Our Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course is designed to provide the essential knowledge, skills, and legal understanding necessary for responsible concealed carry. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your permit, this course ensures you meet Colorado’s legal requirements while preparing you for the responsibility of carrying a firearm.
Our new applicant course is 9 hours long, while our renewal course is 4.5 hours, with both covering legal updates, firearm safety, and qualification.
Course Options & Costs
1. Full Colorado Concealed Carry Course (For New Applicants)
- Duration: 8 hours (Classroom + Live Fire)
- Cost: $159.99
- Requirement: Mandatory written & shooting qualification
- Location: Starts at (classroom), then moves to a live fire range in Aurora or Denver:
- 1310 S Abilene St, Aurora, CO 80012
- 410 Raritan Way, Denver, CO 80204
- 6280 E 39th Ave, Denver, CO 80207
2. Renewal Course (For Existing CHP Holders)
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Cost: $109.99
- Requirement: Must pass both a written exam (80% minimum) and a shooting qualification (70% accuracy)
- Who Should Take This?
- This class is only for individuals with an existing CHP that needs renewal. If your permit has expired, you must retake the full 8-hour course.
- Location: Classroom at Holly St, followed by shooting qualification at one of the designated ranges.
What’s Covered in the Course?
1. Understanding Colorado’s Concealed Carry Laws
- Colorado Revised Statutes on Firearms & Self-Defense
- Use-of-force laws: When can you legally use your firearm?
- Castle Doctrine & Stand Your Ground laws
- Interacting with law enforcement while carrying
- Where you can & cannot carry in Colorado
- Colorado Red Flag Law
- DA, Judge & Jury Dynamics
- Criminal & Civil Liability
2. Legal Considerations & Self-Defense Insurance
Carrying a firearm is a serious legal responsibility. We strongly encourage participants to consider self-defense insurance to cover legal fees and civil liabilities in the event of a defensive shooting.
In this course, we discuss:
- The importance of having self-defense insurance
- Coverage options and what to look for in a policy
- Exclusive access to self-defense insurance through our partners at Firearm Legal Protection (FLP)
3. Firearm Safety & Handling
- The Four Firearm Safety Rules
- Safe handling practices (at home & in public)
- Firearm storage & securing your gun
- Malfunctions & clearing jams
- Ammo Types
4. Choosing the Right Firearm & Holster
- Selecting the best firearm for concealed carry (size, caliber, ergonomics)
- Holster types: Inside Waistband (IWB), Outside Waistband (OWB), shoulder, ankle, etc.
- How to safely draw & reholster your firearm
5. Developing the Right Mindset for Concealed Carry
- Situational awareness & de-escalation
- Mental preparedness in high-stress situations
- Avoiding conflicts & understanding when NOT to draw your weapon
6. Live Fire Training & Shooting Qualification
All students (both new and renewal applicants) must complete a live fire qualification to pass the course.
Shooting Qualification Requirements:
- 7 feet: 10 rounds
- 10 feet: 10 rounds
- 15 feet: 5 rounds
- Minimum Accuracy: 70% (18/25 rounds must hit within the silhouette)
Written Exam Requirements:
- Multiple-choice test covering legal & safety topics
- Passing Score: 80% or higher required
Course Schedule (New Applicants – 8 Hours)
Start Time: 9:30 AM
- 9:30 AM: Registration & Admin
- 9:45 AM: Classroom Instruction (Laws, Safety, Mindset)
- 12:30 PM: Lunch (30 minutes)
- 1:00 PM: Classroom Instruction (Holsters, Carry Methods, Exam)
- 2:30 PM: Travel to Range
- 3:00 PM: Live Fire Training
- 4:30 PM: Shooting Qualification
- 5:30 PM: Paperwork Completion
- 6:00 PM: End of Class
Course Schedule (Renewal – 4.5 Hours)
Start Time: 10:00 AM
- 10:00 AM: Legal updates & CHP renewal process
- 11:30 AM: Firearm safety refresher
- 12:30 PM: Written exam (80% passing score)
- 1:00 PM: Drive to range
- 1:30 PM: Live Fire Qualification (70% passing score)
- 2:30 PM: Paperwork & wrap-up
What to Bring to Class?
New Applicants & Renewal Participants Must Bring:
- A semi-auto or revolver handgun (chambered in .22, .32, .380, 9mm, .40, .45, 10mm, .38 SPL, etc.)
- Minimum 1 magazine
- 100 rounds of ammunition
- A gun case for safe transport
- Eye and ear protection
- $20 range fee
- Lunch & water (for new applicants)
- Note-taking materials
- A good attitude & proper hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is my CHP valid?
Colorado concealed handgun permits are valid for 5 years.
2. What if my permit has expired?
If your permit has fully expired, you must take the full 8-hour course again.
3. Is self-defense insurance required?
It is not required but is highly recommended. We discuss self-defense insurance options and offer coverage through Firearm Legal Protection (FLP).
4. Do I need prior shooting experience?
No, our course is designed for all experience levels. We cover basic firearm operation, safety, and handling.
5. What score do I need to pass?
- Written Exam: 80% minimum passing score
- Shooting Qualification: 70% accuracy (35/50 rounds within the silhouette)
6. Can I take this course online?
No. Colorado law requires in-person training for CHP certification.
7. Where is the course held?
- Classroom: S. Holly St
- Live Fire Training: Aurora or Denver range (multiple locations available)
Final Thoughts: Take the Next Step in Responsible Carry
Our Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course ensures you’re legally prepared, well-trained, and confident in carrying a firearm for self-defense. Whether you’re getting your permit for the first time or renewing an existing permit, this class provides everything you need to know to carry responsibly.
Don’t wait—sign up today to secure your spot and take the next step toward responsible concealed carry!
We proudly offer concealed carry classes for residents of:
Arvada, Aurora, Berkley, Boulder, Bow Mar, Broomfield, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine, Commerce City, Conifer, Dacono, Denver, Derby, Dupont, Englewood, Erie, Evergreen, Federal Heights, Firestone, Fort Lupton, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Lochbuie, Lone Tree, Longmont, Louisville, Morrison, Northglenn, Parker, Sheridan, Sherrelwood, Superior, Thornton, Twin Lakes, Westminster, Wheat Ridge.