Sure Grip Arms
Concealed Carry Certifications
Confidence · Guidance · Proficiency
Initial CCW Permit Course
Information and Registration
Skill Level: Intermediate to Expert
A 16-hour (2-day), in-person course that fulfills California Penal Code §26165 for initial - new CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit applicants in the counties of: Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, Sutter, Yuba, Contra Costa, and Nevada; as well the cities of Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Winters and Woodland. California is a "shall-issue" state.
A California CCW permit is recognized in 28 states for California residents to include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan (Resident permits only), Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah (Must be 21 or older), Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin (Must be 21 or older), and Wyoming.
This course is a complete guide to understanding the basics of firearms ownership, safety, nomenclature, and how it applies to home- or self-defense. After this class, you will feel confident to act as your family’s first line of defense in the event of a home invasion or other critical incident.
Upcoming Class Dates
- Saturday - July 18, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - August 15, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - September 19, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - October 17, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - November 21, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - December 19, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
Note: Classes are strictly limited to 8 seats only.
Range fee and targets are included in price.
What You Will Learn
You will be exposed to applicable laws and legal definitions that revolve around concealed carry. You will also be introduced to deadly force scenarios, situational preparedness concepts, mental health resources, psychological aftermath considerations, and the daily responsibilities of carrying a concealed handgun.
Developing a personal and home protection plan is a key component of not only preparing for how we should (or might) react if confronted by a violent crime, but also how we might avoid violent crime in the first place. Developing a protection plan is about much more than becoming proficient with a firearm or writing up a home invasion plan. It’s a plan that must encompass awareness, avoidance, and preparation, so that we’re less likely to find ourselves in a situation where we have no other option than to use our firearm, rather than more likely.
Our live fire qualifications bridge theory and action. Students will practice drawing from a holster, utilizing cover and concealment, performing tactical reloads under pressure, and engaging targets efficiently—all while maintaining a primary focus on safety.
Preparation and Knowledge
Course Prerequisites
- Be no less than 21 years of age at the time of registration.
- Possess a physical valid California Government photo ID card.
- Have your own handgun(s) legally registered in your own name.
- Ability to read, speak and comprehend the English Language.
- Ability to check your email inbox and phone text message regularly.
- Ability to arrive early and check-in on time.
- Ability to conduct firearm safe handling demonstrations.
What You Need to Bring *
- For Identification
- Actual valid California Government ID Card (no photos, no digital)
- For Learning
- Pen, Pencil and Notebook with Paper
- For Qualification
- 1-3 Semi-Automatic Pistol(s), Revolver(s) or both
- 100 Rounds of FMJ Target Ammunition (per handgun)
- 2-6 Speedloaders or Moonclips (for revolvers)
- 2-6 Magazines (for semi-automatic pistols)
- 1-3 Ammunition or Magazine Pouch(es)
- 1 Sturdy Holster (must match each handgun and must completely cover trigger guard - IWB, OWB, Appendix, Pocket, Ankle)
- For Safety
- Ear Protection (Electronic Required)
- Eye Protection (Prescription Glasses are Okay)
- Gun Case or Range Bag
- Brimmed Hat
- Close-toed Shoes
- Long Pants
- Thick Belt
- For Sustenance
- Lunch or Snacks
- Water or Beverage
Trainees are required to bring their own registered handgun(s), ammunition and equipment.
*RELOADED AMMUNITION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED!
Finishing the Course
Congratulations!
Upon successful completion of this course (90%+ passing score on the written exam and 80%+ passing score on the live fire shooting qualification), a DOJ-Certified Instructor will provide you with a CCW Permit Qualification Form (by email or physical copy for select counties and cities) for you to submit to your local law enforcement agency.
Approved Counties:
- Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, Sutter, Yuba, Contra Costa, and Nevada.
Approved Cities:
- Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Winters, and Woodland.
Students will also receive digital Certificates of Completion from Sure Grip Arms and the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) by email (Sure Grip Arms does not issue actual CCW Permits). Most importantly, you will leave with the confidence, guidance, and proficiency to protect your loved ones!