USPSA matches could not occur without our volunteer range officials. Range officials are responsible for applying the rules fairly and consistently, as well as monitoring match safety at all levels of competition from local matches to national events. NROI offers training for three different certification levels and two endorsements. Here is an overview of the different certification levels.
Level 1 – Range Officer (RO)
This is the introductory class that teaches the basics of how to be a range officer. But this is also a great way to learn the rules and to become a more savvy competitor. To qualify for the class, you must be a USPSA member and be classified in either USPSA or SCSA. Juniors between the age of 13 and 18 are eligible to take the RO seminar with references from two certified range officials. In this seminar we focus on the range commands, scoring, penalties, and disqualifications. The course consists of pre-course activities on the online learning system, a one-day, in-person seminar, and a half-day range exercise. To pass the course, you must complete the online exercises, attend the seminar, complete the range exercise, and score a 85% or higher on a 50 question exam. To maintain your certification, you must pass an annual 20 question renewal exam.
Level 2 – Chief Range Officer (CRO)
To qualify for this course, you must have been a RO for at least one year, be at least 18 years old, and preferably have some experience working a major match (the seminar will make more sense if you do). In the CRO seminar, we focus on stage management, specifically in the context on managing a stage at a major match, and stage design review. Students bring a stage design to class and are divided into groups. The group decides which stage they will build for the range exercise portion of the class. The chosen stages are reviewed as an in-class exercise prior to construction to address major issues, and then the groups will build the stages on the second day. The stages are then inspected again for issues, fixed, and the stage team will develop a strategy for running the stage as if at a major match. The class then shoots the stages. To pass the CRO course, you must complete the pre-class exercises on the online learning system, design a stage, attend the seminar, and participate in the range exercise. To maintain your CRO certification, you must pass an annual 20 question renewal exam.
Level 3 – Range Master (RM)
The RM program is for those who are serious about wanting to learn the finer points of match management and the rules and are most importantly willing to take on the leadership role of a Range Master. Not everyone who applies gets accepted, and of those who do get in, not all complete the program. To qualify for the RM program, you must have been a CRO for at least two years, have experience working major matches as documented on your NROI Work Record, provide three references, write a short essay about what it means to be a RM, complete the online application that is available November 1 to December 31 of each year, and pay a $100 application fee. RM students are assigned a Range Master Instructor (RMI) and work through ten assignments on the online learning system. The students also coordinate to work a match as RM with RMI supervision/mentoring. To pass the RM course, you must complete all the online exercises, perform well as RM at a match under the observation of a RMI, and pass a oral review with the RMIs at a nationals event you are also working. To maintain your RM certification, you must complete one of the following each year: RO or higher at USPSA Nationals, CRO or higher at a Level III (e.g. Area) match, or RM a Level II USPSA match.
SCSA Endorsement
Any currently certified RO, CRO, or RM may self-enroll in the SCSA endorsement for no additional cost. The Steel Challenge endorsement is on the online learning system and consists of seven videos with accompanying quizzes. Once the online course is completed, you will be assigned a 25 question final exam on the USPSA website. Once you get your SCSA endorsement, you will have five SCSA questions added to your annual renewal exam.
Multigun Endorsement
Any currently certified RO, CRO, or RM may self-enroll in the Multigun endorsement for no additional cost. The Multigun endorsement, which covers the USPSA Rifle, Shotgun and Multigun Rules is also on the online learning system and consists of five videos with accompanying quizzes. Once the online course is completed, you will be assigned a 25 question final exam on the USPSA website. Once you get your Multigun endorsement, you will have five Multigun questions added to your annual renewal exam.
If you are uncertified, please consider taking a RO class to increase your understanding of the rules as a competitor and to help out at your local club. If you are already a RO or CRO, please consider working major matches and increasing your certification level. You can find the currently available RO and CRO seminars on the USPSA website. If there is not a class near you, and your club wants to organize one, please see the details on the USPSA website.