If you’re planning to get your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you’ll need to take a state-compliant class that includes both a written exam and a live-fire shooting qualification. Whether you’re attending our 8-hour class for new applicants or our 4-hour renewal course, the written CCW test is a required step—and it’s designed to make sure you understand your responsibilities as a firearm carrier.
Let’s break down what you can expect on test day.
✅ Who Has to Take the Written CCW Test?
- New Applicants (8-hour course): Must complete a full classroom curriculum, take a written test, and pass a live-fire qualification.
- Renewals (4-hour course): Must take an abbreviated class and pass a written test. Some counties may waive the live-fire portion for renewals, but we include it regardless for safety and skill upkeep.
📝 What’s On the Colorado CCW Written Test?
We designed our test to meet and exceed the new requirements under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-202.5, effective July 1, 2025. The written exam is multiple choice and covers real-world knowledge every responsible carrier should know.
Here are the major categories:
🔒 Firearm Safety Basics
- Safe storage and transport
- Trigger discipline and muzzle awareness
- Misfire procedures
📜 Colorado Firearms Law
- Where you can and cannot carry
- Use of force vs. deadly force
- Defense of others and property
- Duty to retreat (or lack thereof)
👮♂️ Interaction with Law Enforcement
- What to do during a traffic stop while armed
- Declaring your CHP status
- How to avoid escalating a situation
⚖️ Legal Use of Deadly Force
- The five elements of a lawful self-defense claim (Innocence, Imminence, Proportionality, Avoidance, and Reasonableness)
- Real-life scenarios and case law examples
- What happens after a defensive shooting
🧠 Mental & Physical Effects of a Shooting
- Tunnel vision, adrenaline dump, and fine motor skill loss
- The psychology of confrontation
- What happens after you pull the trigger
📊 What Score Do You Need to Pass?
- Minimum Passing Score: 80%
- You’ll have plenty of time to finish, and we go over everything in class.
- If you fail, you can retake the test after reviewing the relevant material.
📅 When Do You Take the Test?
- New Applicants: Toward the end of the classroom portion—after lunch but before heading to the range.
- Renewals: After the classroom refresher. If you’ve stayed sharp, you’ll do fine.
💡 Is It Hard?
No. It’s not a trick test. But it is serious. We want every student—new or experienced—to walk out with confidence and legal clarity. If you’re paying to carry a concealed firearm legally, it’s worth knowing the law and your responsibilities.
🛡 We Make Sure You’re Prepared
Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned carrier, our team makes sure you’re 100% ready before you ever see the test. No guessing. No surprises. Just real knowledge, responsible instruction, and a path to legal concealed carry in Colorado.
📣 Ready to Get Your Colorado CHP?
We offer state-approved 8-hour CCW classes for new applicants and 4-hour renewal classes for current permit holders. All include live-fire training and written testing under the new law.
👉 Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Classes
👉 Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans
👉 Colorado Self-Defense Laws Explained
