Concealed Carry, Services

How Long is a Colorado Concealed Carry Class?

Mark Schneider

In Colorado, obtaining a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit requires completing a state-approved training course. The length of the course depends on whether you’re a new applicant or renewing your permit.

New Applicant Course: 9 Hours

For first-time applicants, the Colorado CCW class is 9 hours long and includes both classroom instruction and a live-fire qualification at an indoor shooting range. The course is broken down as follows:

  1. Colorado Gun Laws: Learn about the state’s concealed carry laws, including where firearms are prohibited and the legal consequences of carrying a concealed weapon.
  2. Firearm Safety: Cover the basic rules of firearm safety and handling.
  3. Use of Force: Understand when it’s legally acceptable to use a firearm for self-defense.
  4. Written Exam: A multiple-choice test covering laws, safety, and the use of force. A passing score of 80% is required.
  5. Live-Fire Qualification: You must demonstrate your ability to safely and accurately shoot at different distances. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass this portion.

Once you’ve completed the class, you’ll receive a certificate to apply for your CCW permit.

Renewal Course: 4.5 Hours

For those renewing their CCW permit, the course is 4.5 hours long. It includes:

  1. Updates to Gun Laws: Review any changes to Colorado’s concealed carry laws.
  2. Safety Refresher: A brief review of firearm safety.
  3. Written Exam: A multiple-choice test with an 80% passing score.
  4. Live-Fire Qualification: Like the new applicant course, you’ll need to pass the live-fire qualification with a score of 70% or higher.

Verified Instructor Requirement

Both the new and renewal courses must be taught by a verified instructor certified by the the County Sheriff where the instructor primarily does business. This ensures the course meets all state standards and provides you with the proper certification for your permit application.

For more details or to register, click here.

Published by Mark Schneider

I am a certified firearms instructor and use-of-force expert with extensive real-world experience in firearms, security, and defensive tactics.Credentials & Experience:20+ years of owning, collecting, and shooting firearms.12+ years in the security industry, including physical security, executive protection, workplace violence prevention, loss prevention, CCTV operations, access control, incident management, and threat assessment.Denver Police Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructor.Authorized Trainer for Denver Security Guard Training.NRA Certified Firearms Instructor – Pistol, Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW), Rifle, Shotgun, Inside the Home (ITH), Outside the Home (OTH), Range Training & Basic Verification (RTBV), Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO).USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor – Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals (CCHDF).Force Science Institute Certified – Use-of-Force Analysis.De-escalation Certified Instructor.Massad Ayoob MAG-40 Graduate.Sig Sauer Academy Graduate – Pistol 103 & Pistol 104.Law of Self Defense – Instructor Program Graduate.Dave Grossman Academy – Completed The Bullet Proof Mind, On Combat, and On Killing courses.Axon Taser Certified Instructor.OC/Pepper Spray Certified Instructor.PPCT Defensive Tactics Certified Instructor.Glock Armorer.Novice Gunsmith.Licensed Insurance Producer.HAM Radio Operator.8+ years as a teacher and instructor in firearms, self-defense, and related disciplines.

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