IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association)

Classifications

In order for shooters to be able to compete with their peers, IDPA competitors are divided into classifications within each division based upon their skill level. IDPA has a very quick and easy method of classifying shooters. Only currently affiliated clubs may award classifications and only current IDPA members may shoot the classifier or be awarded a classification by a club.
Courses of Fire

Classifier matches are held by each affiliated club. The matches consist of a 3 stage course of fire. Details for each stage, including walk-through and videos are available for each.

Details IDPA Classifier Stage 1
# Strings: 7
# Rounds: 30
Max Distance: 7 yds

Details IDPA Classifier Stage 2
# Strings: 4
# Rounds: 30
Max Distance: 10 yds

Details IDPA Classifier Stage 3
# Strings: 3
# Rounds: 30
Max Distance: 20 yds
Classification Scores by Division
>  Get IDPA Rulebook HERE.

 Acronyms and Abbreviations
  • IDPA International Defensive Pistol Association
  • AC - Area Coordinator
  • MD - Match Director
  • SOI - Safety Officer Instructor
  • SO - Safety Officer
  • CoF - Course of Fire

IDPA Divisions
  • CDP - Custom Defensive Pistol Division
  • ESP - Enhanced Service Pistol Division
  • SSP - Stock Service Pistol Division
  • SSR - Stock Service Revolver Division
  • ESR - Enhanced Service Revolver Division
  • BUG - Back-Up Gun Division

IDPA Classifications
  • DM - Distinguished Master
  • MA - Master
  • EX - Expert
  • SS - Sharpshooter
  • MM - Marksman
  • NV - Novice
  • UN - Unclassified
General Terms
  • BoD - Board Of Directors
  • HQ - Headquarters
  • DA - Double Action
  • DAO - Double Action Only
  • Mag - Magazine
Scoring
  • FTN - Failure To Neutralize
  • FTDR - Failure To Do Right
  • HNT - Hits on a Non-Threat
  • DNF - Did Not Finish
  • PD - Points Down
  • TPD - Total Points Down