The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) operates under the demanding standards of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Their handgun qualification course isn’t just a shooting test—it’s a simulation of real-world encounters that requires quick thinking, close-quarters tactics, and precision under pressure.
If you’re a civilian gun owner, CCW holder, or security professional, this guide breaks down the 40-round MDPD qualification course so you can train to the same level as law enforcement.
🔫 What is the Miami-Dade Police Shooting Qualification?
The qualification course is designed to evaluate the officer’s ability to safely and effectively use their handgun under simulated combat conditions. It incorporates:
- Holster draws
- One-handed and two-handed firing
- Reloads
- Movement and lateral steps
- Time-limited engagements
- Defensive shooting positions (retention, stepping, off-hand shooting)
✅ Full Course Breakdown: 40 Rounds – 6 Stages
🔹 Stage 1 – 6 Rounds
Target Distance: 1 yard
Focus: Retention shooting & close-contact threat control
- Action:
- Draw and fire 3 rounds one-handed from a close-retention position: bent elbow, gun close to torso, non-dominant hand flat across chest.
- Then take a step back, establish a two-handed grip, and fire 3 more rounds.
- Time Limit: 6 seconds total
🔹 Stage 2 – 4 Rounds
Target Distance: 3 yards
Focus: Controlled pairs and lateral movement
- Action:
- From low ready, simulate a step left, fire 2 rounds in 3 seconds.
- Reset, simulate a step right, fire 2 rounds in 3 seconds.
- Public Range Note: Shift your body to simulate movement if stepping is not permitted.
🔹 Stage 3 – 6 Rounds
Target Distance: 3 yards
Focus: One-handed shooting (dominant and support)
- Action:
- From holster, simulate step left, fire 3 rounds using dominant hand only.
- Then simulate step right, fire 3 rounds using support hand only.
- Time Limit: 5 seconds per string
🔹 Stage 4 – 4 Rounds
Target Distance: 7 yards
Focus: Lateral movement and multiple draws
- Action:
- Draw, simulate step right, fire 2 rounds in 5 seconds.
- Reholster, draw again, simulate step left, fire 2 rounds in 5 seconds.
🔹 Stage 5 – 12 Rounds
Target Distance: 7 yards
Focus: Reloads under stress
- Action:
- Draw, simulate step right, fire 6 rounds, reload, fire 6 more rounds.
- Time Limit: 20 seconds total
🔹 Stage 6 – 6 Rounds
Target Distance: 15 yards
Focus: Distance accuracy
- Action:
- Draw and fire 6 rounds from a stable two-handed stance.
- Time Limit: 15 seconds total
🎯 Scoring and Target Info
- Target: B-21E or FDLE silhouette
- Scoring Zones: Only hits in the 4 or 5-point zones count
- Minimum to Pass: 32 out of 40 hits (80%)
📌 Target Placement Guide for 8.5” x 11” FDLE Printable
If you want to download and print the scaled FDLE target on standard 8.5” x 11” paper below, you’ll need to adjust your shooting distances to match the visual challenge of the full-size qualification. Below are the corrected distances for use with your printed target:
| Original Distance | Scaled Target Distance |
|---|---|
| 1 yard (3 feet) | 1 foot |
| 3 yards (9 feet) | 2.5 to 3 feet |
| 7 yards (21 feet) | 6 feet |
| 15 yards (45 feet) | 13 feet |
| 25 yards (75 feet) | 21 feet |
🎯 Instructions:
Place your printed target on a safe backstop or cardboard stand. Use a measuring tape, laser rangefinder, or floor markings to ensure you’re standing at the correct scaled distance for each stage of the qualification. This maintains a proportional sight picture and keeps your training realistic.⬇️ See Below to Download Your Scaled Target ⬇️
🧠 Civilian Takeaway: Why This Matters
If you carry a firearm for self-defense, this is what minimum police proficiency looks like. You should aim to meet—or exceed—this standard. That includes:
- Practicing holster draws
- Shooting with both hands, and one-handed
- Performing reloads under time pressure
- Engaging targets at multiple distances
- Moving while shooting
📣 Ready to Train Like the Pros?
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Final Thoughts
The Miami-Dade Police qualification is not just a test—it’s a template for responsible carry. These 40 rounds represent real-life situations where training makes the difference between life and death. If you’re carrying a firearm, it’s your responsibility to be ready.
