California CCW Overview

Basic Firearms Training offers both 16-hour initial and 8-hour renewal CA CCW courses as well as CCW modification qualifications. All courses are compliant with Senate Bill 2 requirements.

CCW courses are designed for people who are already familiar with the basic operation of their handgun(s), but need the legally mandated training to obtain or renew their CCW. While shooting fundamentals are covered in class, this course is not designed to teach people how to operate their firearms.  It is recommended that new shooters take a basic handgun course prior to their CCW course so they are familiar with how to operate their handguns.

CCW courses cover a variety of topics to include, but not limited to: firearms safety, handgun fundamentals, basic tactics, proper mindset, laws regarding the permissible use of firearms in California, and more.

During the course, students will be required to successfully complete a course of fire with each firearm that will be listed on their CCW permit. The specific course of fire is determined by the law enforcement agency issuing the student’s CCW.

For CCW modifications, students only need to complete the qualification portion of the CCW course. Students must qualify with all firearms that will be listed on their permit, regardless of whether the firearm(s) is/are already listed on their permit. Agencies will only list the guns that were qualified with and listed on the modification certificate and qualification form. In other words, if you are simply adding a firearm to the permit, you must shoot the other firearm(s) that is/are currently listed on the permit, unless you no longer want those firearms on the permit.

All CCW courses satisfy the CCW training requirements as outlined in California Penal Code section 26165(a) and, at minimum, the requirements of the following Sheriff's Offices / Police Departments:

Amador County Sheriff

Contra Costa County Sheriff

El Dorado County Sheriff (EDSO courses temporarily on hold)

Ione Police Department

Placer County Sheriff

Sacramento County Sheriff

San Joaquin County Sheriff

Sutter County Sheriff

West Sacramento Police Department

Winters Police Department

Woodland Police Department

Yolo County Sheriff

Yuba County Sheriff

Note: If your issuing agency is not listed, you can email me to determine if I can do a class for you.

What to bring for the course:

• Valid Driver License or ID Card
• Firearm(s) that you will qualify with (please ensure they are in good working order and are properly cleaned and lubricated BEFORE class)
• At least 2 magazines or speed loaders per firearm
• Ammunition (ammo count varies by agency and will be provided in registration confirmation email)
• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Note pad
• Pen or pencil
• Positive and safe attitude and an open mind