We’ve collected a series of common questions so you can find answers quickly.
If you don’t find an answer to a question you have please use the form on our contact us page to email us directly.
Clubs
From the top menu click the “Clubs” link in the top menu and you’ll be directed to a list of clubs. Then you can use the filters to the left of the list of results to filter clubs near your or search for a specific club.
The International Defensive Pistol Association logo is trademarked private property of the International Defensive Pistol Association, Inc. It is not available for individual commercial use. However, currently affiliated clubs may use the logo on match announcements, correspondence or on even commemorative clothing such as hats and tee shirts. Electronic versions are available in the member dashboard under downloads.
IDPA Classifiers
We have updated the classifier upload process, this document lays out the new tools and how to use them.
How recently did you shoot your classifier? Once the classifier scores have been uploaded you will receive an automated notification from the IDPA.com website. Wait 48 hours and if you’re not notified of new classifier scores then please first reach out to the club you shot the classifier at. They may have uploaded the classifier incorrectly, in which case they need to correct or contact HQ.
Matches
Look in the top header menu and click “matches” in the menu. The most recently posted matches will show on the page.
Then look to the left column and you can sort by a date range, location, match name, match type, or proximity to you.
Use your Internet search engine and find the manufacture’s and/or distributor’s website so that you can look up the technical specifications of the gun in question. You will also have to go to the rules webpage on the IDPA website and display the rules.
Go to section 8, Equipment rules, read the general firearm rules and find the physical limits of the division in which you plan to shoot the gun. Compare the listed limits to the gun specifications to determine if the gun is allowed. Once you have done that, if you still have any specific questions, contact your Area Coordinator or International Point of Contact.
Early every summer IDPA HQ will put the match information and application online. Each national or world championship match is limited to a set number of participants and spots are awarded to the number of points the shooter has accumulated. Points are awarded from June 1 through May 31 of the next year.
Points are awarded based on participation at sanctioned matches, using the following system:
- Tier 2 matches are worth 1 point
- Tier 3 matches are worth 2 points
- Tier 4 matches are worth 3 points
- Tier 5 matches (Worlds, US and Indoor Nationals only) are worth 4 points
- Match Directors of sanctioned matches earn 1 point
- Club contacts listed on the IDPA website as of May 31, 2023, will earn 1 point
The IDPA National and World Championship matches are open to current IDPA members with a classification of Marksman or higher.
For any additional questions about the process, please contact your Area Coordinator.
We have updated the classifier upload process, this document lays out the new tools and how to use them.
To see how the inserts are used in the test box click here.
IDPA Matches that you have registered for are not currently stored on IDPA.com. IDPA stores a directory of IDPA sanctioned matches but the match registration is handled off the idpa.com website, and the scores are often stored at https://practiscore.com/
IDPA Headquarters make every effort to answer members’ questions and address their issues in a timely and informative manner. Since HQ does not have a staff member at every match, our Area Coordinators, State Coordinators and International Points of Contact are represented at sanctioned events in their area. The best information will come from those who have seen/shot/approved the stages. If a shooter has exhausted all avenues of discussion while at the match (with the CSO of the stage and match director at the match) the final point of contact would be the AC/SC/IPOC. The shooter should contact the representative with the appropriate rule number, issue and resulting infringement.
IDPA is a handgun-centric shooting sport based on simulated self-defense scenarios. Participation in IDPA matches requires the use of handguns, holsters and other equipment suitable for concealed carry self-defense.
Shooters will need:
- An IDPA legal firearm.
- An IDPA Legal belt.
- Appropriate ammunition feeding devices (speed loaders/moonclips or magazines)
- Ammuntion carriers (magazine pouches or speed loader holders)
- Ammunition suitable for your firearm.
- IDPA legal holster.
- Concealment garment.
- Ear protection.
- Eye protection.
If you have a shooter who has a hearing impairement it is best to ask what their preferred way of communication is and if they can hear range commands and the buzzer. If they are unable to hear range commands or the buzzer then an alternative method will need to be developed; for example, a tap on the shoulder). Staff will need to know how the shooter prefers to communicate and how they expect to receive range commands.
IDPA makes every effort to accommodate our permanently physically disabled (ppds) shooters. For example, a PPD shooters who are one-armed/one-handed will not be penalized on a stage that requires shooting either weak hand or strong hand. For an exhaustive list of all pertinent rules, see Section 7 of the IDPA Rulebook.
You can access common downloads after you login to your account. After you login then look for the “Downloads” tab on your dashboard.
We’ve also added a list of common files for download located on the right side of the FAQ page.
Although we encourage clubs to publish their local matches on IDPA.com, Tier 1 matches are not required to be registered on IDPA.com. If you don’t see the matches listed, we recommend checking with the clubs in your area to find out when and where they shoot.
If you are a club contact, you can create a local match from your “My Clubs” tab on your dashboard.
Finding IDPA legal gear is easy! You can find IDPA legal gear at almost any tactical gear supplier. You may have noticed our sponsor logos on our website. Many of these companies produce IDPA legal products, such as belts, magazine pouches, holsters and even guns! Browse the IDPA shop »
The very first step is to utilize the rulebook.
You can browse through it or use Ctrl+F and use the FIND function.
Type in a few keywords and you will see every instance of the term in the Rulebook.
Questions about sanctioned matches?
Use the Match Administration Rules. A download for the MAR is located on the right side of the FAQ page along with several other downloadable rules files.
Nearly all questions can be answered using this process.
If you can’t find the answer, the next step would be to contact your local Match Director or Safety Officer Instructor.
The last step in the process would be to contact your Area Coordinator (AC) or International Point of Contact (IPOC) with your question and the rule number that you think may address it. You can easily locate the contact information for your SC, AC or IPOC from the Coordinator Map.
PLEASE NOTE: Rules questions can not be answered by posts on social media or by calling IDPA Headquarters.
Membership
There’s a few ways to locate an SC or AC for your region.
First after you login look to the top right of your dashboard. If there’s an SC assigned to your state they will be listed with a link to their IDPA member profile. If no SC has been assigned for your state then the AC responsible will appear instead.
Alternatively you can click here to see the coordinator map.
Joining IDPA is easy! Click here to go to the membership page. Look for the “create your account” button which will ask you a few questions and direct you through the account setup process and checkout.
Want to renew your membership? Login to your account, and look to the bottom right of your dashboard for a “renew now” button.
If your account is expired then you’ll see a notification as soon as you login to your account.
You can easily use the members directory to find Safety Officers (S0) in your area. You must first login to your IDPA account to access members data. After login click “Members” in the top menu and use the filters in the left column to define the search criteria and locate an SO near you.
If you’re unable to login to your IDPA member account then you’ll need to reset your password.
If you’re unable to remember the email used to setup you membership, or maybe you never had an email associated with your account, then you’ll need to email IDPA HQ » in order to link an email to your account.
If you know the email that is linked to your IDPA account then you can use the steps below to reset your password.
RESET YOUR PASSWORD
1) Visit the login page on IDPA.com
2) Click the “Forgot your password? Reset it.” link located under the red login button.
3) After clicking the link you’ll be directed to the lost password screen. Follow the on-screen instructions by entering the email address you use for your IDPA.com account.
4) The system will send you a password reset email with a unique link to reset your password. Click the link and you’ll be directed to a password reset page.
5) After you’re directed to the password reset page on the website, then you can enter a new password for your account. We do not have any requirements for the password such as special symbols, or # of characters, but we do suggest choosing something secure. Get started.
RESET YOUR PASSWORD
Here is a video (will open in a new tab), outlining the process.
If your IDPA membership has expired and you remember the email that you used for your membership, then you can gain access to your account and renew your membership online.
If you remember your email then please use the “Lost Password” process to rest your account and gain access.
If you do not remember the email, or if you never had an email attached to your IDPA membership account, then please use the contact form on the contact us page to email IDPA Headquarters for assistance.
Refund/Cancellation Policies
IDPA Membership Refund/Cancellation Policy
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) reserves the right to refuse or cancel a membership in the IDPA at any time and for any reason.
Membership Cancellation by Participant
Membership cancellations received within 30 days of joining may be eligible to receive a full refund less a $15 service fee.
Cancellations will be accepted via phone or e-mail, and must be received by the stated cancellation deadline.
Cancellations received after the stated deadline will not be eligible for a refund.
All refund requests must be made by the participant’s primary contact or credit card holder.
Refund requests must include the name of the member, card holder, and/or transaction number.
Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment.
The above policies apply to all IDPA memberships unless otherwise noted in membership materials. Please read all individual materials thoroughly for any specific policies.
IDPA Goods and Product Refund/Return Policy
All returns of goods and materials purchased directly from IDPA require prior authorization. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable; returns must be authorized by the IDPA within 30 days of the invoice date. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, we will replace, substitute or repair, at our sole discretion, any IDPA product that is deemed defective.
Products provided/sold by IDPA partners and affinity programs are subject to the return policy of the partner.
Products which are software or downloadable from any IDPA website or provided media (CD ROM, Memory Drives, etc) are non-refundable.
Last Updated: October 1, 2018
All testing for SO certification is located on your member dashboard. Depending on what you are eligible for there are three different test formats. The test format that you qualify for dictates which testing button will show up on your account. If you are not currently listed as an SO, you will have the option to take the SO pretest. The SOI who is teaching your class will provide you with a password in order to take the exam. If you are currently an SO or your SO status has only been expired for 90 days or less, you will see the button to take the short format SO recertification test. If your SO status has been expired for more than 90 days but less than 360, you will be required to take the longer format SO recertification exam.
My Account
There’s a few ways to locate an SC or AC for your region.
First after you login look to the top right of your dashboard. If there’s an SC assigned to your state they will be listed with a link to their IDPA member profile. If no SC has been assigned for your state then the AC responsible will appear instead.
Alternatively you can click here to see the coordinator map.
You can easily use the members directory to find Safety Officers (S0) in your area. You must first login to your IDPA account to access members data. After login click “Members” in the top menu and use the filters in the left column to define the search criteria and locate an SO near you.
If you’re unable to login to your IDPA member account then you’ll need to reset your password.
If you’re unable to remember the email used to setup you membership, or maybe you never had an email associated with your account, then you’ll need to email IDPA HQ » in order to link an email to your account.
If you know the email that is linked to your IDPA account then you can use the steps below to reset your password.
RESET YOUR PASSWORD
1) Visit the login page on IDPA.com
2) Click the “Forgot your password? Reset it.” link located under the red login button.
3) After clicking the link you’ll be directed to the lost password screen. Follow the on-screen instructions by entering the email address you use for your IDPA.com account.
4) The system will send you a password reset email with a unique link to reset your password. Click the link and you’ll be directed to a password reset page.
5) After you’re directed to the password reset page on the website, then you can enter a new password for your account. We do not have any requirements for the password such as special symbols, or # of characters, but we do suggest choosing something secure. Get started.
RESET YOUR PASSWORD
Here is a video (will open in a new tab), outlining the process.
All testing for SO certification is located on your member dashboard. Depending on what you are eligible for there are three different test formats. The test format that you qualify for dictates which testing button will show up on your account. If you are not currently listed as an SO, you will have the option to take the SO pretest. The SOI who is teaching your class will provide you with a password in order to take the exam. If you are currently an SO or your SO status has only been expired for 90 days or less, you will see the button to take the short format SO recertification test. If your SO status has been expired for more than 90 days but less than 360, you will be required to take the longer format SO recertification exam.