As a USCCA Certified Curriculum approved by the Illinois State Police, you can expect more than just a boring packet of information. You will be emailed a digital booklet for the class when you sign up online and/or a printed version at the class itself, but you will also be immersed in an interactive lesson that includes dummy ammunition rounds, holsters, training pistols, and more items to facilitate hands-on learning.
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The length of the class is 16 Hours total of certified instruction over the course of 2 days.
Day 1 covers gun safety & handling, self-defense planning, and conflict avoidance.
Day 2 covers Illinois & Federal Law, as well as the shooting qualification.
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For the shooting qualification, your instructor(s) are your Range Officer as well as the employees that work at the range. You'll be taught many range commands in the class prior to going on to the range.
To qualify you must live fire with a concealable firearm consisting of 10 rounds from 5 yds; 10 rounds from 7 yds; and 10 rounds from 10 yds at a B-27 silhouette target. 70% (21 out of the total 30) must hit in the scoring area of the target.
You will have 2 chances to qualify.
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There is no shooting training or practice involved, just the qualification.
CONCEALED CARRY
*PLEASE ADD 16 HRS TO YOUR CART UNLESS YOU HAVE QUALIFYING CREDIT.
*You may provide documentation of completed training of any of the following courses to receive credit toward your 16 Hours.​
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If you have documentation of completed training totaling 8 Hours or more please select a DAY 2 date only.
4 Hours - Illinois Hunter Safety Course
4 Hours - Utah Concealed Carry Course
4 Hours - Florida Concealed Carry Course
4 Hours - Nevada Concealed Carry Course
4 Hours - Missouri Concealed Carry Course
4 Hours - Kentucky Concealed Carry Course
4 Hours - Michigan Concealed Carry Course
4 Hours - Chicago Firearms Safety Course​
8 Hours - NRA Basic Pistol Course
8 Hours - NRA Personal Protection in the House Course
8 Hours - NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Course
8 Hours - Active, Retired, or Honorably Discharged Member of the US Armed Forces​
8 Hours - Previously Qualified Law Enforcement or Corrections Officer (430 ILCS 66/75(j))
What to bring?
EAR & EYE PROTECTION
If you plan on carrying concealed, I will assume you will be going to a range to practice with your firearm. Instead of buying cheap foam inserts, invest in good hearing protection, which could mean electronic ear muffs or custom-fitted earplugs.
Not all eye protection is made the same either. Your sunglasses are most likely not ballistic rated which means they won’t protect you from small projectiles and fragments. When purchasing eye protection, be sure you buy eyewear that wraps along the side of your eye as well.
Prescription glasses technically qualify in a pinch but for continued practice with your firearm invest in a pair of prescription safety glasses. Your eyes & ears will appreciate it later.
PROPER CLOTHING
Proper shooting clothing includes closed-toe shoes, and a shirt with a closure around the neck. Long sleeves and a hat are suggested but not required.
I would highly recommend wearing clothing that you plan to wear regularly and carry concealed in. This class will give you the opportunity to get a feel for what real life will be like.
Dress appropriately for the climate and discover if you’ll be at an indoor or outdoor range for the shooting portion by looking at the class info, asking on Day 1, or contacting us here.
AMMUNITION & PISTOL
Do not bring a firearm or live ammunition to the class on Day 1. On Day 2 please bring your pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition.
Both your firearm and ammunition will be checked in by an Instructor upon entering the class. The firearm should be unloaded and in a case and should be stored separately from the ammunition.
The reason for this is to alleviate any potential mix-up of dummy rounds and live rounds. It’s best to leave your firearm and ammunition in the car or your range bag and only bring it to the range portion of the class.
WATER & SNACKS
Concealed carry classes can get long. When they’re taught year-round, you might find yourself in extreme weather conditions (hot/cold). Be sure to pack yourself snacks, possibly lunch, lots of water, and sunscreen (if you’re at an outdoor range).
You will have a short break to eat but it is time sensitive so if you plan to leave to get it somewhere be back in time to continue with the rest of the participants.
PHOTO ID
Participants may bring an IL State Issued photo ID (Drivers License) or FOID Card.
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Please remember it must be a valid ID, if it is expired or has an extension due to Covid-19 we can only recognize the expiration date on your ID/FOID.
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If you need special recognition due to a COVID-19 extension a review can be made on a case by case basis by contacting us here
PAPER & PENCIL
There will be a lot of information covered and required to retain. Taking notes, jotting down reminders, and tracking any questions or helpful information are encouraged.
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If at any point you need further information or need items repeated we want you to let us know. Our goal is to help you understand and retain the information given during the class, not just make you sit for 16 Hours. That helps no one achieve their CCL requirements or continue as a responsible firearms owner.
*Note: ANY unsafe actions will be cause for immediate disqualification from class. NO refunds. ANY demonstrations verbally or physically of poor character will be cause for immediate disqualification from class. NO refunds. You must pass the shooting qualification with at least 70% (21 out of the total 30) in the scoring area of the target. You will be given 2 chances to qualify. If you do not pass, NO refunds.