An Online Concealed Carry Class is a course that teaches you the state-required firearms safety or training program that will allow you to get your license or permit. Unlike traditional courses, the content is delivered over the internet.
These classes can be video, audio, text, or a combination of all three. Generally, you’ll have to take a test at the end of the class to prove that you have a basic understanding of what you just learned. These tests are fairly easy to pass, with most courses boasting a 99% success rate after only one attempt.
Your online class should take about an hour or two. When you have passed the test at the end, you will be provided with a certificate of completion from the company offering the training. You will need to print this off, so make sure you have access to a printer.
Once you have your printed certificate of completion, you can present it to your local issuing authority (whoever issues your permits – usually your local sheriff or the Attorney General) as proof of your firearms competency or completion of training requirement.
There are pros and cons of online classes, so you must figure out if it’s right for you. Are you comfortable taking online training that does not allow you to ask questions or fire a gun? Or do you think online classes amount to nothing more than an easy way to get around training requirements?
Pros
- Fast
- Easy
- Offered by certified instructors or schools
- Affordable
- Convenient
Cons
- Unable to ask questions
- No live-fire exercises
- No way to tell if you’ve actually gone through the training
- Some sheriffs won’t accept online training, even though the state says it is legal
You should really think this through before you decide to take an online concealed carry course.
Check with your local sheriff to see if he will accept an online training class – this can save you a lot of hassle and time.
Think about how much you know about firearm safety and training. If you were attacked, would you be able to save your life by using your concealed firearm if you opted to take online training? Would an online course give you confidence in yourself to save your family in the case of an emergency?
On a basic level, do you think that online training is right? Some people think that there should be no laws restricting use and carry of firearms, and so an online carry course is the easiest way to bypass restrictive legislation. Others feel that there should be more strict regulations on who receives a license to carry a concealed weapon, including training regulations. What side do you fall on?
If you decide to take a concealed carry class over the internet, make sure you know all of the relevant laws.
Click on your state to find out more about concealed carry classes:
| Iowa | Oregon | Virginia |
williamhenryfrench says
I am for it 100%, fact of the matter is even though an online course only teaches you the basics, you still must be photographed and fingerprinted. This personal information must be sent to the state and then registered. It is my opinion that the classroom training is overpriced and biased from instructor’s personal opinions or perpensity toward “blowhardness”. The course it about knowing the local and federal laws for carry and even possible use of a concealed handgun. You may only use deadly force if you fear for your life, or the life of another. You may also use deadly force in the instance of sexual assault on oneself or another. You may not at anytime threaten use deadly force. It is all pretty straight forward.