We suggest that Academy certified instructors attend an update and recertify annually, and require recertification within three years of completion of the Firearms Instructor course to maintain qualified status.
This program is used to recertify S&W Academy Instructors who have received certification through us for:
- Firearms Instructor
- Pistol Instructor
- Shotgun Instructor
- Rifle Instructor
- Reduced Light Training Instructor
- Interactive Training Instructor
- Submachine Gun Instructor
Active firearms instructors not certified by the Academy are also encouraged to participate in this program.
Length: 5 days - 32 & 1/2 hours
*** New Instructor Recertification Policy ***
We often have requests to recertify the credentials of Smith & Wesson Academy trained Firearms Instructors by means of other than the Firearms Instructor Update and Recertification course, which was designed for that purpose. Since those requests were usually approved, we thought that it would be beneficial to everyone to announce a new Instructor Recertification Policy that addresses contemporary concerns.
For every other 3 year period, the recertification may be obtained with any 5 day instructor level course. So, at least every 6 years the Firearms Instructor Update and Recertification course must be taken (does not apply to sub-gun or chemical munitions instructor). Other than that, you have some flexibility in your certification options.
As always, the staff at Smith & Wesson Academy urges you to take at least one training course per year and to broaden your training experiences as much as possible.

