Definitely worth it! The class doesn't take very long. My friend only took 2 weekends to finish the schooling. When I took hunter safety in '98, it was once a week for like 2 months for something like that!
After that it's just a form you send in. Then he can do all the shooting his little heart desires!
Do you have your PAL? I"m still psyched about getting into benchrest (haven't gotten there yet
) but you and your friend should go for it if for no better reason than defense against bottles and saber-toothed prairie dogs!