IPSC Ontario
Becoming A Black Badge Instructor

Becoming an IPSC Black Badge Instructor isn't difficult. It does however require certain steps to be taken by the Instructor Candidate.

First of all anyone wanting to become an Instructor must first be minimally certified as an NROI Range Officer. This ensures a couple of things such as providing the Instructor with a fairly good working knowledge of the rules of IPSC, as well as the safety aspects of our sport. Working as an official for at least one year is a good starting place. When it comes to teaching new members, safety is our first concern. This is in fact what the Black Badge course is all about.

Below is the starting criteria to becoming a Black Badge Instructor.

  • You must be a current member of IPSC.
  • You must have successfully completed a Black Badge Course.
  • You must be a currently certified NROI Range Officer (one year minimum)
  • You must have a minimum of 80 hours assisting at least (2) two different instructors (this must be on record with IPSC Ontario Headquarters).
  • A currently certified instructor must recommend you in writing.
  • You must be able to complete all the Black Badge exercises.

As you can see, the process isn't difficult. it just takes a little dedication. You should also make certain that you keep an accurate record of the courses you help with, as well as record the number of classroom hours you help with and the number of live "on-the-range" hours you assist with.

As an assistant, your job is to assist the lead Instructor watch the line. This gives him an extra pair of eyes to watch for safety infractions along the active line. You are not there to give shooting tips to the students, or instruct them in any way. This is the Instructors job. When you become an instructor, you get to do the teaching.

After you have helped other instructors for a minimum of 80 hours, you may request a Black Badge Instructor Training package from the IPSC Ontario Administrator. Once you receive it you may begin the process of becoming a Black Badge Instructor. Having this "package" will also allow you to "teach" certain portions of the Black badge course under the supervision of an already certified current Black Badge Instructor.

Once the above criteria has been met, the next step in the process of becoming a Black Badge Instructor, is to obtain a Black Badge Instructor Candidate package from the Firearms Training Officer in your Section.

This package will contain;

  • The document you are now reading
  • A form to be completed by a current, certified instructor, recommending you as a candidate instructor
  • A Black Badge Instructor candidate, Certification Program, 2 pages
  • A Black Badge Instructor candidate, written exam, 2 pages

The candidate Black Badge Instructor will be required to setup and conduct a solo course under the supervision of a certified Master Instructor selected by the Firearms Training Officer of your Section. This solo course may not be conducted at your own club and must consist of a minimum of five (5), and not more than eight (8) students. A minimum of five (5) students must successfully complete your course.

You must also successfully complete the written exam provided in the Black Badge Instructor Candidate package.

Becoming an IPSC Black Badge Instructor is an important step. With this accreditation and responsibility you are charged with the task of teaching others about the safety requirements of practical shooting. This position must never be taken lightly. It isn't something one should do simply because it looks good on a resume. Our sport has an exemplary safety record, and we want to keep it that way. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Firearms Training Office in your Section.