Student Information

🔐 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 MD RESIDENTS & NON-RESIDENTS):

    • Active military and spouses
    • Qualified law enforcement
    • Honorably discharged military
    • Individuals with Hunter Safety or equivalent firearms training
  • if you have a Wear and Carry Permit, you fall under a different category called "Permit Exempt."

The Critical Distinction:

  • Training Exempt (e.g., Hunter Safety): You skip the class, but you MUST pay the $50 application fee.
  • Permit Exempt (Current Wear & Carry Holders): You skip the class AND the $50 application fee is waived. When you apply for the HQL in the portal, you select "Permit Exempt," enter your W&C permit number, and the fee is $0.

🧠 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.

Live-fire qualification

  • Required and conducted at approved local ranges including:
    • Maryland Small Arms (Upper Marlboro, MD)
    • Cindy’s Hot Shots (Severn, MD)
    • XCAL (Ashburn, VA)
    • Prince George’s County Trap & Skeet Center (shotgun courses (Glen Dale, MD)

🎓 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.

Still unsure where to start for permit training. 

Click 👉 Which Permit Do You Need?

Registration Required

After completing payment, all students must complete the registration form to reserve their seat.

👉 Register for Your Course

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