Colorado Firearm Safety Course Eligibility Card
Effective August 1, 2026, Colorado law requires individuals to complete a certified Firearm Safety Course before purchasing or transferring specified semiautomatic firearms. At U.S. Firearms Training Academy (USFTA), our Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructors offer state-approved 4-hour and 12-hour Firearms Safety Courses that satisfy Colorado’s training requirements and help eligible applicants obtain their Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
What Is the Colorado Firearms Safety Course and Who Should Take It?
The Colorado Firearms Safety Course is a state-required training program for individuals purchasing or transferring certain specified semiautomatic firearms after August 1, 2026. This may include many popular semiautomatic firearms, such as AR-15 style rifles, AKM/AK-47 style rifles, and other qualifying gas-operated semiautomatic firearms covered under Colorado law. The course teaches safe firearm handling, secure storage, Colorado firearm laws, suicide prevention, and responsible firearm ownership.
You should take the Colorado Firearms Safety Course if you:
- Plan to purchase or transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm in Colorado.
- Need to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
- Are applying for a new Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
- Are renewing your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
- Want to better understand Colorado firearm laws and safe firearm handling practices.
US Firearms Training Academy offers both the required 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course and 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course, taught by Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructors. Our state-compliant courses are available with convenient weekday and weekend scheduling throughout the Denver metro area..
How It Works
–Apply for a Firearm Safety Course Eligibility Card
Before enrolling in a certified firearm safety course, you must obtain a Firearm Safety Course Eligibility Card from your county sheriff’s office. This involves submitting an application, providing government-issued photographic identification, and undergoing a name-based criminal history background check conducted by a private vendor. The sheriff may deny the application if you cannot lawfully possess a firearm or if there is reasonable belief that you may pose a danger to yourself or others.
–Enroll in a Certified Firearm Safety Course
Once you have obtained the Eligibility Card, you can enroll in either the Basic or Extended Firearm Safety Course offered by USFTA.
–Complete the Course and Pass the Exam
At the conclusion of the course, you must pass a written exam with a score of at least 90% and demonstrate safe firearm handling. Upon successful completion, the instructor will report your course completion to the Firearms Training and Safety Course Record System maintained by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
–Purchase or Transfer a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm
With your course completion recorded in the system, you are then eligible to purchase or transfer specified semiautomatic firearms in Colorado. Federal firearms licensees can verify your completion status through the CPW’s system.
Course Options
Extended Firearm Safety Course – $249.99
- Best for: Individuals who have not taken a certified safety course within the last 5 years or who seek a more comprehensive education.
- Duration: 12 hours (split into two 6-hour days)
- Focus: Comprehensive safety, risk management, and legal responsibilities
- Topics Include:
- All content from the Basic course with expanded legal and practical application
- Legal use of force, civil liability, and risk awareness
- Psychological preparedness and real-world defensive scenarios
- Requirements:
- Pass a written exam with 90% or higher
- Successfully demonstrate safe firearm handling during exercises
- Certification: Course completion will be recorded in the CPW’s system
Basic Firearm Safety Course – $124.99
- Best for: Individuals who have completed a certified Firearm Safety Course or Hunter Education course in the past 5 years.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Focus: Core firearm safety and legal awareness
- Topics Include:
- Safe handling, storage, and proper magazine use
- Child access prevention and mental health considerations
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) and community safety
- Requirement: Pass a written exam with a score of 90% or higher
- Certification: Course completion will be recorded in the CPW’s system
Why Choose US Firearms Training Academy?
Complete your Colorado Firearms Safety Course with confidence. Our Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructors provide state-compliant training that meets Colorado’s legal requirements for the Firearms Safety Course. We offer convenient class dates, multiple training locations, and a professional classroom environment to help you complete your required training.
- Colorado Verified CHP Instructors – Our instructors are verified by the county where they primarily teach and are authorized to teach the Colorado Firearms Safety Course.
- State-Compliant Training – Our 4-hour Basic and 12-hour
- Extended Firearms Safety Courses meet Colorado’s in-person training requirements.
- Required Final Examination – Students must earn a minimum score of 90% to successfully complete the course.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Reporting – Successful course completion is reported as required by Colorado law.
Compliance & State Approval
Convenient Colorado Locations & Scheduling
US Firearms Training Academy offers Firearms Safety Courses throughout the Denver metro area with flexible weekday and weekend class options. Simply complete the “See Calendar & Info” form to view available class dates, locations, and register online.
How Much Does the Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card Cost?
The total cost of obtaining a Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card may include:
- County Sheriff’s Office application fee
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Firearms Safety Program fee
- Firearms Safety Course tuition, which is paid separately to your training provider
Because each Colorado county sheriff sets its own administrative fee, the total cost varies depending on where you apply.
Current and Expected County Fees (Last Updated: 7/9/2026)
| County | Resident Total | Non-Resident Total | Already Have a CHP | Total Includes CPW Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe County | $152 | $177 | $102 | Yes |
| Adams County | $50 | $100 | N/A | Yes |
| Denver County | $200 | $200 | N/A | Yes |
| Douglas County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
| Jefferson County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
| Broomfield County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
| Boulder County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
| Weld County | $52 | $52 | $52 | Yes |
| Larimer County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
| El Paso County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
| Pueblo County | TBD | TBD | TBD | Yes |
Fees shown include the mandatory Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety Program fee where published. Firearms Safety Course tuition is separate and is not included in the amounts above.
Don’t see your county listed? Search Google for “[Your County] Sheriff Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card” to find your sheriff’s official page. We’ll continue updating this table as additional Colorado county sheriffs publish their official fees.
What Firearms Require a Colorado Firearms Safety Course?
Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado law requires a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card before purchasing or transferring certain specified semiautomatic firearms. The official list of affected firearms is maintained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and includes many of today’s most popular semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
Examples of firearms that may require a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card include:
- AR-15 style rifles
- AR-10 rifles
- AK-47 and AKM style rifles
- AK-style pistols
- AR-style pistols
- Ruger Mini-14
- Springfield Hellion (VHS-2)
- IWI Tavor X95
- FN SCAR rifles
- PTR-91 and HK G3 style rifles
- HK MP5 style pistols and rifles
- CZ Scorpion EVO 3
- SIG MPX
- Beretta CX4 Storm
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000
- Semi-automatic shotguns that meet Colorado’s statutory definition of a specified semiautomatic firearm
The examples above are not a complete list. Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintains the official list of specified semiautomatic firearms, and additional makes and models may be included. If you’re unsure whether a firearm requires a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, check the current CPW guidance or ask your licensed firearms dealer before making a purchase.
If you need a Course, US Firearms Training Academy offers the required 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course and 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course with Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun instructors.
Our Team
Mark Schneider
NRA Training Counselor, NRA Certified Instructor, and USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor with extensive experience in concealed carry, self-defense, and firearms training. Denver Verified CHP Instructor serving students throughout Colorado
Alicia Garcia
NRA Certified Instructor and USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor dedicated to helping students build safe, responsible, and confident firearm skills. Douglas County Verified CHP Instructor serving students throughout Colorado.
How much does a Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card cost?
The total cost varies depending on the law enforcement agency where you apply. Published fees currently range from $52 in Weld County to $200 through the Denver Police Department. The cost of your required Firearms Safety Course is separate from the application fees. See the fee table above for the most current published costs.
Can I apply for a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card in any Colorado county?
Yes. You may apply through any participating Colorado law enforcement agency offering the program. Because fees may vary, many applicants compare costs and appointment availability before applying.
Who is eligible for a Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?
To be eligible for a Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, you must be at least 21 years old, be a Colorado resident, successfully pass the required background check, and meet all eligibility requirements under Colorado and federal law. Individuals who are under 21, are not Colorado residents, are prohibited from possessing firearms, fail the required background check, or otherwise do not meet the legal requirements are not eligible to receive a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
Do I have to be a Colorado resident to apply for a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?
Yes. Applicants must be Colorado residents to apply for a Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
How long is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card valid?
The Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Once it expires, you’ll need to complete the renewal requirements in effect at that time before purchasing another specified semiautomatic firearm.
What is included in the application fee?
Application fees typically include the law enforcement agency’s administrative fee and the required Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Firearms Safety Program fee. The cost of your Firearms Safety Course is separate.
Is the Firearms Safety Course included in the application fee?
No. The Firearms Safety Course tuition is paid separately to your training provider after your application has been approved.
Can I take my Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class and the Firearms Safety Course at the same time?
No. The Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course and the Firearms Safety Course are two separate training programs with different legal requirements. Completing one does not satisfy the requirements for the other.
Does my Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit count toward the Firearms Safety Course?
No. A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit does not replace the required Firearms Safety Course.
Does my NRA Basic Pistol certificate count?
No. Previous firearms training, including NRA Basic Pistol, does not replace Colorado’s required Firearms Safety Course.
Can I take the Firearms Safety Course online?
No. The Firearms Safety Course must be completed in person with a verified instructor.
Is there live-fire or range training?
No. The Colorado Firearms Safety Course does not include live-fire training or a shooting qualification. The course is entirely classroom based and covers the topics required by Colorado law.
Do I need to bring a firearm to class?
No. Since there is no live-fire training or shooting qualification, you do not need to bring a firearm to class.
Is there a written test?
Yes. Students must complete a written examination at the end of the course.
What score do I need to pass?
Students must earn a minimum score of 90% on the written examination to successfully complete the Firearms Safety Course.
What happens if I fail the written exam?
Students who do not achieve a passing score will not successfully complete the course. Contact your instructor regarding retesting or additional training opportunities.
How long is the Firearms Safety Course?
Colorado requires either a 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course or a 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course, depending on your eligibility.
How do I know whether I need the 4-hour or 12-hour course?
If you have a valid Colorado Hunter Education Card, or a hunter education certificate from another state that has been registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), you’ll generally only need to complete the 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course. If you do not meet these qualifications, you’ll need to complete the 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course.
Who can teach the Firearms Safety Course?
Only Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructors who have been verified by the county sheriff or law enforcement agency in the county where they primarily teach are authorized to teach the required Colorado Firearms Safety Course.
Do I have to take the Firearms Safety Course from a verified instructor in the county where I apply?
No. You do not have to take the Firearms Safety Course from a verified instructor in the same county where you apply for your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. You may complete the course with any Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructor who is authorized to teach the Colorado Firearms Safety Course.
US Firearms Training Academy’s verified instructors are authorized to teach the required Firearms Safety Course, allowing students from anywhere in Colorado to complete their required training with us.
Will my course completion be reported to the state?
Yes. After you successfully complete the course, your instructor will report your completion to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Firearms Safety System as required by Colorado law.
How do I renew my Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?
To renew your Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, you’ll need to complete the required renewal process through the appropriate law enforcement agency. As part of the renewal, you’ll need to complete the 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course with a Colorado Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructor.
US Firearms Training Academy offers the required 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course with convenient class dates. Simply complete the “See Class Schedule” form on this page, then choose a date and time from our training calendar to register.
What Colorado cities do you serve for the Firearms Safety Course?
US Firearms Training Academy welcomes students from across Colorado. We regularly serve students from Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Littleton, Centennial, Parker, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont, Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Golden, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, and surrounding communities.
No matter where you live in Colorado, you’re welcome to attend one of our state-approved Firearms Safety Courses.
Why choose US Firearms Training Academy?
US Firearms Training Academy offers the required 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course and 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course with verified Colorado instructors. We provide professional, state-compliant instruction, convenient class schedules, and a simple online registration process to help you meet Colorado’s training requirements.
How do I register for a Firearms Safety Course?
Registering is easy. Simply fill out the “See Class Schedule” form on this page. Once submitted, you’ll be able to view our training calendar and select the class date and time that works best for your schedule. US Firearms Training Academy offers convenient 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course and 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course options, all taught by verified Colorado instructors.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Colorado laws, Colorado Parks and Wildlife requirements, and county sheriff or law enforcement agency procedures, fees, and application processes may change at any time. While US Firearms Training Academy makes every effort to keep this page accurate and up to date, applicants should verify current requirements with the appropriate law enforcement agency before applying. This page does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for official guidance from Colorado Parks and Wildlife or your local law enforcement agency.