The Concealed Carry Class

An all-day course that meets the requirements for eligibility for a North Carolina concealed handgun permit, built to leave you confident, capable, and ready for the real world.

Hours · All Day

Parts: Classroom + Range

21/30

Live-Fire to Pass

18+

Minimum Age

How the day works. You'll spend roughly eight hours in the classroom covering the law, safety, and fundamentals, then head to Range Time. To complete the course you must pass a written exam and a live-fire qualification (21 of 30 rounds on target). Both are very achievable: the class is built to prepare you for exactly what you'll be asked to do.

What You'll Learn

The full curriculum

Ten modules across five sections, from the cardinal rules of safe handling to the after-action playbook if you ever have to defend yourself.

Foundations

Intro & Safe Gun Handling

The four cardinal rules, safe handling, and clearing both a semi-auto and a revolver.

Handguns & Ammunition

How actions work (single, double, striker), gun parts and sights, magazines, cartridge anatomy, and ammo care & malfunctions.

The Law

Use of Force

When deadly force is justified (the four elements), the duty to retreat, defense of others, and what you can never use it for, including property.

NC Statutes

Castle Doctrine, stand-your-ground, escalation of force, and every place you can't carry.

Your Permit

Shall-issue rules, who qualifies and who's disqualified, applying, renewal, and reciprocity.

The Skills

Marksmanship

Grip, stance, trigger control, sight alignment, and sight picture.

Carry & Holster

Real-world carrier mistakes, and how to choose a handgun and holster that work for you.

Cleaning & Care

Field strip, clean, and lubricate your handgun the right way.

The Real World

Mindset & Aftermath

Situational awareness (OODA loop, Cooper's color codes) and the after-action playbook: calling 911, police arrival, and what to say.

The Wrap

Permit, Range & Qualification

How to apply, range safety, and the live-fire qualification (21 of 30 to pass).

Before You Come

Prerequisites & what to bring

To enroll you must be at least 18 years old and legally allowed to own a firearm. Students provide their own equipment for the range.

A handgun in good working order (no single-action revolvers)
Two magazines
30 rounds of ammunition
Ear protection
Eye protection
An outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster
A sturdy belt
Note-taking material

Heads up: please bring your own handgun and 30 rounds if you can. Need a rental or more ammunition? Range Time, where we hold the live-fire qualification, has both available for purchase. New to this and not sure what to bring? Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction, or browse the FAQ.

Firearm Defense ILM is a proud USCCA partner. Your instructor is USCCA, NRA, and North Carolina certified.

Ready to get your permit?

Reserve your spot in an upcoming concealed carry class and take the first step toward protecting what matters most.