessing or competition-verification requirements. Participants pursuing this rating should review the official requirements before beginning.
Getting Started at HHA
To begin working toward a qualification:
- Select the shooting discipline you want to pursue.
- Review the current NRA course of fire and scoring requirements.
- Identify the appropriate HHA range for that discipline.
- Review all HHA access, equipment, target, and range rules.
- Obtain the required targets and equipment.
- Record each qualifying score as you progress.
- Review any witnessing or verification requirements before attempting advanced ratings.
Shooters who need assistance selecting a qualification or determining which HHA range to use may
contact HHA
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