CPW Outlines New Firearms Safety Course Requirements in April 2 Public Meeting

DENVER, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) provided new details on Colorado’s upcoming firearms safety course requirement during a public meeting held April 2, 2026, as part of the rollout of legislation tied to SB25-003.

The meeting, conducted virtually, focused on how the state will implement a new training and eligibility process required for the purchase of certain semiautomatic firearms beginning later this year.

New Requirement Applies to Purchases, Not Possession

CPW clarified that the law does not impact current firearm ownership. Instead, it applies specifically to future purchases and transfers of certain semiautomatic firearms.

Under the new system, individuals must complete a multi-step process before purchasing:

Apply through their county sheriff
Obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card
Complete the required training
Proceed with a standard background check and transfer through a licensed dealer

Officials described the process as a combination of local approval and mandatory training.

Course Structure and Testing Standards

According to CPW, the firearms safety course will include:

A 4-hour course for individuals who have completed hunter education
A 12-hour course for those without prior certification
In-person instruction only
A written examination
A required minimum passing score of 90%

The agency emphasized that the curriculum and testing standards will be standardized statewide.

Instructor Approval Will Be Managed at the County Level

CPW stated that it will not directly certify instructors for the program. Instead, instructors must be approved or verified by their local sheriff’s office.

The agency will provide:

A standardized curriculum
Required instructional topics
Testing guidelines

However, the responsibility for approving instructors will remain with individual counties.

This approach introduces a locally controlled system, which could result in variations in how the program is implemented across jurisdictions.

Concealed Carry Training Not Automatically Accepted

CPW addressed questions regarding whether existing concealed handgun permit (CHP) courses would satisfy the new requirement.

Officials stated that current CHP training will not automatically qualify, though they acknowledged overlap between the two.

The agency indicated it is exploring whether combined or integrated training options may be possible in the future.

Sheriffs Play Central Role in Implementation

The meeting highlighted the significant role county sheriffs will play in the new system.

Sheriffs will be responsible for:

Issuing eligibility cards
Approving instructors
Overseeing aspects of compliance

CPW noted that this structure allows for local control but may also result in differences between counties in how the program is administered.

Effective Date Set for August 2026

The firearms safety course requirement is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2026.

CPW officials stated that between now and the effective date, the agency will continue:

Finalizing course curriculum
Developing the instructor approval process
Conducting public outreach and feedback sessions

Key Questions Remain Unresolved

Despite the updates, several aspects of the program remain unclear:

Specific qualifications required for instructor approval
Whether approvals will be consistent across counties
How eligibility cards will be verified during firearm transfers
Expected cost of training courses

CPW indicated that additional guidance will be released as the program develops.

Broader Impact

The new requirement introduces an additional layer to the firearm purchase process in Colorado, combining training, local approval, and existing background check procedures.

Officials described the system as a structured approach to firearm safety education, while acknowledging that implementation details are still being finalized.

Training Availability

Local firearms instructors are preparing to offer the required training once the program is fully implemented.

US Firearms Training Academy plans to provide both:

Courses will be offered in accordance with state requirements and county approval once additional guidance is released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local sheriff’s offices.

More details on scheduling, course structure, and registration will be announced as the program is finalized.

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 informational 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.