Airgun Proficiency Course APC
Providing nationally recognised third-party accreditation through LANTRA the ‘Airgun Proficiency Course’ (APC) sets the standard in UK airgun training and is invaluable to recreational and professional airgun shooters who wish to demonstrate a level of competence to employers, landowners, clubs and the police.
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Nationally recognised and Accredited course
A few more words about APC Course
Candidate’s uptake of the syllabus is then assessed via the platform through a series of multiple-choice examinations and final timed, multiple-choice exam.
Upon successful completion of the theory element, candidates are then required to undertake the practical shooting & safety assessment, which may be carried out on an individual or group basis.
During the practical assessment, candidates must demonstrate to the satisfaction of an ‘Approved Verifier’, their ability to put what they have learnt into practice, handle and use an airgun safely and place a series of well-placed shots on a target.
‘Approved Verifiers’ are located in all areas of the UK. Upon completion of the theory element of the course, employers and candidates are provided with a comprehensive list of ‘Approved Verifiers’, who sign off on the practical element of the course.
Upon satisfactorily completing both the theory and practical elements of the APC course, candidates are awarded an APC LANTRA Certificate.
This easy to access, nationally available, third-party accredited ‘Airgun Proficiency Course’ delivers the industry standard in airgun training and is perfect for recreational airgun users and professional operatives who require certificated training that demonstrates a level of competence to landowners, clubs and the police.
*NB: Additional rates apply for the Practical Assessment
*NB: Additional rates apply for the Practical Assessment
Course Content
meet your instructor
Craig Hartley
The Airgun Proficiency Course (APC) is delivered by Craig Hartley, a highly regarded and accomplished shooting instructor with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Currently Gunroom manager at the renowned ‘Barbury Shooting School’ and previously Senior Instructor at the prestigious ‘Ian Coley Shooting School’, Craig brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this ground-breaking course.
Craig Hartley’s extensive experience as both a shooting instructor and gunroom manager, are matched only by his enthusiasm and deep passion for airgun shooting and the countryside.
The combination of his skills as an instructor, mentor and hunting guide, coupled with his knowledge of the shooting and airgun industry, equip Craig with the insight and skill-set to deliver this unique LANTRA Accredited and nationally available airgun proficiency course.
APC STUDENTS TESTIMONIALS
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Airgun Proficiency Course, APC?
A. The Airgun Proficiency Course, APC, is a nationally recognised LANTRA-accredited airgun training course designed for recreational airgun shooters and professional pest control operatives.
It provides structured training in the safe, responsible and effective use of airguns, including legislation, equipment, safe handling, marksmanship, ballistics and humane dispatch.
Q. Why Should I complete the Airgun Proficiency Course?
A. Completing the APC shows that you take airgun use, pest control and responsible shooting seriously.
Whether you are hoping to gain permission from a landowner, work for an employer, support a pest control operation, join a club or demonstrate competence to the police, this course provides recognised evidence that you have completed professional training in safe and effective airgun use.
Whether you are hoping to gain permission from a landowner, work for an employer, support a pest control operation, join a club or demonstrate competence to the police, this course provides recognised evidence that you have completed professional training in safe and effective airgun use.
Q. How can the APC help me with employers, landowners or clubs?
A. Employers, landowners and clubs are increasingly careful about who they allow to shoot on their land, represent their business or carry out pest control work.
The APC helps demonstrate that you understand the legal, safety and practical responsibilities that come with airgun use. It shows that you are not simply someone who owns an airgun, but someone who has taken the time to complete recognised training and understands the standards expected in the field.
Q. Who is the APC course suitable for?
A. The APC is suitable for recreational airgun shooters, professional pest control operatives, estate workers, land managers, club members and anyone who uses, or wishes to use, an airgun safely and responsibly.
It is also ideal for those who want to build confidence before approaching landowners, employers or clubs for shooting opportunities.
Q. Is the APC course nationally recognised?
A. Yes. The Airgun Proficiency Course is a nationally recognised airgun training course accredited by LANTRA, the UK’s leading land-based awarding body.
It is currently the only nationally recognised and LANTRA-accredited airgun proficiency course of its kind in the UK, setting the standard for airgun training for both recreational shooters and professional pest control operatives.
This third-party accreditation gives the APC strong credibility for candidates who want to demonstrate recognised training, safe airgun handling and practical competence to employers, landowners, clubs and the police.
Q. What does the APC course cover?
A. The course covers the essential knowledge every responsible airgun user should understand, including airgun legislation in England, Wales and Scotland, safe handling and storage, equipment selection, optics and night vision, marksmanship, ballistics, trajectory, windage, retained energy and humane dispatch.
It also covers pest and vermin control, including the need to control certain species safely, legally and effectively.
Q. Is the APC completed online?
A. The theory element of the APC is completed online through the Shooting & Hunting Academy. The course is delivered through clear, structured modules, allowing candidates to work through the training at their own pace.
The online theory is assessed through multiple-choice examinations and a final timed exam.
Q. Does the APC include a practical assessment?
A. Yes. To successfully complete the APC and receive the LANTRA certificate, candidates must complete both the online theory element and the practical shooting and safety assessment.
During the practical assessment, candidates must demonstrate safe airgun handling and the ability to place a series of accurate shots on target to the satisfaction of an Approved Verifier.
Q. How do I arrange the APC practical assessment?
A. Once you have completed the theory element, you will be provided with information about Approved Verifiers who can carry out the practical assessment.
Approved Verifiers are located across the UK, allowing candidates and employers to arrange the practical assessment in a suitable area where possible.
Q. Is the APC practical assessment included in the course fee?
A. No. The course fee covers the online theory element and course registration. The practical assessment is arranged separately with an Approved Verifier, and additional practical assessment fees apply.
This allows candidates to arrange the practical element in a location and format that works for them.
Q. Will I receive a certificate after completing the APC?
A. Yes. Once you have successfully completed both the online theory element and the practical assessment, you will be awarded an APC LANTRA certificate.
This certificate provides recognised evidence of training and competence in safe, responsible and effective airgun use.
Q. Can the APC help me gain permission to shoot on land?
A. Yes, it can help support your case. The APC does not automatically guarantee permission to shoot, as that decision always rests with the landowner or person responsible for the land.
However, completing the APC gives you recognised evidence that you have undertaken proper training in airgun safety, legislation, marksmanship, pest control and humane dispatch. This can make a strong difference when approaching landowners, estates, clubs or employers.