Colorado CCW Written Test: What’s On the CHP Concealed Carry Class Exam?

If you are applying for a Colorado CCW permit, also called a CHP (Concealed Handgun Permit) or concealed carry license, you must complete an approved Colorado concealed carry class that includes classroom instruction, a written examination, and a live-fire qualification.

Whether you are taking a new 8-hour CCW class or a 2-hour renewal class, the written test is part of the statutory training requirement before a concealed handgun permit or license can be issued.

This article explains what is on the Colorado CCW written test, who must administer it, the minimum training requirements, and what you need to know before attending your concealed carry class.

Minimum Training Requirements for a Colorado CCW / CHP / LTC

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-202.5:

New concealed carry applicants must complete a minimum of 8 hours of handgun training.
Renewal applicants must complete a minimum of 2 hours of refresher training.

Both the new concealed carry class and the renewal CCW class must include:

Classroom instruction
A written examination
Live-fire qualification

The written test is legally required for a Colorado concealed handgun permit (CHP). It is not optional for a CCW, CHP, or LTC applicant.

The Written Test Must Be Administered by a Verified Instructor

Colorado law requires that the concealed carry class be conducted by a verified instructor who meets the statutory qualifications outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-202.5.

This means:

The CCW written test cannot be self-administered.
It cannot be taken without proper instructor oversight.
It must be conducted as part of a structured concealed carry class.

The instructor issuing the training certificate for your concealed carry permit or CHP license is legally responsible for verifying that you meet the competency standard before signing off on your training.

Colorado CCW Written Test – Passing Standard

The written test in a Colorado concealed carry class:

Is open book
Is open note
Requires a score of 80 percent or higher to pass
Allows remediation as necessary at instructor discretion

However, certification is always issued at instructor discretion.

Even if a student technically scores 80 percent, unsafe firearm handling, failure to understand use-of-force law, or inability to articulate key safety principles may delay issuance of the concealed carry training certificate.

A CCW permit, CHP, or LTC license carries legal responsibility. Competency matters.

What the Colorado CCW Written Test Is NOT

There are common misconceptions about the written test in a concealed carry class.

The Colorado CCW written test:

Is not a trick test.
Is not a political exam.
Is not designed to fail students.
Is not optional under Colorado law.

It is a competency verification tool required before a concealed handgun permit or concealed carry license certificate is issued.

The purpose of the written exam is to confirm that you understand firearm safety, Colorado law, and the responsibilities of lawful concealed carry.

What Is Covered on the Colorado CCW Written Test?

The written exam in a Colorado concealed carry class confirms that applicants understand both firearm safety and Colorado law before receiving a concealed handgun permit.

Below are the primary subject areas tested in both new and renewal CCW classes.

1. Firearm Safety Rules

Students will be tested on:

The Four Universal Firearm Safety Rules
Safe loading and unloading procedures
Muzzle discipline
Trigger finger discipline
Safe storage in the home and vehicle

Safe handling is foundational to lawful concealed carry under a CCW permit or CHP license.

2. Pistol Nomenclature and Operation

A Colorado CCW written test commonly includes questions on:

Major parts of a semi-automatic pistol (slide, barrel, frame, trigger, sights, magazine)
Differences between revolvers and semi-automatic pistols
Basic mechanical function
Safe manipulation procedures

If you are going to conceal carry a handgun under a permit or license, you must understand how it works.

3. Ammunition Types and Selection

Expect questions covering:

Components of a cartridge (case, primer, powder, projectile)
Caliber identification
Differences between FMJ and defensive hollow point ammunition
Safe ammunition storage

Responsible concealed carry includes understanding what you are loading into your firearm.

4. Situational Awareness and Defensive Decision-Making

The concealed carry class may test on:

Threat recognition
Avoidance and de-escalation
Defensive mindset
Post-incident considerations

Carrying under a Colorado CCW, CHP, or LTC license requires restraint, awareness, and judgment.

5. Colorado Use of Force Law

The legal portion of a Colorado concealed carry class is heavily tested.

Applicants must understand statutes such as:

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1-704
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1-704.5

Students should understand:

The difference between force and deadly force
The legal meaning of “reasonable belief”
The required elements to justify deadly force
That Colorado is a no duty to retreat state

Legal knowledge is just as important as marksmanship when carrying concealed under a permit or license.

6. Red Flag Law (Extreme Risk Protection Orders)

The written test may include questions regarding:

Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-14.5-101

Applicants should understand how red flag orders affect firearm possession and concealed carry rights.

7. Prohibited Carry Locations

Students in a Colorado CCW class will be tested on where they may not lawfully conceal carry, including:

Federal buildings
Secure government facilities
School property (with statutory exceptions)
Posted private property

Knowing where your concealed carry permit does not authorize carry is critical to maintaining compliance with Colorado law.

8. Interaction with Law Enforcement After a Self-Defense Incident

The Colorado concealed carry written test may include questions on:

Calling 911 after a defensive incident
Identifying yourself as the reporting party
Securing your firearm before police arrival
Providing basic identifying information
Requesting legal counsel

What you do after an incident can directly affect your CCW permit status and potential criminal or civil exposure.

Colorado CCW Written Test – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you have to pass a written test to get a Colorado CCW permit?

Yes. Under Colorado law, both new and renewal concealed carry applicants must complete a concealed carry class that includes a written examination and live-fire qualification before a training certificate can be issued for a CHP (Concealed Handgun Permit).

2. What score do you need to pass the Colorado CCW written test?

You must score at least 80 percent to pass the written test in a Colorado concealed carry class. If you do not meet the standard, remediation may be provided at instructor discretion before a permit training certificate is issued.

3. Is the Colorado CCW written test open book?

Yes. In most Colorado concealed carry classes, the written exam is open book and open note. The purpose is to verify understanding of firearm safety and Colorado law — not to trick students.

4. Is the written test required for both new and renewal CCW applicants?

Yes. New applicants must complete a minimum 8-hour concealed carry class, and renewal applicants must complete at least 2 hours of refresher training. Both include a written test and live-fire component before a CHP license certificate is issued.

5. Who is allowed to administer the Colorado CCW written test?

The written test must be administered by a verified instructor who meets the requirements outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-202.5. It cannot be self-administered or completed without proper instructor oversight.

6. What topics are most commonly tested on the Colorado CCW exam?

The written test in a Colorado concealed carry class commonly includes:

The Four Universal Firearm Safety Rules
Pistol nomenclature and operation
Ammunition types
Colorado use-of-force law
Red flag law
Prohibited carry locations
Interaction with law enforcement after a defensive incident

The goal is to ensure applicants understand both safety and legal responsibilities before receiving a concealed carry permit.

7. Can you fail a Colorado CCW class because of the written test?

Yes. While remediation may be offered, certification is ultimately issued at instructor discretion. A concealed carry permit training certificate is not automatic — students must demonstrate competency in both legal knowledge and safe firearm handling.

8. Is the Colorado CCW written test difficult?

For students who pay attention during the concealed carry class, the test is manageable. It is designed to confirm understanding of Colorado law and responsible concealed carry practices, not to eliminate qualified applicants.

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

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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.