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

Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility. Earning a CCW permit is not simply about meeting a legal requirement, it is about developing the knowledge, judgment, and skills necessary to protect yourself and others responsibly. Our goal is to help every student leave this course more confident, better prepared, and committed to being a safe and responsible armed citizen.

16 Hour - CCW Initial Certification Course - (Orange & Riverside County Residents)