Firearm Safety and Permit Training at HARP FTD
At HARP FTD, we provide comprehensive firearm safety training and marksmanship instruction, tailored to meet state-specific legal requirements for handgun ownership and concealed carry permits.
We offer NRA-certified courses, led by NRA-certified instructors, as well as Maryland-specific training taught by Maryland State Police Qualified Handgun Instructors (QHICs). These courses are designed to meet the training mandates for:
✅ Maryland Wear & Carry Permit (Initial & Renewal)
✅ Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
✅ Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit
✅ And other state requirements as applicable
Training Courses We Offer
NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation + Simulator Training
Meets Maryland HQL and Virginia Concealed Carry Requirements
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (Blended) + Simulator Training
Meets Maryland HQL, Wear & Carry, and Virginia Concealed Carry Requirements
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting – Instructor-Led
Meets Maryland Wear & Carry Renewal Requirements
NRA Pistol Marksmanship Simulator Training
For marksmanship improvement and firearm handling practice
⚠️ Important Legal Notice
While HARP FTD offers NRA-certified instruction, the NRA does not endorse or approve specific state permit training requirements. Therefore, NRA certification alone may not satisfy all legal training mandates in your state.
To comply with Maryland and Virginia regulations, our courses include supplemental instruction and live-fire qualification that fulfill the legal training requirements established by:
- Maryland State Police Licensing Division
- Maryland Department of Health
- Maryland Office of the Attorney General
Upon successful completion of these components, students will receive:
Maryland HQL Course Completion Certificate
(Required to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun in Maryland)
Maryland Wear & Carry Permit Course Completion Certificate
Maryland State Police Certified Qualification Score Sheet
⚠️ This portion of the course is not affiliated with the NRA and is administered solely by a Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIC).
NRA Basic Pistol Training Component
This component is an approved NRA course, conducted by an NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor. Upon completion, students will receive:
- NRA Basic Pistol Certificate
This certificate is recognized in all 50 states and may be used to support concealed carry permit applications in states where the Maryland permit is not recognized.
Note: The NRA Basic Pistol Course may also serve as a prerequisite for additional NRA training programs.
How NRA Courses Align with State Handgun Permit Requirements
Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
To purchase a handgun in Maryland, individuals must first obtain an HQL, which requires completing a firearm safety course.
✅ NRA First Steps Pistol Orientation meets this requirement by covering basic firearm safety, handgun handling, and shooting techniques.
Maryland Wear & Carry Permit (Concealed Carry)
To obtain a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit, applicants must complete an approved course.
✅ NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course (Blended or Instructor-Led) qualifies, alongside Maryland-specific supplemental instruction, which includes:
-
- State laws on concealed carry
- Legal considerations and self-defense laws
- Conflict de-escalation, suicide prevention, anger management
Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit
✅ NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course meets Virginia’s training requirement, provided it is taken in person (online-only courses not accepted for nonresidents).
Note: Virginia allows open carry without a permit in most places; however, a concealed carry permit offers broader legal protection.
Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) (not offered by HARP FTD at this time)
While the NRA Basic Pistol Course is accepted for basic safety training, Utah requires an additional 4-hour law-specific course through a Utah BCI-certified instructor.
Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry Permit (Coming Soon)
The NRA Concealed Carry Course can satisfy D.C. training requirements if taught by an MPD-certified instructor.
Requires 16 hours of instruction + 2-hour live-fire qualification
Must comply with Title 24, Section 2336 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations
Other State Requirements for Handgun Permits
Many states recognize the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course as fulfilling basic training requirements for handgun ownership or concealed carry. However, additional training or legal modules may be required depending on the jurisdiction.
Reciprocity & Interstate Permit Recognition
Virginia and Utah Reciprocity
Virginia honors all other state concealed carry permits for individuals 21+ with valid ID
Utah also honors permits from all states for individuals 21+
Utah’s Recognition of Virginia Permits
Utah allows Virginia concealed carry permit holders to legally carry in Utah
Quick Course Overview
| Course |
MD HQL |
MD Wear & Carry |
VA Concealed |
DC CCPL |
UT CFP |
| NRA First Steps + Simulator |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
| NRA Basic Pistol (Blended) + Simulator |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
| NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (Instructor-Led) |
❌ |
✅ (Renewal) |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
| NRA Pistol Marksmanship Simulator |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
⚠️ Prerequisites
No prior firearm experience is required
NRA Membership not required
👤 Must be at least 21 years old (Pistol & Permit Courses)
⚖️ Must be legally eligible to possess a handgun in MD, D.C, and VA
✅ Must pass the live-fire qualification
🧠 What You’ll Learn
Applicable to All NRA Courses
NRA’s Rules for Safe Gun Handling
Types of Pistols – revolvers vs. semi-automatics
Parts & Operation of common pistol models
Ammunition Basics – types, function, safe handling
Shooting Fundamentals: Stance, aiming, trigger control, and breath control
Pistol Cleaning & Maintenance
* Maryland & Other State-Specific Law (HQL / W&C):
Legal considerations for self-defense and use of force
Concealed carry techniques
Conflict de-escalation, suicide prevention, and anger management
🎓 Training & Course Environment
👟 Closed-toe shoes required
🥤 Snacks allowed — wear comfortable clothing
💬 Questions encouraged — relaxed, informal learning environment
📸 No firearms or ammo in the classroom unless instructed
🤐 No filming, horseplay, or unsafe conduct
📝 What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID
Livescan fingerprint receipt (optional for assistance with permit applications)
Comfortable clothing
Pre-course paperwork (emailed after registration)
📝 Livescan Fingerprints:
Before submitting your Maryland HQL and W/C applications, you must complete Livescan fingerprinting for a background check.
Fingerprints are valid for 12 months after submission
If you would like assistance with your MD HQL, and W/C application's during class, you must bring your fingerprint receipts with you.
Additional details about the fingerprinting process are available [HERE]
