Marine Corps Pistol Expert Qualification Badge is an original badge manufactured in the U.S.A. in accordance with applicable U.S. Government specifications. Approved by the U.S. Marine Corps.
A USMC pistol expert is a Marine of any rank, grade or classification who has achieved the required qualification score in one of the service's prescribed pistol shooting courses.
To earn a Marine Corps Pistol Qualification Badge, a Marine must successfully complete four phases of fire which include weapons handling, operator maintenance, stationary target engagement, and scenario based target engagements.
Badge is awarded based on the score achieved on Combat Pistol Program (CPP) training. Total points determine the classification of the badge (expert, sharpshooter or marksman).
Classification scores achievable at the CPP Qualification Shooting Course (from highest to lowest):
Expert: 364 - 400
Sharpshooter: 324 - 363
Marksman: 264 - 323
Unqualified: 0 - 263
Once earned, the qualification badge may be worn for the remainder of a military career, unless a higher level of qualification is achieved.