Student Info

🔐 Prerequisites & Eligibility

    • 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

Training Exemptions (Still Requires HQL):

    • Active military and spouses
    • Qualified law enforcement
    • Honorably discharged military
    • Individuals with Hunter Safety or equivalent firearms training

🧠 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

Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit

    • 📚 8 hours of training required
    • The NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course meets Virginia's training requirements, provided the course is conducted in person. Online courses are not accepted for nonresident permits.

Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) 

(Not Yet Offered by HARP FTD)

    • ✅ 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)

    • 18 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 welcome — wear comfortable clothing
    • 💬 Questions encouraged in a relaxed learning environment
    • 📸 No firearms or ammo in classrooms unless instructed
    • 🤐 No filming, horseplay, or unsafe conduct


✅ What to Bring

    • Government-issued photo ID
    • Livescan fingerprint receipt (for MD HQL/Wear & Carry, if applicable)
    • Closed-toe shoes & comfortable clothing
    • Optional: snacks & water

💲 Fees Not Included

Students are responsible for the following fees, paid directly to the appropriate providers:

  • Range: range fees, targets, ammunition, eye & ear protection, firearm rental
  • State:
    • Maryland HQL application fee
    • Maryland Wear & Carry (initial & renewal) application fee
    • Fingerprinting fee (paid directly to fingerprint service provider)

📌 More details are available on our FAQ & Resources page.

📝 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 submissionIf 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]

⚠️ Legal Notices

All courses are taught by NRA-certified instructors. However:

    • The NRA does not endorse or approve state-specific permit training.
    • NRA certification alone may not meet legal training mandates in your STATE.
    • Our Maryland & Virginia courses include supplemental instruction and live-fire qualification.

If you have any questions, please email us at office@harpftd.com.