I propose that a Nationally backed Firearms Safety course similar to courses offered by the NRA be created. These courses could be used as a prerequisite to owning a firearm.
All NRA and hunter safety courses could still be applicable, but the problem is that these courses are often times expensive and fill up quickly.
The proposed course would be at low/no-cost and high availability to any citizen that wanted to take it. The course would teach basic firearms safety including handling, firing, cleaning, and storage. After completing the course, you would be issued a certificate, or card stating that you completed the course, which would then be presented at an authorized Firearms Dealer to purchase a Firearm.