Can You Take A Colorado Concealed Carry Course Online?

No — Colorado Law Requires In-Person Training

Many people ask whether they can obtain a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) by taking an online class. Under current Colorado law, the answer is no. While some administrative steps may be completed online through your county sheriff, the required training cannot be done online. Both new applicants and renewal applicants must complete in-person training that meets specific statutory standards.

The Law That Governs Concealed Carry Training in Colorado

Colorado’s concealed carry training requirements are set by Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-202.5. This statute establishes the format, length, testing requirements, and instructor qualifications for CHP training. The law is explicit: qualifying training must be conducted in person, with a verified instructor physically present with the students.

Training Requirements for New CHP Applicants

If you are applying for a Colorado concealed carry permit for the first time, you must complete all of the following:

1. Minimum 8-Hour In-Person Class

At least 8 hours of instruction
Must be conducted in person
Online, remote, or video-only classes do not qualify

2. Verified Instructor Requirement

The class must be taught by a verified instructor
The instructor must be physically present for instruction and testing

3. Written Exam (80% Minimum)

A written concealed handgun competency exam is required
80% or higher is required to pass

4. Live-Fire Shooting Test (70% Minimum)

Applicants must demonstrate safe firearm handling and marksmanship
70% minimum accuracy is required

Failure to complete any of these elements will result in an invalid training certificate.

View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Training Requirements for CHP Renewals

Colorado now requires training for permit renewals as well.

1. Minimum 2-Hour In-Person Refresher

At least 2 hours of instruction
Must be conducted in person
Online renewal classes do not qualify

2. Written Exam Required

Renewal applicants must pass a written exam
80% minimum score

3. Live-Fire Shooting Test Required

Renewal applicants must demonstrate handgun competency
70% minimum accuracy

While the refresher is shorter than initial training, the testing standards are the same.

View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

All of the requirements outlined above took effect on July 1, 2025.

As of July 1, 2025:

Online or hybrid concealed carry classes are not valid
Both new and renewal applicants must complete in-person training
New applicants must complete 8 hours
Renewal applicants must complete at least 2 hours
A written exam (80% minimum) is required
A live-fire qualification (70% minimum) is required
Training certificates are valid for one year only
Training must be conducted in person by a verified instructor

Applicants using training completed before July 1, 2025 should verify validity with their county sheriff. In most cases, post–July 1 applications must meet the new standards.

Training Certificates Are Only Valid for One Year

Under current law, concealed carry training certificates are valid for only one year.
If you do not apply or renew within one year of completing the class, you must retake the training. This applies to both new permits and renewals and is a common reason applications are delayed or denied.

Colorado CHP Permits Are Issued by County Sheriffs

Colorado does not issue concealed carry permits at the state level.

Permits are issued by your county sheriff
Training standards are statewide
Application procedures, appointments, and processing times vary by county

Some counties allow online application submission or scheduling, but no county may waive the in-person training requirement.

Instructor Verification Matters

Not every person advertising a “CCW class” is legally qualified to train Colorado applicants.

For training to be valid:

The instructor must meet statutory qualifications
The course must be conducted in person
The instructor must be recognized as compliant by Colorado sheriffs

Certificates from non-compliant instructors are routinely rejected.

Common Reasons a Colorado CHP Application Is Denied or Delayed

The most common issues include:

Submitting a certificate from an online or hybrid class
Training completed more than one year before applying
Instructor not verified or not compliant with statute
Failing the 80% written exam
Failing the 70% live-fire qualification
Missing or incomplete documentation

Any of these can require the applicant to retake the class.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can I take any part of my Colorado concealed carry class online?
A: No. Colorado law requires concealed carry training to be conducted entirely in person.

Q: Does this apply to renewals too?
A: Yes. Both new and renewal applicants must complete in-person training.

Q: How long is the required training?
A: New applicants must complete 8 hours. Renewal applicants must complete at least 2 hours.

Q: Is a written test required?
A: Yes. A minimum score of 80% is required.

Q: Is live-fire shooting required?
A: Yes. Applicants must pass a live-fire qualification with at least 70% accuracy.

Q: Can I submit my application online after training?
A: In many counties, yes. Training must be in person, but applications, scheduling, and fees may be handled online.

Bottom Line

You cannot obtain a Colorado concealed carry permit by taking an online class.

To legally qualify for a Colorado CHP:

Training must be in person
New applicants must complete 8 hours
Renewal applicants must complete at least 2 hours
A written exam (80%) is required
A live-fire test (70%) is required
Training certificates are valid for one year
Instruction must be provided by a verified instructor

Any course that does not meet these requirements will result in a denied application.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Self-Defense Insurance

Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison

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Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.