Are you or have you pursued the Protector Academy Qualification Levels (1-Gold, 2-Platinum, and 3-Elite Memberships). If so, could you please share your experiences and expectations? As a USCCA Instructor I am looking to support those seeking those levels, and would like your suggestions on how best to do so.
Thank you.
I’ve got 1 and 2, but 3 requires an 8 hour course and I just don’t have the time for that right now. The range part is difficult, but manageable and I have that part covered.
I think they’re worthwhile, and I’d recommend members take some time to check it out if they haven’t already. I’m only at level 1, but have completed the online coursework and range work for level 2. I just need to find an in-person class and the time to take it. Having said that, I thought the online coursework for level 2 was fantastic.
As far as tailoring your in person instruction to the program, I’d consider offering a class that gets into hands-on aspects of just what’s covered in the online only parts.
Remember that the live fire training at each level does not require the number of hours to all be in one day. Multiple classes that add up to a course meets the requirement. My idea is to offer range training in 1 or 2 hour classes to comprise the course. If you want to follow this method, best to do it all from a single instructor who can work with your progressive development. That will avoid taking the same level initial class instruction from each of several instructors.
For those who have not yet looked at the details for each level. after completing a series of video lessons, the final requirement is live fire range in-person range training followed by shooting a defined drill of multiple stages. Before the qualification drill the in-person course requirements are
Level 1 - 2 hours
Level 2 - 4 hours
Level 3 - 6 Hours (not 8)
[To see the linked pages, go to them when not logged into your USCCA account.]
Reading the requirements pages, I noted that the training must be by a certified instructor but does not specify as certified by whom. Obviously, USCCA would prefer you use a USCCA Certified instructor, but that is not what it says.
Next, looking at the required qualifications drill for Level 3, I would suggest your Level 3 course be from an instructor certified as USCCA DSF Level 1 or 2; I.C.E. Certified Instructor (this is essentially identical to DSF); Rangemaster Certified Instructor; NRA CCW, PPITH, or PPOTH (not simply NRA Pistol, which is only an entry level safety and procedures class)); or ASP Certified Instructor. All of those certifications are for instructors teaching self defense shooting as different from range competition marksmanship shooting.
I repeat all Levels every year at the time my yearly dues are paid. I have the time and the refresher of all the material/live fire in the Levels really helps.
YES, it is worth all 3 Levels.
Apologies. I was thinking 8 hour, but it is 6 hours, and it IS all in one course according to the directions.
True, but one course can be composed of several (sequential, linked) classes. Note how high school and college courses are made up of many classes over a semester. Also, the USCCA Instructor Dashboard lets us set up a course that comprises several classes. I learned the hard way when trying to set up multiple separate 1 hour courses, and accidentally set up one course with multiple 1 hour sessions making up a single multi-hour course.
Sounds reasonable, but let’s let the @moderators verify it, and, if so, I’ll have a better shot at getting the training in.
Hi Fish!
I apologize we missed this originally! I just checked with our Training Division and they said that you would be able to do to take a couple courses that add up to the 6 hours if needed. I apologize again that we didn’t see this right away.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions!
