Colorado Firearms Safety Course

1. What is the Colorado Firearms Safety Course?
The Colorado Firearms Safety Course is a state-required training program for individuals purchasing certain semiautomatic firearms in Colorado. Under Colorado law, this generally includes semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines, as well as gas-operated semiautomatic pistols with detachable magazines. Examples may include many AR-15-style rifles, AK-style rifles, AR-style pistols, and other firearms that meet the state’s legal definition.
The course covers firearm safety, safe handling, secure storage, transportation, Colorado firearm laws, and responsible firearm ownership. After successfully completing the course and passing the required written examination, your instructor will submit your training record to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

2. Who is required to take the Colorado Firearms Safety Course?
Most individuals purchasing or transferring a specified semiautomatic firearm in Colorado must complete the required Firearms Safety Course before acquiring the firearm. However, Colorado law provides exemptions for certain individuals and transactions, including some peace officers, members of the armed forces acting within their official duties, and other exemptions established by law.

3. What is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?
The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is issued by your local Sheriff’s Office or authorized police department after you successfully complete the required background check and meet Colorado’s eligibility requirements. Once you have your Eligibility Card and successfully complete the Colorado Firearms Safety Course, you may purchase or transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm in accordance with Colorado law.

4. What is the difference between the 12-hour and 4-hour course?
The 12-hour course is designed for individuals who have not completed a qualifying Hunter Education course. The 4-hour course is available to students who provide proof of completing an approved Hunter Education program.

5. How do I know which course I need?
If you have a valid Hunter Education Certificate that qualifies under Colorado law, you may be eligible for the 4-hour course. If you have never completed Hunter Education, you must take the 12-hour Colorado Firearms Safety Course.

6. Is this course required for all firearm purchases?
No. The Colorado Firearms Safety Course is only required for individuals purchasing or transferring specified semiautomatic firearms as defined by Colorado law. It does not apply to every firearm purchase. Many bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, pump-action shotguns, revolvers, and other firearms are not subject to this training requirement.

7. Is live-fire shooting required?
No. The Colorado Firearms Safety Course is entirely classroom-based and focuses on firearm safety, Colorado law, and responsible firearm ownership. No live-fire qualification is required.

8. Is there a written exam?
Yes. Students must pass a final written examination with a minimum score of 90% to successfully complete the course. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the examination after receiving additional instruction from your verified instructor. Once you successfully pass, your instructor will submit your course completion to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

9. What topics are covered during the course?
Students learn:
Firearm safety rules
Safe firearm handling
Loading and unloading procedures
Secure firearm storage
Firearm transportation
Colorado firearm laws
Prohibited persons
Negligent discharge prevention
Responsible firearm ownership

10. How long does the course take?
Students without Hunter Education complete the 12-hour course. Students with qualifying Hunter Education complete the 4-hour course.

11. What should I bring to class?
Please bring:
Valid government-issued photo ID
Hunter Education Certificate (if applicable)
Note-taking materials
Registration confirmation (if requested)
No firearm is required unless specifically instructed. No live ammunition is permitted in the classroom.

12. Do I need to bring my own firearm?
No. This course is classroom-based, and students are not required to bring a firearm.

13. Can I take the Colorado Firearms Safety Course online?
No. Colorado law requires the Firearms Safety Course to be completed in person with a Verified Colorado CHP Instructor. Online-only courses do not satisfy Colorado’s legal training requirements and cannot be used to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. Be cautious of websites advertising online certification, as they are not valid under Colorado law.

14. Where are classes held?
Our Colorado Firearms Safety Courses are held in professional classroom settings in Denver and Thornton, Colorado. Students can choose from multiple class dates, times, and locations throughout the Denver metro area.

15. Who teaches the course?
Colorado law requires this course to be taught by a Verified Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructor recognized by the county Sheriff’s Office or authorized police department where they primarily teach.
At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, both Mark Schneider and Alicia Garcia are Verified Colorado CHP Instructors authorized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to teach the Colorado Firearms Safety Course.

16. What happens after I complete the course?
After successfully completing the course and passing the written examination with a score of at least 90%, your instructor will submit your training record to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Once your completion has been processed, you may use your valid Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to purchase or transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm in accordance with Colorado law.

17. How long is the course valid?
Your Colorado Firearms Safety Course completion remains valid for five (5) years from the date of successful completion. After five years, you must complete the course again before purchasing or transferring another specified semiautomatic firearm, unless otherwise exempt by law.

18. How much does the Firearms Safety Course cost?
Pricing depends on whether you enroll in the 12-hour or 4-hour course. Please see the pricing section above or visit our training calendar for current tuition and upcoming class dates.

19. Is the course beginner friendly?
Yes. The course is designed for both new and experienced firearm owners. No prior firearm experience is required.

20. Will this course teach me how to shoot?
No. The primary purpose of this course is firearm safety and legal compliance. Students interested in learning marksmanship or defensive shooting should also consider our Basic Handgun Training or Colorado Concealed Carry Classes.

21. Is this the same as a Colorado Concealed Carry Class?
No. The Firearms Safety Course satisfies Colorado’s training requirement for qualifying semiautomatic firearm purchases. A Colorado Concealed Carry Class is a separate course required when applying for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).

22. What if I fail the written exam?
Students must score at least 90% to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the examination after receiving additional instruction from your verified instructor. Our goal is to help every student understand the material and successfully complete the course.

23. Why should I choose Concealed Carry Classes of Denver?
Our instructors are Verified Colorado CHP Instructors recognized by their respective Sheriff’s Offices and authorized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to teach the Colorado Firearms Safety Course. We provide professional, state-compliant instruction in a welcoming classroom environment with experienced instructors, small class sizes, and a commitment to helping every student successfully meet Colorado’s firearm safety requirements.

24. How do I register?
Simply enter your name and email address using the registration form on this page. You’ll then be directed to our training calendar where you can select the class date, time, and location that works best for you.

25. Can I take my Colorado Concealed Carry Class at the same time?
No. Under current Colorado law and Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, the Colorado Firearms Safety Course must be completed as a separate course and cannot be combined with a Colorado Concealed Carry (CHP) class. Each course has its own legal requirements, curriculum, and completion standards.

26. How old do I have to be to take the Colorado Firearms Safety Course?
You must be at least 21 years of age to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card and enroll in the Colorado Firearms Safety Course. Applicants must also meet all eligibility requirements established under Colorado law before purchasing or transferring a specified semiautomatic firearm.