I get a lot of questions like this from people who failed either their NROI certification or recertification exams all three times they attempted it. The first thing is: Don't panic! (Hint: We want you to pass.)
Because the system is graded digitally, it’s important that the rule citations be entered precisely. The answers are multiple choice, so if you have the right one, clicking the button next to it is the only choice you need to make. But those pesky rules, right?
First, let’s talk about why we cite them. In almost all cases, when a range official is applying a penalty or explaining a start position or gun condition, it’s important to be able to back it up with a rule, something to “hang your hat on,” so to speak. “Because I said so” doesn’t usually work with USPSA and Steel Challenge competitors. So, you must know where to look to find the backstop for the call you’re making. Range officials who apply a rule because they think that’s what it means may be in for a surprise when required to look the rule up. Therefore, the test asks you to back up your answer.
Why aren’t questions about the rules multiple choice as well? Because we want our range officers to familiarize themselves with the entirety of the USPSA rulebook and not just randomly guess or memorize the rule answer from last year’s exam. This is important and creates something of a teaching tool from the exam because it always notes the correct rule. I encourage you to look up the correct rule to gain a better understanding when the rule you cited is marked as incorrect.
One of the issues with citing rules is that they must be precisely noted. That’s why under each question is an explanation of how to cite rules and appendices. The method isn’t the same, and extra punctuation or other notes will cause the rule to be marked wrong, even if the numbers are correct. Here’s an example of the text below each rule citation box on the exam:
So, what problems can lead to an incorrect answer even when the rule is right? One is adding punctuation, such as extra periods. This happens on some machines when the space bar is hit after typing in the rule. Reviewing the rule you entered can help fix this problem. Another issue is the improper citation of the Appendix. The example mentioned above gives clear instructions on that. Word-searching the rulebook and stopping at the first occurrence of the word may also cause problems. Just because it contains a keyword doesn’t mean it’s the rule you should apply.
The other thing the system won’t accept is two rules. Even if two or more would apply (there are several instances of this), only one correct rule is accepted. Being thorough is good, but not in this case. Only one will do, thank you.
It’s also important to understand what the question is asking you and not to read anything else into it. The natural reaction to a “What would you do?”-type of question is often to approach it as “What are you going to do to fix the problem?” rather than take a “What's my call?” stance. However, many questions will ask just that: “What’s your call?”
There really are no trick questions in the exam, but some require you to think about the problem presented and give an answer based on your call, not your action plan. That’s why reading and understanding the question is important.
Another easy way to get questions wrong is to use the wrong rulebook. If you are Steel Challenge or Multigun endorsed (or both), you’ll see five extra questions per discipline on your exam. Each one is marked with the appropriate rulebook to use.
We still get test failures or arguments due to rule numbers because people are using the wrong rulebook to answer. It’s easy to do when you are in the zone while answering questions, but it requires some attention.
So, use those tips to get a passing grade, but if you don’t, the fix is simple: Email me at [email protected], include your USPSA/Steel Challenge member number (Do you know how many McManus’ there are in the member rolls? 26. Johnsons? 922—include the number!), and I can look at your exam and see if the problem is a simple one to fix, such as too many extra periods or words in the correct rule, or I may reset your exam for another three attempts while providing some advice on taking it based on the answers I see.
The USPSA National Range Officers Institute wants you to pass. The intention is to have a thorough exam that also serves as a teaching tool, not to beat you over the head with the rulebook, and certainly not to deny a retest if you are willing to take it. Help is only an email away.
Article from the March/April 2026 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
