We offer certified firearm safety and marksmanship training tailored to meet state-specific legal requirements, including:
✅ Maryland Wear & Carry Permit (Initial & Renewal)
✅ Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
✅ Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit
Must be taken in person.
❌ Online-only versions not accepted)
✅ And other state requirements as applicable (Florida, Arizona, VA, PA)
Our courses are taught by NRA-certified instructors and Maryland State Police Qualified Handgun Instructors (QHICs) to ensure compliance with state mandates.
⚠️ Legal Notice
While HARP FTD offers NRA-certified instruction training courses, the NRA does not endorse or approve specific state permit training requirements.
NRA certification alone may not satisfy all legal training mandates in your state.
Our Maryland and Virginia courses include supplemental instruction and live-fire qualification to meet state regulations.
Specialized Training Courses
NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation + Simulator
Ideal for beginners. Satisfies MD HQL and VA Concealed Carry.
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting (Blended or Instructor-Led)
Meets requirements for MD HQL, MD Wear & Carry, and VA Concealed Carry. Includes law modules.
NRA Pistol Marksmanship Simulator
Great for improving accuracy and firearm handling using laser training tools. (Not a certification course.)
Certificates & Outcomes
Successful students 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 Certificate – Recognized in all 50 states
NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation Certificate
Note: The NRA Basic Pistol Course may also serve as a prerequisite for additional NRA training programs.
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 Content (HQL / Wear & Carry):
Legal considerations for self-defense and use of force
Maryland-specific gun laws & permit regulations
Concealed carry techniques
Conflict de-escalation and threat avoidance
Suicide prevention & mental health awareness
Anger management & responsible carry mindset
⚠️ Utah & D.C. Permit Training (Not Yet Offered by HARP FTD)
Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP):
✅ NRA Basic Pistol Course accepted as a general safety component
❗ Additional Requirement: A separate 4-hour law module taught by a Utah BCI-certified instructor
Washington, D.C. Concealed Carry (Coming Soon)
16 hours of instruction
2-hour live-fire qualification
Course must follow D.C. Municipal Regulations (Title 24, §2336)
✅ Only accepted if taught by an MPD-certified instructor
🎓 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]
