16-Hour CCW Initial Certification Course

(Orange County Residents)

Course Overview

The Orange County CCW Initial Certification Course is designed for individuals applying for a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit through the Orange County Sheriff's Department. This 16-hour course satisfies the training requirements established under California law and Orange County Sheriff's Department policy.

At Not Today Self-Defense & Firearms Training, we believe concealed carry is built on responsibility, safety, discipline, and preparation. This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, legal understanding, and mindset necessary to responsibly carry a concealed firearm and protect themselves and their loved ones.

Successful completion of this course includes classroom instruction, a written examination, and live-fire qualification with each firearm to be listed on the permit.

What You'll Learn

This course includes instruction on:

• Developing a Personal and Home Protection Plan
• Firearm Safety and Safe Gun Handling
• Handgun Fundamentals and Defensive Marksmanship
• Defensive Mindset and Situational Awareness
• Gear Selection and Everyday Carry Considerations
• California Laws Governing Concealed Carry
• Updates to Self-Defense and Use-of-Force Laws
• The Legal Use of Force
• Violent Encounters and Their Aftermath
• Less-Lethal Self-Defense Options
• Mental Wellness Following Critical Incidents
• Safe Firearm Storage and Transportation
• Interaction with Law Enforcement While Carrying
• Written Examination
• Live-Fire Qualification

Student Expectations & Prerequisites

The Orange County CCW Initial Certification Course is not intended to serve as a beginner firearms class or a student's first live-fire experience.

Students attending this course are expected to arrive with:

• A safe and functional firearm suitable for concealed carry
• Sufficient ammunition for training and qualification
• A working knowledge of their firearm's operation and controls
• The ability to safely handle and manipulate their firearm without direct one-on-one instruction

Prior to attending class, students should be comfortable with:

• Loading and unloading magazines
• Safely loading and unloading their firearm
• Locking the slide or action open
• Maintaining muzzle discipline and trigger finger discipline
• Following all firearms safety rules
• Shooting well enough to successfully complete the required qualification course

Students who are new to shooting or unfamiliar with their firearm are strongly encouraged to complete a basic handgun course prior to attending.

What to Bring

Students should bring:

• A valid California Driver License or Identification Card
• All firearms they intend to have listed on their CCW permit
• At least 72 rounds of ammunition for their primary firearm
• 20 rounds of ammunition for each additional firearm
• Eye and ear protection
• A sturdy belt and holster (if applicable)
• Water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing

Live-Fire Qualification

Students must successfully qualify with each firearm they wish to have listed on their permit.

Primary Firearm Qualification

• 3 Yards: 8 rounds
• 5 Yards: 8 rounds
• 7 Yards: 8 rounds
• Total: 24 rounds

Additional Firearms

• 5 Yards: 10 rounds
• 7 Yards: 10 rounds
• Total: 20 rounds per firearm

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• First-time Orange County CCW applicants
• Individuals interested in carrying a firearm for personal protection
• Firearm owners committed to safe, lawful, and responsible concealed carry
• Citizens who want a deeper understanding of California self-defense laws and use-of-force considerations

Cancellation Policy

Students may cancel their registration up to 48 hours before the scheduled class to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the course, or failure to attend, are non-refundable.

Our Philosophy