Oregon Concealed Carry Training Requirements

Training Requirements for Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL)

Legal Basis

Training requirements for Oregon's Concealed Handgun License are established under ORS 166.291, which requires applicants to "demonstrate competency with a handgun" through approved training methods.

Approved Methods to Demonstrate Handgun Competency

Under ORS 166.291, an applicant may demonstrate competency with a handgun by completing any one of the following:

1. Hunter Education or Hunter Safety Course

   • Must be taught by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (or similar agency of another state)
   • Handgun safety must be a component of the course
   • Proof may be required in the form of a syllabus or other class materials

2. National Rifle Association (NRA) Firearms Safety or Training Course

   • Any NRA course qualifies, provided handgun safety was a component of the course

3. Firearms Safety or Training Course Available to the General Public

   • May be offered by law enforcement, community college, or private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school
   • Must utilize instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or law enforcement officers
   • Handgun safety must be a component of the course

4. Law Enforcement Firearms Safety or Training Course

   • Courses offered for security guards, investigators, reserve law enforcement officers, or any other law enforcement personnel
   • Handgun safety must be a component of the course

5. Evidence of Equivalent Experience with a Handgun

   • Through participation in organized shooting competition
   • Through military service (e.g., DD214, provided the DD214 specifically states the words "pistol" or "handgun training")
   • Note: Words such as "small arms" or "marksmanship" alone will NOT fulfill CHL statutory requirements

6. Prior or Current Oregon CHL

   • Licensed or have been licensed to carry a concealed firearm in Oregon, unless the license has been revoked

Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA) Online Course

Multiple Oregon county sheriff's offices recognize the Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA) online course as an approved course that satisfies the Oregon educational requirement for handgun safety training. This course is available at oregonchl.org.

Key Training Documentation Requirements

• Applicants must provide documentation (certificate of completion) demonstrating they have taken an approved handgun safety course
• A receipt showing payment for a course is not accepted as proof, the actual certificate of completion is required
• The training must be completed before applying for the CHL
• For new applications, proof of handgun competency must be presented at the time of application

Important Notes

• There is no state-mandated minimum number of hours specified in the statute for the training course
• There is no requirement for live-fire qualification specified in the statute itself; the requirement is to "demonstrate competency" through one of the approved methods
• Private courses taught by individuals may qualify depending on the content and whether the instructor is approved/certified by the NRA or a law enforcement agency
• Renewal applicants are not required to retake a handgun safety course; the competency requirement applies to new applications
• Oregon CHLs are valid for 4 years from date of issuance
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age

Relevant Statutes

• ORS 166.291: Issuance of concealed handgun license; application; fees; liability (contains the competency/training requirements)
• ORS 166.292: Procedure for issuing; form of license; duration
• ORS 166.295: Renewal of license
• ORS 166.293: Denial or revocation of license; review