Nevada requires applicants for a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP/CCW) to demonstrate competence with a handgun by completing an approved course of...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Nevada requires applicants for a Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP/CCW) to demonstrate competence with a handgun by completing an approved course of instruction. The Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association (NvSCA) sets the minimum statewide training standards under the authority of NRS 202.3657, and county sheriffs approve individual instructors and courses.
Under NRS 202.3657(3)(c), the sheriff shall issue a permit to a qualified applicant who demonstrates competence with handguns by presenting a certificate or other documentation showing the applicant:
The statute requires that any qualifying course must include:
A sheriff may not approve a course unless it meets the standards established by the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association (NvSCA).
NAC 202.020 further requires the course to include instruction in the use of each firearm to which the application pertains and in Nevada laws relating to the proper use of a firearm.
(Revised February 2023, effective April 2023 by the NvSCA CCW Subcommittee)
All training must take place within the State of Nevada. The following are minimum requirements - instructors may exceed them.
Course length: Minimum 8 hours, delivered as either:
Required content:
Certificate validity: Valid for CCW application for one year from the date of successful completion.
Course length: Minimum 4 hours.
Written examination: Not required for resident renewal.
Firearms qualification: Same live-fire standards as new applicants (see below).
Certificate must state:
Location restriction: Training must take place in Nevada and in the county where the applicant will apply for the non-resident permit. If that county has no approved CCW instructors, the applicant may train in the nearest county that does.
Course length: Minimum 8 hours (one 8-hour or two 4-hour sessions ≤15 days apart).
Content, written exam, and firearms qualification: Same as a new resident permit.
Certificate validity: One year from completion.
Location restriction: Same as new non-resident (in-state, in-county or nearest qualifying county).
Course length: Minimum 4 hours.
Written examination: Not required for non-resident renewal.
Firearms qualification: Same as a new resident permit.
A humanoid-style target (B27, B21, or FBI Q) must be used. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass, indicated on the certificate as Pass/Fail only.
Only live rounds may be used (case, primer, propellant, metallic projectile). Simunition® and similar training rounds are not permitted for the qualification.
| Distance | Rounds | Time | Stance/Grip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yards | 6 rounds | No time limit | Freestyle |
| 5 yards | 12 rounds | No time limit | Freestyle |
| 7 yards | 12 rounds | No time limit | Freestyle |
| Distance | Rounds | Time | Stance/Grip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yards | 5 rounds | No time limit | Freestyle |
| 5 yards | 10 rounds | No time limit | Freestyle |
| 7 yards | 10 rounds | No time limit | Freestyle |
Firearms with less than a 5-shot capacity must be reloaded at each stage to comply with the 5-shot standards.
The certificate of completion presented to the sheriff with the CCW application must:
No certificate may be issued until the student successfully completes the entire course, written exam (if applicable), and firearms qualification.
Under NRS 202.3677(3), no permit may be renewed unless the permittee has demonstrated continued competence with handguns by successfully completing a course prescribed by the sheriff renewing the permit. This mirrors the NvSCA 4-hour renewal course requirement.
NvSCA standards require that every CCW instructor in Nevada be approved by a Nevada Sheriff. Approval requirements include:
Approval by any one Nevada sheriff is recognized by all other Nevada sheriffs. Denied instructors are reported to NvSCA and posted on the NvSCA website (members-only area).
NvSCA may disqualify an instructor for violating federal, state, local law, or NvSCA standards. The process involves review by the NvSCA CCW Subcommittee, a vote by committee members (with the submitting agency recused), and a final decision by the Chairman. Disqualified instructors may appeal to a panel of three uninvolved Nevada sheriffs, whose decision is final.
Under NRS 202.3657(3)(c)(2), a course is also acceptable if offered by:
These courses must still include handgun instruction and Nevada firearms law.
A retired law enforcement officer who is a Nevada resident may apply to the sheriff of their county for the certification required under 18 U.S.C. § 926C(d) (the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act / "LEOSA"). Nevada law enforcement agencies must offer their retirees the opportunity to obtain the required firearms qualification at least twice per year at the same facility used for active officer training. Agencies and sheriffs may charge a nonrefundable fee covering the cost of providing the qualification and certification.
Under NRS 202.3683, the State, its political subdivisions, the Department of Public Safety, sheriffs, law enforcement agencies, and firearm safety or training instructors acting in good faith and without gross negligence pursuant to NRS 202.3653-202.369 are immune from civil liability for those acts, including instruction-related activities.
This page covers one part of our Nevada concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Nevada 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.