Defensive Handgun Skills Development (DPP Prep)

Prepare. Develop. Succeed.

It does not matter if you are looking for a way to obtain and refine your pistolcraft skills or if you are headed into an instructor level training course. This class will give you that edge, the difference between barely making it compared to doing great.

The Defensive Handgun Skills Development (DPP Prep) Course is your opportunity to build the defensive shooting skills and instructional foundation needed to succeed in the USCCA Defensive Pistol Program Certified Instructor course.

This is not a beginner course. It’s a focused, challenging, and practical training experience designed for serious students and instructors. Whether you’re planning to attend a DPP-CI session or simply looking to strengthen your instructor capabilities, this course delivers what you need to move forward with confidence.

✅ Why Take This Course?

- Boost your pass rate: Students who complete this prep course have nearly a 3x higher pass rate in the DPP-CI course (30% → 80%).
- Sharpen your skills: Train in defensive pistol techniques, range operations, and instructor-level coaching.
- Build confidence: Know what’s expected and how to perform before stepping into a DPP-CI course.

You do not need to be enrolled in a DPP-CI course to attend. This course also serves as an excellent instructor development opportunity on its own.

📋 Course Topics Include:

- The Defensive Pistol Program shooting assessments
- Defensive shooting skill development
- Instructor coaching, training, and evaluation techniques
- Range management and shooting drills

🧰 Required Equipment:

- Eye and ear protection (electronic preferred)
- Defensive handgun (reliable and familiar to you)
- Minimum 600 rounds of ammo
- 5 inert dummy rounds
- At least 3 magazines with holders
- Quality IWB, OWB, or AIWB holster (see note below)
- Sturdy belt suitable for holster and mag pouches
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
- Water, snacks, and lunch

⚠️ Prerequisites:

- Solid experience in defensive pistol training
- Competency and comfort in handling your firearm
- Familiarity with all required equipment

Important: Do not bring a firearm you're unfamiliar with. This is not the time nor the place to test out a new gun.

🚫 Holster Notice:

As of 4/4/2012, any holster requiring the use of the trigger/index finger to release the gun (e.g., SERPA-style) is prohibited in all Rochester Personal Defense, LLC courses and events.

Please review our holster safety policy here:
👉 www.safeinrochester.com/serpa.php

👨‍🏫 About the Instructor:

Dave Jenkins (aka DFJ) is a nationally recognized firearms trainer with more than 25 years of experience in defensive training. He holds the distinction of being a certified Handgun Combatives, LLC Instructor, a graduate of numerous instructor level courses from Blackwater, Academi, Sig Academy, Rangemaster, (and more), and a highly experienced Training Counselor for both the NRA and USCCA.

Dave was the first DPP Certified Instructor to be awarded the USCCA Defensive Pistol Program (DPP) Training Counselor rating outside of the standard application process—a recognition earned through his extensive background and unwavering commitment to instructional excellence and instructor development.

Recognizing a gap in instructor readiness, Dave created the DPP Prep Course specifically to complement the DPP Certified Instructor program. His goal: To help instructors and instructor candidates elevate their skills and dramatically increase their chances of success.

📌 Who Should Attend:

- Prospective DPP Certified Instructor Candidates
- Firearms instructors seeking advanced defensive training
- Experienced shooters looking to grow in coaching and range leadership

Get ready to perform. Get ready to pass. Get ready with the Defensive Handgun Skills Development (DPP Prep) course.