California CCW Live-Fire Qualification
Below is the recommended Course of Fire, completion standards, and required equipment for qualification. We assist enrolled students with scheduling and locating live-fire instructions nationwide through our network of 3,800+ Live-Fire Qualification instructors across the U.S.A. California counties have different qualification standards — contact us for assistance with your specific county.
Disclaimer
This is NOT intended to be an instructional range session. Applicants are expected to have received sufficient training and demonstrate proficiency in firearms safety & handling, basic marksmanship, and safe drawing from concealment. If you have not received this training (especially performing concealed holster draws), consider a CA CCW Qualification Prep Course before attempting the qualification. The instructor has discretion to administer the live-fire qualification format according to your skills and firearms safety.
Completion of a Live-Fire Qualification, along with your RiversideCCWOnline.com Certificate of Completion, will satisfy the requirements for a California Non-Resident CCW, Riverside Resident CCW, and Renewals. You MUST qualify with each firearm you will list on your CCW Permit. There is NO Roster for Non-Residents. No Extended Magazine Exemptions. 10 Round Magazine Capacity. No Threaded Barrels.
This is the same Course of Fire for Renewals. Renewals require an 8-hour online course, also provided by RiversideCCWOnline.com.
Course of Fire Overview
Slow draw from concealment, SLOWLY firing 6 rounds within the 7 ring. Recover, reload, reholster.
Repeat firing — 6 rounds within the 7 ring. Recover, reload, reholster.
Repeat firing — 6 rounds within the 7 ring.
Completion Standards
- Applicants must successfully hit at least 5 of 6 rounds within the 7-ring or better on the B-27 target provided for each distance.
- Applicants who fail any portion will be given an opportunity to retest.
- ANY safety violations or failure to follow range commands deemed unacceptable by the instructor or rangemaster will result in immediate failure with no refund.
Required Equipment
Current Driver's License / ID
You MUST bring your current physical driver's license to enter the range and complete the qualification. Digital versions are not acceptable.
Firearm(s)
MUST be in safe working order and able to comply with California firearm law in its current configuration. No more than 6 firearms per person.
Holster
MUST be designed specifically for concealment and made of Kydex or quality leather (subject to instructor's discretion). NO pocket holsters, belly bands, SERPA, Techna clips, Sticky holsters, or anything that does not adequately cover the trigger guard and maintain retention. A sturdy concealed-carry belt is recommended.
Ammunition
MUST be factory new ammunition. No steel-core, incendiary, or armor-piercing cartridges. Self-defense ammo such as hollow points is acceptable but not required. Recommended minimum: 50 rounds per firearm. We do NOT provide ammunition; insufficient ammo constitutes a failed qualification.
Personal Protective Equipment
You must provide your own eye and hearing protection that protects the user's ears but does not inhibit hearing range commands. Electronic hearing protection is strongly encouraged.
Other
MUST have closed-toe shoes. Low-cut shirts, jackets, and any clothing that interferes with safe drawing of the firearm is not permitted. We highly recommend a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for heat/sun. Snacks and drinks other than water are NOT permitted on the range.
Suggested On-Range Outline
For California Non-Resident, Riverside County Residents, and Renewals — CCW Live-Fire Qualification.
Introduction
- Instructor Intro
- Student Intro — Background / Training
- Safety Briefing — All firearms/mags UNLOADED at this point
- Range Dimensions / Commands — Cease Fire, Hot/Cold Range, 'Beep', Load & Make Ready
- Course of Fire — 45, 30, 15 feet — 6 rounds per station
- Pass/Fail Standards — at least 5 in the 7-ring or better
- Retest — at the end, only repeat of failed portion
- Questions?
Gear Check
- Firearms & Ammo — check safe & clear
- Holsters / belt — must not create a safety risk
- Clothing — check for any interfering shirts/pants/etc.
- PPE — ensure range commands can be heard
- Empty Gun Draw Demo — MANDATORY if new student
Prep
- Firearms unloaded and clear
- Load ONLY 6 rounds in each mag (revolver / no add'l mags: put ammo in pocket to reload)
- Move to firing line — explain range dimensions
- Load & make ready first mag at 45-foot line, SAFELY reholster
Firing
- SLOWLY draw and fire 6 rounds on target at the beep
- When everyone is finished with each station, move to next position
- Reload and carefully reholster
- Repeat on 30 and 15 foot stations
After Action
- Unload and show clear
- Score / Evaluate / Debrief
- Instructor scans QR code, completes Firearm Verification, and submits Registration
Instruction Guide
After completing your online certification course, schedule your live-fire qualification with an instructor near you. For help locating or scheduling, call 1-623-850-4134.
Live-Fire Qualifications MUST be completed with NRA Certified Instructors with valid credentials. This form is for CaliforniaCCWOnline.com students and instructors only. To request access to our online qualification form, email support@CaliforniaCCWOnline.com.
When you pass your Live-Fire Qualification, your instructor will scan our QR code (or email support@CaliforniaCCWOnline.com to request access) and complete the online form listing the firearms you qualified with. You and the instructor will receive a copy via email for your records and to upload with your application documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Non-Resident CCW Live-Fire Qualification?+
A required in-person training to complete the concealed carry permit process. It involves live shooting to ensure competency in firearm handling.
How do I schedule my Live-Fire Qualification?+
Once you complete the online training, we'll connect you with a qualified instructor in your area. For help locating an approved instructor near you, call 1-623-850-4134.
Who can instruct the Live-Fire Qualification?+
Certified instructors who meet California DOJ requirements are authorized to administer the qualification. Most NRA Certified Instructors qualify; counties may have additional requirements. Instructors with valid credentials should call 623-850-4134 to join our network.
What are the requirements for completing the Live-Fire Qualification?+
You must complete the online course first. We'll then provide next steps and an electronic form for your instructor to verify successful completion using the recommended Course of Fire on this page.
Can the Live-Fire Qualification be completed outside California?+
Yes — the qualification can be completed at ranges and training locations nationwide, as long as the instructor is certified and follows California CCW training standards. We assist with locating instructors nationwide.