NYS 18 Hour Concealed Carry Class
The Required Training to Carry Legally in New York State
This 18-hour course, formerly known as the pistol permit or handgun safety class, is now required for all New York State residents applying for a NYS Concealed Carry License. It meets and exceeds the training requirements set forth by the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) for both initial licensing and first-time license renewals effective September 1, 2022.
Please note:
Only residents of NYC, Suffolk, Westchester, and Nassau Counties are required to take this course to obtain or renew a NYS pistol license—even if they already hold a license.
All other county residents are not required to complete this course for license recertification.
The CCIA specifically authorizes NRA Certified Instructors to teach this mandatory curriculum.
This instructor-led course teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to carry a concealed pistol for personal defense. It is suitable for all individuals, regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA affiliation.
The course combines classroom instruction with live fire range training, and may be delivered in a single-day format or over multiple days in smaller sessions, depending on the instructor’s schedule and state guidelines.
Who Needs to Take This Class:
• All new applicants seeking a NYS Concealed Carry License.
• Residents of NYC, Suffolk, Westchester, and Nassau Counties, including current pistol license holders, must complete this course to maintain or obtain a NYS pistol license.
• All instruction is provided by a Certified NRA Instructor, ensuring compliance with NYS standards and a high-quality educational experience.
Topics Covered
• Mandatory Firearm Safety
• Pistol Nomenclature & Selecting a Pistol for Self-Defense
• Drawing from Concealment
• Loading & Stoppage Remediation
• Mindset & Situational Awareness
• Carry Modes & Pistol Concealment
• Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance
• Live Fire Training & Standardized Shooting Qualification
What You’ll Receive
• Direct instruction from a Certified NRA Instructor
• NRA course materials and reference guides
• CCW Student Examination
• Course Completion Certificate signed by both the NRA Secretary and your instructor
This class includes the New York State-mandated legal and shooting requirements, as outlined in the non-NRA curriculum.
Registration
• All students must register in advance to attend the class.
Classroom Safety Rules
• Absolutely no live ammunition is permitted in the classroom.
• All firearm and ammunition handling will take place on the range only.
Cancellations & Payments
• All deposits and payments are non-refundable.
• However, payments may be applied to another class within 12 months of the original payment date, if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled class.
• One (1) class reschedule is permitted within the 12-month period.
• All major credit cards accepted.
• No personal checks, please.
Provided at the Range (At No Extra Cost)
• Firearms
• Holsters
• Ammunition
• Targets
• Class materials
ITAR Compliance & Student Eligibility: The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), stemming from the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, restrict certain types of firearms training from being provided to non-U.S. persons.
Current NRA policy states “Under federal law, certain non-U.S. citizens are prohibited from participating in this course. Only non-U.S. citizens who are:
(1) Lawful permanent residents (green card holders),
(2) Refugees, or
(3) Individuals who have been granted asylum
may participate in this course.”
By paying for and/or attending this class, participants confirm that they have read and meet the eligibility conditions outlined in Vintage Arms Inc.'s Terms of Attendance & Safety Warnings.
Required Items to Bring
For Students WITH a NYS Pistol License: Bring Every Day
• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)
• Valid NYS Pistol License or other legal authority to possess pistols in NY (e.g., police/armed peace officer ID)
• Sturdy belt suitable for holster use
• 350 rounds of factory ammunition (no reloads) in a caliber appropriate for your firearm
→ DO NOT bring live ammunition into the classroom. Ammunition and firearm are for range day only.
• Eye and hearing protection
• Optional: baseball/range hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Cover garment (large shirt, jacket, etc.) for concealment drills
• Dress appropriately for the outdoor range and weather conditions
• Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks — the class runs all day
For Students WITHOUT a Pistol License (Please Notify Us in Advance if You Do NOT Currently Have a License)
• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)
• Sturdy belt for holster use
• Eye and hearing protection (loaners available if needed)
• Optional: baseball/range hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Cover garment (large shirt, jacket, etc.) for concealment drills
• Dress appropriately for the outdoor range and weather conditions
• Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks — the class runs all day
Free License Application Photos: We provide free license application photographs for all students as part of your class enrollment.
Class Schedule & Locations:
Lecture Locations:
• Irvington, NY
• Pelham, NY
The final location will be announced one week before class, depending on enrollment.
Range Locations (Varies by Date):
• Blue Mountain Sportsman Center – Cortlandt, NY
• Masterclass – Monroe, NY
Class Times:
Saturday
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Classroom)
Sunday
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Classroom)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Range)
Additional Training & Services
8-Hour NRA Pistol Safety Course: Available upon request for those interested in additional firearms education.
Multi-State CCW Permit Services: Vintage Arms, Inc. can assist in preparing AZ, NJ, CT, and FL concealed carry permit applications, including:
• License photos
• Fingerprinting
• Application preparation
Arizona CCW Permit Benefits:
• Recognized in 50 states
• Reciprocity with 38 states - <a value="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/az-gun-laws/" label="" type="url" href="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/az-gun-laws/" target="_blank" data-runtime-url="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/az-gun-laws/">click for more information about AZ Concealed Carry reciprocity
Our easy online registration process allows you to sign up quickly, today!
