Minimum classroom hours: At least 16 hours for first-time applicants (commonly 16 hours classroom/legal + 2 hours live-fire/range). Lectures, handouts, discussions, and live-fire range practice.

Required topics:

• NY and federal firearms law: rules, prohibitions, lawful possession, and licensing steps.

• County licensing rules: required documents, interviews, fingerprinting, fees, terms, and renewals.

• Use of force law: when force or deadly force is allowed, duty to retreat (if any), and possible criminal/civil consequences.

• Safe handling: storage, loading/unloading, carry practices, and transportation laws in NY.

• Firearm mechanics and maintenance: basic operation, clearing malfunctions, and storage options.

• Conflict avoidance and de-escalation: verbal and nonviolent strategies.

• Situational awareness and risk assessment: spotting and avoiding danger.

• Range safety and marksmanship: stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and shot placement.

• Medical response basics: stop bleeding, call for help, and first aid after a shooting.

• Ethics and responsibilities of carrying concealed.

• Qualification course: Shooters typically must demonstrate safe handling and meet a basic accuracy requirement (e.g., groups or hits within a specified target area at set distances)