Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit and CCW Training FAQ
Questions are part of responsible training. Here are answers to common questions about Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), Colorado CCW and concealed carry training, the two Colorado Initial CHP tracks, course standards, and permit limitations.
Is Colorado CCW the same thing as a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?
Colorado law uses the term Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). Many people casually search for Colorado CCW or Colorado concealed carry training. Plain Sight uses CHP for legal clarity while also helping students who are looking for Colorado CCW or concealed carry classes find the correct initial-permit training information.
Where are classes held?
Classroom instruction may be held at Cherry Creek Gun Club, 1310 S Clinton St, Aurora, CO 80247, or 4901 E Dry Creek Rd, Centennial, CO 80122. The shooting portion may be held at Cherry Creek Gun Club or Shoot Indoors, 1310 S Abilene St, Aurora, CO 80012. Final classroom and range details are confirmed with registered students before class.
What is the difference between Colorado CHP Foundations and Colorado CHP Experienced Shooter?
Both are complete Colorado Initial CHP courses for the same Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) training requirement. Both include a minimum 8 hours of in-person instruction, required classroom instruction, an open-book written competency exam with a minimum 80% passing score, and a live-fire exercise of at least 50 rounds with minimum 70% accuracy. Foundations spends more time coaching handgun familiarity and shooting fundamentals. Experienced Shooter covers required firearm safety, handling and shooting fundamentals efficiently with an experienced audience, allowing greater instructional depth in judgment, law, avoidance, de-escalation and practical concealed carry.
Is the Experienced Shooter track shorter or easier?
No. Colorado CHP Experienced Shooter is not a shortcut, not a reduced-hour course, and not a lower-standard course. It is a complete Colorado Initial CHP course with the same minimum 8-hour in-person instruction requirement, required classroom instruction, written exam, live-fire exercise, and passing standards.
Is Foundations just preparation for a later CHP course?
No. Colorado CHP Foundations is the full Colorado Initial CHP course. It is designed for newer or less experienced handgun users and provides more coaching on safe handgun handling, firearm and ammunition knowledge, loading and unloading, verifying clear, basic controls, grip, stance, sights, trigger control, shooting fundamentals, range procedures, basic malfunction handling, and safe storage while also fully covering Colorado law, defensive judgment, avoidance, de-escalation, conflict management, exam, and live fire.
Do I need to take Foundations before Experienced Shooter?
No. The two tracks are alternatives, not prerequisites for each other. Choose Foundations if you want more hands-on handgun coaching. Choose Experienced Shooter if you already safely and independently operate a handgun.
I have never fired a handgun. Can I take the Colorado Initial CHP course?
Yes. Choose Colorado CHP Foundations. No previous handgun experience is required for that track. It is the complete Colorado Initial CHP course with additional coaching on safe handling, operation, loading and unloading, shooting fundamentals, range procedures, and live-fire preparation.
I'm already an experienced shooter. Will the initial class be too basic?
Experienced shooters are welcome. In the Experienced Shooter track, required firearm safety, handling and shooting fundamentals are covered efficiently with an experienced audience, allowing greater instructional depth in judgment, law, avoidance, de-escalation, conflict resolution, practical concealed-carry considerations, and scenario discussion.
How long is the Colorado Initial CHP class?
Both Colorado Initial CHP tracks require a minimum of 8 hours of in-person instruction. Breaks, meals, and non-instructional travel do not count toward instructional time. Exact start and finish times are listed with each scheduled course.
How much shooting is required?
Both Colorado Initial CHP tracks include a live-fire exercise requiring at least 50 rounds of ammunition and a minimum 70% accuracy score, along with safe firearm handling.
Is there a written exam?
Yes. Both Colorado Initial CHP tracks include an open-book written concealed handgun competency examination. A score of at least 80% is required.
Does completing the class guarantee that I'll receive a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?
No. Successful course completion documents completion of the applicable training requirement. Eligibility, application approval, and permit issuance are determined by the appropriate Colorado sheriff.
Can I complete any part of the qualifying class online?
No. Colorado qualifying initial and refresher concealed handgun training must be conducted in person with the instructor at the same location as the students.
What's the difference between Colorado Initial CHP training and NRA Pistol Foundations?
Colorado Initial CHP training is the comprehensive qualifying training for students seeking Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit training. NRA Pistol Foundations is an optional skills-focused pistol course for students who want additional handgun familiarity and shooting practice. NRA Pistol Foundations by itself is not a substitute for the qualifying CHP course.
Will you tell me whether I should carry or use a firearm in a particular situation?
Training discusses Colorado law, defensive-force principles, conflict avoidance, de-escalation, judgment, and scenario-based decision-making. The class is educational and does not provide individualized legal advice.