FFL Employee Training Checklist — Firearms Compliance

Initial Training — Before Working Independently

Employee completed initial compliance training before handling transfers independently

No employee should conduct a firearm transfer, run a NICS check, or complete a 4473 without first completing documented compliance training.

Trained on Form 4473 completion — including common errors and correction procedures

Cover all sections, eligibility question interpretation, what to do if a question is answered YES, and how to properly correct errors (no white-out).

Trained on NICS background check procedures

How to initiate a check, interpret Proceed/Delayed/Denied responses, and apply the Proceed by Deadline rule (3 business days for delayed transactions).

Trained on A&D Bound Book entry procedures

Acquisitions must be recorded by end of business day. Dispositions must be recorded within 7 days. Cover what triggers an acquisition entry (including consignment and overnight repairs).

Trained to identify prohibited persons

Cover all prohibited person categories: felons, domestic violence convictions, restraining orders, unlawful users of controlled substances, mental health adjudications, and others per 18 U.S.C. 922(g).

Trained on lost/stolen firearm reporting requirements

48-hour deadline, ATF Form 3310.11, ATF hotline (1-888-930-9275), and local law enforcement reporting. Employees who discover a missing firearm must report to the responsible FFL immediately.

Trained on robbery and theft response procedures

Do not pursue suspects. Call 911. Preserve the scene. Do not touch anything until law enforcement clears it. Know where emergency contacts and insurance information are kept.

Ongoing Training & Documentation

ATF compliance refresher training conducted at least annually

Annual refresher keeps staff current and demonstrates due diligence during ATF inspections. Document each session with date, topics covered, and attendee signatures.

Training updated whenever ATF issues new rulings, form revisions, or regulatory changes

Don't wait for the annual session. When FFL Watch delivers a new federal alert, assess whether it requires a staff training update and document the update.

Written training records maintained for each employee

Records must include: employee name, date of training, topics covered, and trainer signature. Keep on file for as long as the employee is active plus 3 years.

Point-of-Sale Readiness

All staff know to flag suspicious transactions immediately — never complete if unsure

Straw purchases, structuring, and prohibited persons attempting to buy are all red flags. Employees must know to stop the transaction and get the responsible FFL involved before proceeding.

Key reference materials posted at point-of-sale

Post: prohibited person categories, NICS call-in number, ATF Stolen Firearms hotline (1-888-930-9275), and your responsible FFL's contact number. Laminate and keep next to the register.

Employee Firearms Training Checklist