Find the right training, or share what you know.

No. Creating an account, searching, sending requests, messaging, and listing a profile are all free for students, instructors, and mentors. FMN is funded by sponsors. If you book paid training, you pay the instructor directly for their time.

A Certified Instructor holds a recognized instructor credential, such as an NRA, USCCA, state, law-enforcement, military, Rangemaster, or hunter education instructor certification. A Community Mentor is an experienced shooter who shares practical, hands-on guidance. Mentors don’t need a credential, but any they add, like Range Safety Officer, CPR or first aid, Stop the Bleed, or a competition classification, are reviewed and shown on their profile. Instructor credentials also qualify someone to mentor. A role describes how someone takes part on FMN. It isn’t a guarantee of fit, so read profiles and reviews and ask questions before you book.

Everyone applies first. An FMN administrator reviews each application and the uploaded credentials before any role is assigned, and may request a background check. Approval never publishes a profile automatically. A “Verified” badge appears only while a reviewed credential is current, and the profile shows when a renewal is needed. Credential documents are never shown publicly.

Send a training request to an instructor or mentor who is accepting new students. They can accept it in principle, ask a question, or decline. Once accepted, you plan the details in a private conversation and agree on a time. The booking is confirmed only after both of you accept the same time and any required documents, such as a waiver. Then you get the exact meeting details.

Payment happens directly between you and the instructor, not through FMN. Many mentors volunteer, and paid instructors set their own rates. If an instructor shares a payment link, it takes you to their own payment page. FMN doesn’t collect, hold, or refund payments, and doesn’t offer payment protection.

No. The phone number on your account is for account safety and is never shown publicly, and FMN never publishes private home addresses. Profiles and classes show a general area. Exact meeting locations and details stay private until participation is confirmed. Instructors can choose to list a business phone number on their own profile.

Yes, with a parent or legal guardian. Minors can’t have their own FMN account. A parent or guardian adds them under Family & Minors and books them into Youth Training with Parent or Guardian classes. The parent or guardian attends the whole session, and minors have no login, no messaging, and no public profile.

Only students who completed a booking with that instructor or mentor. Instructors and mentors can respond to reviews, and anyone signed in can report a review that breaks the rules.

Sponsors pay to advertise on FMN, and that’s what keeps the platform free. Sponsorship never changes credential decisions, who can be listed, search results, reviews, moderation, or access to anyone’s private information.

To report a review, use “Report this review” on the instructor’s profile. For a safety concern, email safety@firearmmentorshipnetwork.com. For account help, email support@firearmmentorshipnetwork.com. FMN isn’t for emergencies. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.