I'm not sure if shooting is a law requirement now. But in my opinion I think all taking a course should have to shoot. I know my son can, but I'm not a instructor. Even though I feel I've taught him all the safety aspects about shooting. Maybe there's something I've missed, plus it doesn't hurt him to learn it from someone else thats trained for it specifically as well. So I'd just as soon he shot a real gun in front of his instructor over a air rifle or laser gun deal. I do think it should be a requirment by all. Its really what its all about Gun Safety!! I mean what good is it if they run persons through the whole thing, then never made them handle a gun, and shoot it!! So he'll go in August.