What to Expect at the NYS 18 Hour Concealed Carry Course.
Taking the NYS 18 Hour Concealed Carry Course? Learn what happens during the classroom, written test and live-fire portions and how to prepare for your class.
Eighteen hours can sound like a long time—especially if you've never taken a firearm training course before.
The NYS 18 Hour Concealed Carry Pistol Permit Course combines classroom education, discussion, firearm safety, marksmanship fundamentals and practical live-fire training.
Here's what new students should expect.
It's Not 18 Hours of Shooting
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the NYS 18 Hour course is primarily a shooting class.
It isn't.
New York's minimum standards require 16 hours of in-person classroom instruction followed by 2 hours of live-fire training.
The classroom portion covers a wide range of subjects related to safe and responsible concealed carry.
You can access those minimum standards HERE
Expect to Learn About More Than Firearms
Firearm operation and safety are important parts of the curriculum, but students also learn about subjects such as situational awareness, conflict de-escalation, safe storage, applicable firearm laws and the use of deadly physical force.
Responsible concealed carry involves knowing when a firearm should—and should not—be part of a situation.
Good 18 hour courses will focus on group discussions, scenario breakdowns, real reviews of defensive gun use and hands on activities to reinforce prior learnings.
You'll Take a Written Test
After completing the classroom curriculum, students take a written proficiency examination.
New York State requires a minimum score of 80%.
The examination evaluates your understanding of the required course curriculum.
This could be multiple choice, long answer or a combination of the two.
You'll Receive Live-Fire Training
The two-hour live-fire portion includes practical instruction involving safe firearm handling.
Students work through required skills such as range safety, loading and unloading, firearm condition checks, safe drawing and re-holstering, target acquisition and safely discharging the firearm.
The majority of this portion is conducted using inert training ammunition and replica pistols. The live fire assessment will be conducted with either standard ammunition at an authorized range or with simunitions in an approved area.
There Is a Live-Fire Assessment
Students must successfully complete a live-fire proficiency assessment.
New York's current minimum standard requires the student to safely load five rounds and, on the instructor's command, fire those rounds from a standing position at four yards.
At least four of the five rounds must be on the prescribed target.
Safe firearm handling remains part of the evaluation throughout the process.
What If I've Never Shot Before?
Being new isn't something to be embarrassed about.
In fact, developing correct habits from the beginning can be an advantage.
At Everyday Defense & Wellness Coaching, our approach emphasizes coaching, participation and practical learning rather than intimidation.
Ask questions.
Take your time.
Learn the process correctly.
What Should I Bring?
Your specific course confirmation should tell you exactly what you need to bring. This will differ depending on where you attend your course.
Review those instructions before class rather than assuming you need to purchase equipment beforehand.
If you're uncertain about something, contact your instructor before buying equipment specifically for the course.
NYS 18 Hour Course in Rochester, NY
EDCRochester offers the NYS 18 Hour Concealed Carry Pistol Permit Course in East Rochester, serving Rochester, Monroe County and Western New York.
Classes are designed to make the required material understandable, practical and approachable for new students.
View upcoming NYS 18 Hour course dates and registration →
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“How to apply for your pistol permit in Monroe County NY”
“NYS 18 Hour Pistol Permit Course FAQ”
This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. New York firearm laws and licensing requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate government and licensing authorities.