Contra Costa County CCW Training 

Contra Costa County CCW Training 

Our Contra Costa CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon ) Training teaches the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to carry a concealed pistol for personal defense.  This CCW class is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience and is designed to provide the core competencies required by California’s SB-2.  This  CCW class is also applicable to non-resident permits for both Arizona and Florida, which due to reciprocity allows for non-resident carry in 32 states. 

This instructor-led, in-person course gives you direct instruction from a California DOJ CCW instructor from the beginning to end and is conducted in a classroom and on a shooting range.

The following topics are included but not limited to: 

• Mental Health and resources (SB-2 requirement)

• California Laws governing the use of deadly force

• Firearms and home/vehicle safety

• Pistol nomenclature and selecting a pistol for self-defense

• Ammunition knowledge and defensive ammunition selection

• Basic defensive pistol skills

• Drawing from concealment

• Loading and stoppage remediation

• Defensive mindset and awareness

• Carry modes and pistol concealment

• Firearms qualification course

Note: All Basic defensive Pistol skills, including drawing from concealment will be done with your primary training gun. 

Course fees include all course materials and range fees. 

The following items will be need for the class:

• Valid California driver’s license or ID issued by CA DMV.

• Handgun(s) that you intend to put on your permit.  There is no additional charge for qualifying with multiple guns.  The State of California requires that the guns you list on your permit be registered to you within the State.

• Two magazines or one speed-loader (if revolver) for each gun.

• Strong-side Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) made of Plastic or KYDEX for your primary training gun. Holster must completely cover the trigger (if you do not have a holsters we recommend a friction fit, molded KYDEX holster).  

  • No Blackhawk Serpas or  Bulldog Rapid Release Series Holster.  

  • No Shoulder holsters allowed.    

  • No Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters.

  • No Leather holsters

• Stiff Belt 

• Magazine belt carrier or speed loader pouches if revolver is used

• Pants with belt loops.  Tactical pants with thigh pockets for extra ammo preferred but not required.

• Ammunition – 250 rounds for main training gun, plus an additional 30 rounds for each additional gun you wish to shoot for qualification testing. The final qualification test will be given

• Eye Protection (Wrap-around is recommended )

• Hearing protection ( Electronic hearing protection is recommended).

• Notepad and pen (black ink)

• Baseball cap

• Sack lunch and personal hydration

• Closed toe shoes

• No low necklines or V-neck shirts please.

DO NOT BRING ANY AMMO INTO THE CLASSROOM – LEAVE IT IN YOUR VEHICLE!  Handguns must be unloaded and cased.

For a listing of upcoming classes please see our Upcoming Classes  pages.

To inquire about private or semi-private classes please submit a Training Request.  

Contra Costa CCW Range Qualification 

The Contra Costa Sheriff's office will administer the  shooting qualification.  Minimal qualification shooting skills are needed.  This course includes fundamental needed including a pretest qualification to prepare you for the qualification with Sheriff's office. If you are unsure of your skills, Basic Pistol and Defensive Pistol classes are available to assist with mastering the fundamentals required to shoot and pass the county specific qualification.

For more details on the Contra Costa County CCW application process see:

https://www.cocosheriff.org/how-do-i/apply-for-a-ccw-permit

All Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) training is done by CA DOJ CCW Certified Instructors. 

🎯 Course Overview - Initial / New permit

📘 Day 1 – Foundations + NRA Defensive Pistol (Live‑Fire)

Day 1 integrates the core components of the NRA Defensive Pistol curriculum, giving students hands‑on defensive skills before moving into Day 2’s qualification work.

Topics & Live‑Fire Skills:

• Firearm Safety & Pistol Nomenclature

• Fundamentals of Defensive Marksmanship

• Ammunition Knowledge & Defensive Ammo Selection

• Drawing From Concealment

• NRA Defensive Pistol Live‑Fire Exercises, including:

  • Basic defensive shooting techniques

  • Controlled pairs & accuracy drills

  • Loading techniques & stoppage remediation

  • Introduction to holster work (dry + live‑fire as appropriate)

This day builds the foundation for safe, confident, defensive‑minded shooting.

📘 Day 2 – Concealed Carry Skills, Law, and Qualification (Live‑Fire)

Day 2 focuses on real‑world CCW application, legal responsibilities, and the county‑specific qualification course of fire.

Topics & Live‑Fire Skills:

• Carry Modes & Pistol Concealment

• Defensive Mindset & Mental Health

• California Firearms Law & Use of Force

• Written Test & Review

• County‑Specific Qualification Course of Fire (Live‑Fire)

  • Includes timed drills

  • Reinforces Day 1 defensive skills

  • Meets all issuing‑agency requirements