CA DOJ CCW Instructor Courses
Become a California DOJ-certified CCW instructor following the NRA training route.
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
California DOJ Certified CCW Instructor
To become a California DOJ Certified CCW Instructor, you must:
1Obtain a valid California Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE must be renewed annually.
- A)Submit a live scan: BOF 4008 - Certificate of Eligibility Instructions (We offer live scan services on site!)
- B)Create an account or log in to: California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) must complete live scan first! You will need to enter your ATI number during the application process.
2Meet one of the DOJ's accepted instructor qualifications. You must already hold an active instructor credential from an approved training entity, such as:
- California BSIS Firearms Training Instructor (TIF)
- California POST Firearms Instructor, Rangemaster, or Concealed Carry Tactics Instructor (Law Enforcement Instructor)
- Authorization to teach firearms at a California-accredited school (Private Police Academy instructors, etc.)
- CHP or CDCR Firearms Instructor, Weapons Instructor, or Rangemaster
- NRA Law Enforcement Instructor: Click Here : NRA Law Enforcement Training Courses
- NRA Instructor: Pistol, Personal Protection Inside and Outside the Home Instructor: Click Here: Search NRA training Catalogue. You can also use our links below to see our calendar.
3Pass a live-fire qualification. Within six months before applying, you must successfully complete a live-fire qualification administered by another qualified instructor. You cannot administer your own qualification.
Within six months before submitting their application, initial and renewal applicants must pass a live-fire shooting qualification course on a firing range. During the qualification course:
- A)(1) The applicant must display safe weapon practices at all times.
- B)(2) The applicant must use a serviceable holster and magazine pouch with at least one reload.
- C)(3) The following shooting exercises shall be performed using a standard B-27 target:
| Distance | Weapon Location | Rounds | Special Instructions | Time Limit | Number of Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yards | combat ready | 2 | none | 3.0 seconds | 2 times |
| 3 yards | holstered | 2 | hands up | 5.0 seconds | 2 times |
| 5 yards | combat ready | 3 | failure drill | 4.5 seconds | 2 times |
| 5 yards | holstered | 2 | object in hands | 5.0 seconds | 2 times |
| 7 yards | holstered | 6 | none | 10 seconds | 1 time |
4Submit the DOJ application. After obtaining your COE and qualifying instructor credential, complete the BOF 1034 – CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor Application. There is no DOJ application fee, although the COE has associated fees.
- oClick here for the CCW DOJ instructor Application: BOF 1034 CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor Application
- !The instructor who witnessed your qualifications will need to sign this form. Bring it with you to the live fire qualification.
We offer the NRA Instructor route! Click the links below to book your classes.
Don't see a date for a course you'd like to attend? Call us at 310-650-6896 - we often have the next date already in the works! We also offer private instructor training.
Training Path to NRA & DOJ Instructor Certification
To become an NRA instructor, you must:
- Attend the Basic Courses
- Complete Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
- Pass the Instructor Courses
To become a DOJ instructor, you must:
Complete Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor.
The training route will consist of (9 Days):
- Basic Pistol — 1 Day
- BIT — 6 Hours / 1 Day
- Pistol Instructor — 1 Day
- Personal Protection Inside the Home (PPIH) — 1 Day
- PPIH Instructor — 1 Day
- Personal Protection Outside the Home — 2 Days
- PPOH Instructor — 2 Days
NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
The first step to becoming an NRA Certified Instructor. This course covers the NRA instructional methodology, teaching philosophy, and the policies and procedures required to teach NRA courses. BIT is a prerequisite for all NRA instructor-level disciplines.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Instructor
Builds on BIT to certify instructors to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course. Covers instructional techniques for marksmanship fundamentals, safe handling, and pistol operation. A prerequisite for the Personal Protection instructor disciplines.
NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor (PPITH)
Certifies instructors to teach defensive pistol skills for in-home protection. Covers instructional techniques for marksmanship fundamentals, defensive shooting skills, and the legal aspects of self-defense. Successful completion is required before taking PPOH Instructor.
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor (PPOH)
The core NRA instructor certification recognized by the California DOJ for CCW instructor approval. Certifies instructors to teach concealed carry and defensive shooting skills outside the home, including holster draw, presentation, and advanced defensive tactics.
CA DOJ CCW Instructor Application Assistance
Already NRA-certified? We assist certified instructors with the California DOJ CCW Instructor application process, documentation, and submission guidance to help you get approved to teach CCW courses in California.
Book ConsultationCA DOJ CCW Instructor Live Fire Qualification
The DOJ-required live-fire qualification for CCW instructor applicants. Administered by a qualified instructor on our range using the standard B-27 target course of fire. Bring a serviceable holster, magazine pouch, and at least one reload. You cannot administer your own qualification.
Requirements to Become a CA DOJ CCW Instructor
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Be a lawful, non-prohibited person able to possess firearms
- Complete NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
- Complete NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor (PPOOTH)
- Pass instructor-level shooting qualification standards
- Submit a California DOJ CCW Instructor application
Instructor courses are taught by our NRA Training Counselors. Successful students receive an NRA Instructor certification, which is then used to apply to the California DOJ for CCW instructor approval.
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"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
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