ATF National Firearms Examiner Academy Accepting Application 2601 Academy

[Jodi Marsanopoli]

The application period for admission to the 2025 - 2026 session of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) is open to all qualified candidates. The NFEA provides training for apprentice/entry level firearm and toolmark examiners to Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The academy curriculum is composed of the fundamentals of firearms & toolmark examinations and serves as a basis for the trainee, under supervision, to develop into a qualified firearm and toolmark examiner.

In addition to personal qualifications, trainees must be assigned to an established firearms section within a forensic laboratory. Agencies must have an experienced firearm and toolmark examiner on staff to guide and prepare their trainee with mandatory assignments and a research project prior to graduation from the program. The trainer will also be required to continue with a formal training program once the trainee completes the NFEA program.

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 session of the NFEA is August 1, 2025, with selections made soon after. It is anticipated that the class will begin in October 2025. Please note the training schedule may be adjusted based on the receipt of funding.

The training course and lodging are free for agencies. Agencies are responsible for travel expenses to Ammendale, Maryland for Phase II and Phase IV.
Additional information and the application form are attached.

Please direct any questions to
Jodi Marsanopoli
nfeatraining@atf.gov
202-527-5078