What New and Renewal Concealed Carry Applicants Should Expect

If you are applying for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit, often referred to as a CCW, CHP, concealed carry license, or LTC (License to Carry), you are required to complete live-fire training as part of the certification process.

This requirement applies to both new applicants and renewals. While Colorado law establishes minimum training standards, the specific shooting qualification is administered by the instructor or training provider.

This article explains how the Colorado CCW / CHP shooting qualification typically works, what the passing standards are, and what applicants should realistically expect.

The Shooting Qualification Is One Part of the Required Training

The shooting qualification is not a standalone test. It is one component of the overall concealed carry class.

Under Colorado law, concealed carry training must meet minimum hour requirements:

• New CCW / CHP applicants:
  • Minimum of 8 hours of training
• CCW / CHP renewal applicants:
  • Minimum of 2 hours of training

The live-fire qualification takes place within those minimum hours, along with classroom instruction covering firearm safety, legal considerations, and responsible concealed carry.

Colorado Concealed Carry Live-Fire Requirement

Colorado requires concealed carry applicants—both new and renewal—to complete live-fire training involving at least 50 rounds fired.

This requirement applies regardless of whether the permit is referred to as a:

• CCW
• CHP
• Concealed Carry Permit
• Concealed Handgun License
• LTC (License to Carry)

The terminology varies, but the live-fire requirement does not.

Common Target Setup and Shooting Distance

During a typical Colorado CCW / CHP shooting qualification, instructors commonly use one of the following setups:

• 8.5” x 11” silhouette target at 9 feet, or
• Full-size silhouette target at 21 feet (7 yards)

These distances are intentionally reasonable and are designed to allow applicants to demonstrate safe firearm handling and basic marksmanship, not advanced or tactical shooting skills.

Round Count and Passing Score

A commonly used standard for the Colorado CCW / CHP shooting qualification includes:

• 50 rounds fired
• A minimum passing score of 70% or higher
• Hits scored on a silhouette-style target

In practical terms, this means that as long as you hit the target the required number of times out of 50, you will pass the shooting portion of the qualification.

This standard is typically applied to both new concealed carry applicants and renewal students.

Remedial Shooting and Additional Coaching

If an applicant does not meet the 70% passing standard on the first attempt:

• Remedial shooting and additional coaching are commonly allowed
• Portions of the qualification may be re-shot as needed
• Instructors often focus on correcting fundamentals such as:
  • Stance
  • Grip
  • Sight alignment
  • Sight picture
  • Trigger press, break, reset, and follow-through

The purpose of remedial shooting is to ensure safe handling and basic proficiency, not to fail otherwise responsible applicants.

Instructor Discretion and Certification Decisions

While the Colorado CCW / CHP qualification is designed to be achievable, applicants should understand:

• There is no automatic entitlement to a certificate
• The instructor retains discretion over the qualification process
• Unsafe firearm handling, failure to follow instructions, or repeated safety violations may result in a student not being certified, regardless of score or round count

This discretion exists to ensure that individuals issued a concealed carry permit or license can safely and responsibly carry a concealed firearm.

What Is Taught During the Shooting Qualification

During the live-fire portion of a concealed carry class, instructors commonly provide hands-on instruction covering:

Shooting Fundamentals

• Stance
• Grip
• Sight alignment
• Sight picture
• Trigger press → break → reset
• Follow-through

Firearm Handling Skills

• How to load magazines
• How to insert a magazine into the firearm
• How to safely unload the firearm
• How to lock the slide open
• How to verify a firearm is unloaded
• Core firearm and range safety rules

This instruction benefits both new CCW applicants and renewal students, especially those with limited prior experience.

Designed for Beginners and Renewal Applicants

The Colorado CCW / CHP shooting qualification is not intended to be difficult. It is structured so that:

• New shooters can pass with proper instruction
• Renewal applicants are not held to unreasonable standards
• Safety and responsibility are prioritized over performance

Applicants are not expected to be experienced shooters.

Recommended Firearm for New Applicants

For brand-new shooters completing a new concealed carry permit class, many instructors recommend using a .22 LR firearm when available.

Common benefits include:

• Minimal recoil
• Reduced noise
• Easier trigger control
• Faster confidence development

Once fundamentals are established, applicants may transition to larger calibers if desired.

Colorado CCW / CHP Shooting Qualification – Questions & Answers

Is there a shooting test for a Colorado CCW or CHP?

Yes. Colorado requires live-fire training as part of the concealed carry permit process for both new applicants and renewals.

How many rounds do you have to shoot for a Colorado CCW?

At least 50 rounds are fired during the live-fire qualification.

What score do you need to pass the Colorado CCW shooting qualification?

A commonly used passing standard is 70% or higher. With a 50-round course, this means hitting the target at least 70% of the time.

What distance do you shoot from?

Most qualifications are conducted at short, reasonable distances, commonly 9 feet or 21 feet (7 yards) depending on target size.

Is the Colorado CCW shooting qualification hard?

No. It is designed to be achievable, especially for beginners. It is not timed, tactical, or competitive.

What happens if you don’t pass the first time?

Remedial shooting and additional coaching are commonly allowed. Students may re-shoot portions of the qualification as needed, at the instructor’s discretion.

Can you fail a Colorado CCW class?

Yes. While the class is designed to help students succeed, no one is automatically entitled to a certificate. Unsafe handling or failure to follow instructions can result in denial of certification.

Is the shooting qualification different for new and renewal permits?

The shooting standard is typically the same, but the minimum class length differs:

• New applicants: 8 hours minimum
• Renewals: 2 hours minimum

Do I need to be an experienced shooter?

No. The qualification is designed for new shooters, including those who have never fired a firearm before.

What caliber should I use?

Many instructors recommend .22 LR for new shooters due to lower recoil and easier control, though other calibers are commonly accepted.

Is the Colorado CCW qualification the same everywhere?

Colorado law sets minimum requirements, but the specific course of fire and evaluation standards are determined by the instructor or training provider.

Does passing the qualification guarantee I get my CCW or CHP?

No. Passing earns a training certificate, which is required to apply. Final approval is handled by the issuing authority after background checks.

Final Thoughts on the Colorado CCW / CHP Qualification

The Colorado CCW / CHP shooting qualification is one part of the minimum required training, not a high-stress or competitive test.

As long as you:

• Follow instructions
• Handle the firearm safely
• Meet the 70% passing standard

—you should have no difficulty passing.

The purpose of the qualification is to ensure safe, responsible concealed carry, and instructors are responsible for certifying only those who meet that standard.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for or renewing 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

Other Related Articles:

• What Happens If You Carry a Concealed Handgun Without a Permit in Colorado?
• Can You Carry A Firearm In Glendale, Colorado?
• Can You Carry A Firearm In Greenwood Village, Colorado?
• Can You Carry A Firearm In Wheat Ridge, Colorado?
• How Long Is A Colorado CCW Permit & Training Certificate Good For?
• How Much Does A Colorado CCW Cost?
• How To Renew A Colorado CCW
• Colorado CHP & CCW Requirements Explained
• How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A CCW In Colorado?
• Does Colorado Have a Magazine Capacity Law?
• Firearms Safety Course Update 2026
• Do I Need Self Defense Insurance?
• How To Get Your Colorado CCW

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.