Range Conducting Officer

The NRA Range Conducting Officer’s Course (RCO) is intended for suitable club members to gain the qualification necessary to allow them to sign for and run a Ministry of Defence (MoD) range. Students should be experienced shooters who have passed the Range Safety Officers (RSO) course, with experience of running ranges.

Pass requirements are high, and the course is not to be undertaken lightly. Only those members who are considered to be suitable, and who stand a good chance of passing, should be put forward by their clubs. The MoD requires that their ranges, when used by civilian clubs, should be run to the same standards of safety as they are when used by the military. Students must understand the level of responsibility that they are taking on.

The two day course, consisting of both classroom and on range practical work, can be conducted at Bisley and in the regions. The timings and format are flexible, depending on the facilities available. Students will be sent a link to the online pdf NRA RCO Handbook around two weeks before the course. The importance of studying the manual before attendance cannot be overemphasised.

The RCO qualification only allows the holder to run MoD ranges with fixed firing positions and designated fixed target positions. The RCO qualification is valid for six years from the date of issue.

To book an RCO course at Bisley, please click here

For further information on any RCO matter, please either email NRA Training Division or phone us on 01483 797777 ext.149.

For information on booking a Regional RCO course at your club please click here.

RSO Renewal Process

Eligibility: Renewals may be submitted up to 6 months before and no later than 6 months after your current RSO qualification expiry. Your new NRA RSO card will be valid for 6 years from the renewal date.

Note: If your RSO qualification has lapsed by more than 6 months, you must attend the 2-day NRA RSO course to re-qualify.

The RSO test is an open-book, multiple-choice test with no time limit. It requires general knowledge and sound judgement.

RCO Renewal Process

Reminder: You are only permitted to RO on MOD ranges with an in-date RCO qualification.

Existing RCOs without an NRA RSO qualification are now required to obtain one. This is done by completing the RSO online renewal test. Once the RSO renewal test is passed, you will receive a link to the RCO online renewal test.

As part of our streamlining efforts, separate RCO cards will no longer be issued. All relevant qualifications will be listed on the reverse side of your RSO card.

Eligibility: Renewals can be submitted up to 6 months before and no later than 6 months after the RCO expiry. Your RCO qualification will share the same expiry date as your RSO qualification.

If you do not operate on MOD ranges, you can simply renew as an RSO by completing the online RSO renewal test.

Note: If your RCO qualification has lapsed by more than 6 months and you do not have an in-date RSO qualification: You must attend both the 2-day NRA RSO course and the 2-day NRA RCO course. If you do have a valid RSO qualification: You only need to attend the 2-day NRA RCO course to re-qualify.

The RCO test is an open-book, multiple-choice test with no time limit.

Expiry Reminders

You will receive automated email reminders:

• One month before your card expires
• One day before your card expires – This reminder will notify you that your RCO qualification is no longer valid for MOD ranges once it expires and that you must complete the renewal process to remain valid.

Important:

• Reminders are only sent if your NRA account contact details are up to date.
• All qualification holders are automatically issued an NRA account, even if not an NRA club member.
• If you’re unsure of your login details or need assistance updating your information, please contact the NRA Training Team for support.

For further information and to renew your NRA RSO / RCO qualifications please click on the link below.

RSO / RCO Renewal Process

Please contact the NRA Training department if you have any questions or concerns 01483 797777 Ext179 or email Jennifer.ansell@nra.org.uk

To book an RCO course at Bisley, please click here

To book an MLAGB Endorsement at Bisley, please click here

For information on converting military-equivalent qualifications, commercial RCO courses or booking a regional RCO course at your club please contact kelly.king@nra.org.uk 

Upcoming Course Dates

Please visit our online booking website for more details: https://online.nra.org.uk/course

Run in conjunction with the MLAGB, this course is not designed to teach about muzzle loading, however the training will cover range management and all areas required to enable current NRA ROs to add muzzle loading and black powder to their qualification.

Attendees are expected to have a good knowledge of all muzzle loading disciplines. The course will involve both classroom and practical range work.

To book an MLAGB Endorsement at Bisley, please click here