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What is a Colorado CHP-Verified Instructor?

Mark Schneider

A Colorado CHP-verified instructor is an individual approved by the county sheriff’s office in the area where you are primarily based. These instructors are certified to provide the required concealed carry training that meets the legal standards established by Colorado law. The instructor must be authorized by the sheriff’s office of the county where they operate, ensuring they are qualified to teach courses that fulfill the requirements for obtaining a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). For more information about our Colorado Concealed Carry Class, visit here.

Why is it Now Required to Take a CCW Course Through a Verified Instructor?

Under Colorado State Statute SB23-016, effective July 1, 2025, all individuals applying for a concealed handgun permit (CHP) must complete a CCW training course through a sheriff-approved, CHP-verified instructor. This requirement ensures that applicants receive the correct, consistent, and legally compliant training. The course includes critical topics such as:

  • Understanding the legalities of concealed carry in Colorado
  • Safe firearm handling and storage
  • Defensive shooting techniques
  • Use of force and self-defense laws

Additionally, the course includes two essential components that applicants must successfully complete:

  1. Written Test: All students must pass a written exam, typically multiple-choice, covering important laws and firearm safety procedures. This test ensures that applicants have a clear understanding of the legal and safety aspects of concealed carry.
  2. Live Fire Qualification: The course includes live-fire training, where applicants must shoot 50 rounds. During this portion of the class, students must complete a shooting qualification, where they are required to achieve at least 70% accuracy on the target. This ensures that applicants are competent and comfortable with their firearm before carrying it concealed.

By taking the course with a verified instructor, you are guaranteed to meet the state’s specific training standards, which is essential for submitting a successful application for your CHP.

Minimum Class Duration Requirements

As part of the new law, the following class durations are now required:

  • New Classes: Must be a minimum of 8 hours in length. This ensures that you receive comprehensive training on all aspects of concealed carry, including legal knowledge, safety practices, and live-fire exercises.
  • Refresher Classes: For those renewing their permits, refresher courses must be at least 2 hours long. These classes ensure that even experienced gun owners stay updated on legal changes, safety protocols, and best practices.

To find a verified instructor for your required training, consider signing up for our Colorado Concealed Carry Class here.

How to Verify That an Instructor is CHP-Verified

To verify that an instructor is CHP-verified, you can:

  1. Contact the Sheriff’s Office: Since CHP-verified instructors are authorized by the county sheriff’s office, you can call or check the sheriff’s website to confirm if an instructor is certified in your county.
  2. Ask the Instructor Directly: A verified instructor should be able to provide proof of their certification. This proof will typically be in the form of a letter or certificate issued by the sheriff or police department, confirming their verified status. Additionally, the instructor should have a unique instructor number, which serves as an official identifier of their certification.
  3. Check for Instructor Listing: Some counties or sheriff’s offices may post lists of approved instructors on their official websites.

Here are some major counties and cities in Colorado and their official websites where you can find CHP-verified instructors:

Additional counties and cities:

Taking your CCW course through a CHP-verified instructor ensures that you’re fulfilling the training requirements necessary to apply for a concealed handgun permit in Colorado. To sign up for our Colorado Concealed Carry Class, visit 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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