Under C.G.S. § 29-28, all applicants for a Connecticut pistol permit (which serves as the state's concealed carry permit) must successfully complete an...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Under C.G.S. § 29-28, all applicants for a Connecticut pistol permit (which serves as the state's concealed carry permit) must successfully complete an approved handgun safety course prior to submitting the application.
The required training course must consist of no less than the NRA's "Basic Pistol Course." This is the minimum standard set by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU).
The following NRA courses do not meet Connecticut's training requirements:
Connecticut requires live fire as part of the training course. The following alternatives are not acceptable:
Students must fire a semi-automatic pistol or revolver during the live fire portion of the course.
The NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course, which serves as the minimum standard, is at least 8 hours long and includes both:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives a certificate and/or letter stating course completion. This certificate must be submitted as part of the pistol permit application.
There is no expiration date on NRA training certificates. C.G.S. § 29-28 states only that the applicant must successfully complete an approved course of training; it does not impose a time limit on the validity of the training certificate.
Training must be completed with a CT Approved Firearms Instructor. DESPP maintains and publishes a list of certified Connecticut firearms instructors through the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. Any questions regarding approved courses or instructors should be directed to the SLFU.
While not part of the training itself, applicants should be aware that the permit process also requires:
The issuing authority has 8 weeks (60 days) to review the application and approve or deny it, per C.G.S. § 29-28a.
This page covers one part of our Connecticut concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Connecticut guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.