I am interested in becoming a CHL Instructor but have not been able to find any specific details from DPS about the process. I’ve searched several forums, including this one, and have put together the following from the comments I’ve found. Unfortunately, many of those comments are several years old, and I’m looking for something more up-to-date. Below is what I’ve been able to come up with:
1. Go to https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/chl/ to register for a class.
2. Pay $100.
3. Wait
4. See #3
5. At some point (several months later), you’ll receive details about class scheduling – duration and dates.
It seems there are many specific details that are conspicuously absent, such as:
• How many days is this class? I’ve heard 36 hours, and 3-4 days. I’ve also heard it’s shorter if you’re already an NRA instructor (which I am), but I don’t know how all of that fits together.
• Are they typically scheduled at the end of a week, in the middle of the week, or does it vary?
• How often are they held?
I’ll have to take time off from work to do this, and it’s impossible to figure out what that will require without some of these details.
I can understand why DPS doesn’t allow you to select specific dates (if they are overwhelmed with requests), but I don’t understand why they would not publish some basic information, unless I’m just missing it.
Good compilation from what you've already pulled so far.
Once you register online for the instructor course you'll be provided with a checklist (if you already have your CHL, you know what this looks like; if you don't have your CHL, make sure you check the box for BOTH Instructor AND CHL so that you will only need one set of fingerprinting done. This may be on the online registration, but is definetly on the CHL-90). (And no, if you already have a CHL they can't use your existing prints; for privacy reasons the prints/background check can only be used for whatever is specified when submitted).
I'll let someone who recently completed the instructor class post regarding how many days & which days of the week, however they no longer conduct the 5-day class since prior certification as an instructor is now required (NRA Pistol is one of the three categories as allowed, so just ensure you remain current).
If you look on the DPS' website there's a link on the upper left side for Administrative Procedures, or something like that. Peruse that & you'll have a better idea of what will be covered while waiting for their email for the specifics of your class.
Just went through mine last month. It was over three days; Wednesday through Friday with the last day being at their range. The final day we finished up before lunch time I think.
Don't want to discourage you at all, but my friend and I waited just over TWO YEARS from when we applied til we received notice of our class. I bugged them a couple of times along the way and was told that I was in line and it just takes a long while due to how few slots there are annually.
To be completely honest...I had given up and was kinda surprised when I received the email. Oh well, guess this is way there are not too many instructors out there.
When I called a couple weeks ago to insure they had everything needed because, unlike the CHL, there's no status online I asked the lady about the estimated wait. She said it was a long wait, perhaps as long as five months. So either it's gotten better or she has no idea.
Jay E Morris,
Guardian Firearm Training, NRA Pistol, LTC < retired from all
NRA Lifetime, TSRA Lifetime NRA Recruiter (link)
Sent an email to DPS with these questions on Monday; today is Friday and so far no response.
Finally got on the phone with someone today and am now more confused. According to the lady I spoke to at the Regulatory Services Division:
1. Instructor class is 4 days; same for everyone even if you are a NRA certified instructor (I specifically asked that question).
2. When you are assigned a class date, you can defer to the next available date, but you can only do that twice. If you don't take the third option, you're out of luck.
3. If you do defer an assigned class date, you're NOT dropped to the bottom of the waiting list for the next available date.
4. Waiting list is months long; didn't say how many.
#1 contradicts what I've read in this forum and elsewhere, so I tend to believe the lady on the phone was mistaken. Hopefully that's all she was mistaken about.
I don't understand why this information isn't readily available on the DPS website; there's lots of information about getting a CHL but virtually nothing for an instructor. Even the cost of the class is only available when you reach the payment screen; you have to start the registration process with no official notice of what the cost will be.
C'mon, Texas! You're better than this! Or is a bureaucracy the same everywhere?
mloamiller wrote:Sent an email to DPS with these questions on Monday; today is Friday and so far no response.
Finally got on the phone with someone today and am now more confused. According to the lady I spoke to at the Regulatory Services Division:
1. Instructor class is 4 days; same for everyone even if you are a NRA certified instructor (I specifically asked that question).
2. When you are assigned a class date, you can defer to the next available date, but you can only do that twice. If you don't take the third option, you're out of luck.
3. If you do defer an assigned class date, you're NOT dropped to the bottom of the waiting list for the next available date.
4. Waiting list is months long; didn't say how many.
#1 contradicts what I've read in this forum and elsewhere, so I tend to believe the lady on the phone was mistaken. Hopefully that's all she was mistaken about.
I don't understand why this information isn't readily available on the DPS website; there's lots of information about getting a CHL but virtually nothing for an instructor. Even the cost of the class is only available when you reach the payment screen; you have to start the registration process with no official notice of what the cost will be.
C'mon, Texas! You're better than this! Or is a bureaucracy the same everywhere?
Not sure why you say that #1 contradicts anything. Class IS the same for everyone. There was a time when they didn't require you to already be an instructor, and they would add one day onto the class to go over how to instruct (5 days instead of 4 days if you were already an NRA or Law Enforcement instructor). However, DPS legal went through the laws and made the determination it required everyone to be a certified instructor prior to attending CHL Instructor's training and they had to follow the legal departments opinion.
Keith
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Keith B wrote:
Not sure why you say that #1 contradicts anything. Class IS the same for everyone. There was a time when they didn't require you to already be an instructor, and they would add one day onto the class to go over how to instruct (5 days instead of 4 days if you were already an NRA or Law Enforcement instructor). However, DPS legal went through the laws and made the determination it required everyone to be a certified instructor prior to attending CHL Instructor's training and they had to follow the legal departments opinion.
It contradicts what I've read in several different places, including this forum and this specific thread. One of the the replies in this thread indicated it was a 3 days class. A reply from Mr. Cotton in another thread indicated "3 or 4 days" but that was in 2009, and would make sense if that was before the DPS changed the requirements about being an instructor. Now the lady at RSD says it's 4 days.
On one hand, it makes sense to go by what the RSD said; after all, it's her job to know this information. On the other hand, I'm sure we all have stories about a government worker not knowing what they were talking about. At this point, I guess I'll just have to register and wait until I get the official packet from the DPS before I know for sure. It doesn't really change my decision to take the class, it would just be nice to know ahead of time what I'm signing up for.
Keith B wrote:
Not sure why you say that #1 contradicts anything. Class IS the same for everyone. There was a time when they didn't require you to already be an instructor, and they would add one day onto the class to go over how to instruct (5 days instead of 4 days if you were already an NRA or Law Enforcement instructor). However, DPS legal went through the laws and made the determination it required everyone to be a certified instructor prior to attending CHL Instructor's training and they had to follow the legal departments opinion.
It contradicts what I've read in several different places, including this forum and this specific thread. One of the the replies in this thread indicated it was a 3 days class. A reply from Mr. Cotton in another thread indicated "3 or 4 days" but that was in 2009, and would make sense if that was before the DPS changed the requirements about being an instructor. Now the lady at RSD says it's 4 days.
On one hand, it makes sense to go by what the RSD said; after all, it's her job to know this information. On the other hand, I'm sure we all have stories about a government worker not knowing what they were talking about. At this point, I guess I'll just have to register and wait until I get the official packet from the DPS before I know for sure. It doesn't really change my decision to take the class, it would just be nice to know ahead of time what I'm signing up for.
It's 4 days (really ~3 1/2). 3 days classroom and Friday morning at range qualifying.
Keith
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Here is a copy of my confirmation email for the instructor class I just finished. Now, it may not be indicative of all instructor classes but it outlines this past one.
This email serves as your confirmation to attend the CHL Instructor course August 19-21, 2015.
The classroom portion and proficiency demonstration will be held at the DPS Tactical Training Center (Range) located at 810 CR 240, Florence, Texas. A map to the facility is attached. NOTE: Students must qualify with both a revolver and a semi-auto handgun.
Registration will be held on the first day beginning at 7:30am. Please do not enter the Range property prior to 7am. Even if the gates are open, please form one line to the right to allow employees to enter the property gates. The classroom is located in the first building on the right just inside the gate entrance. During registration, you must present a state issued driver license or state issued ID card. You will be given a name badge which must be worn at all times. Class will begin at 8am. One hour is given for lunch. There are a limited number of restaurants in Florence so you may consider bringing your lunch. A cafeteria is available for seating; however, DPS will not be serving any meals to CHL Instructor students. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for use by students. Generally, the classroom instruction ends at approximately 5pm each day; however, the time could vary.
Only those receiving this confirmation email will be permitted to attend. Guests (including other CHL instructors) are not permitted to attend this class. Students are expected to adhere to the following rules:
· No audio or video recording is allowed
· Be ON TIME for the class - This includes the break periods
· Be alert and give your attention to the instructor - (not on laptops, cell phone, or personal conversations)
· Turn cell phone to ‘vibrate’ or ‘off’
· If you need to take an urgent call, please do so during breaks
· Smoking is allowed only in designated areas (this includes electric)
Please read this email and all of the attachments prior to arriving at class.
Additional information/requirements are included in the attachments:
Attachments include:
**CHL Instructor Information (lists required equipment, rules for class etc.)
**Course of fire that will be used for proficiency demonstration
**List of hotels in the area should you need accommodation
***Map to the Tactical Training Center in Florence
surferdaddy wrote:Here is a copy of my confirmation email for the instructor class I just finished. Now, it may not be indicative of all instructor classes but it outlines this past one.
This email serves as your confirmation to attend the CHL Instructor course August 19-21, 2015.
The classroom portion and proficiency demonstration will be held at the DPS Tactical Training Center (Range) located at 810 CR 240, Florence, Texas. A map to the facility is attached. NOTE: Students must qualify with both a revolver and a semi-auto handgun.
Registration will be held on the first day beginning at 7:30am. Please do not enter the Range property prior to 7am. Even if the gates are open, please form one line to the right to allow employees to enter the property gates. The classroom is located in the first building on the right just inside the gate entrance. During registration, you must present a state issued driver license or state issued ID card. You will be given a name badge which must be worn at all times. Class will begin at 8am. One hour is given for lunch. There are a limited number of restaurants in Florence so you may consider bringing your lunch. A cafeteria is available for seating; however, DPS will not be serving any meals to CHL Instructor students. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for use by students. Generally, the classroom instruction ends at approximately 5pm each day; however, the time could vary.
Only those receiving this confirmation email will be permitted to attend. Guests (including other CHL instructors) are not permitted to attend this class. Students are expected to adhere to the following rules:
· No audio or video recording is allowed
· Be ON TIME for the class - This includes the break periods
· Be alert and give your attention to the instructor - (not on laptops, cell phone, or personal conversations)
· Turn cell phone to ‘vibrate’ or ‘off’
· If you need to take an urgent call, please do so during breaks
· Smoking is allowed only in designated areas (this includes electric)
Please read this email and all of the attachments prior to arriving at class.
Additional information/requirements are included in the attachments:
Attachments include:
**CHL Instructor Information (lists required equipment, rules for class etc.)
**Course of fire that will be used for proficiency demonstration
**List of hotels in the area should you need accommodation
***Map to the Tactical Training Center in Florence
Thank you so much for the info. I received my acknowledgement of "all CHL Supplemental doc" received on 6/22/15. Still waiting.
