Course Description

This course is available exclusively for women, regardless of prior shooting experience, who are interested in learning the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for safely using, owning, and carrying a handgun. We understand that beginning your journey with a firearm can be intimidating, which is why our certified instructors create a safe, supportive, empowering, and stress-free learning experience. This 16-hour course exceeds the training requirements set forth by the Maryland State Police for obtaining an initial Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. Our comprehensive training will review state and federal laws pertaining to the carrying of concealed firearms, situational awareness and conflict avoidance, and essential firearm safety principles. Participants will also engage in a live-fire qualification to demonstrate proficiency with a handgun. Live-fire sessions will be scheduled separately from the live-virtual and classroom sessions, with no more than two participants per session, to provide more personalized instruction. This is a hybrid course consisting of live-virtual learning modules conducted via Zoom, in-person learning modules delivered in a classroom setting, and a live-fire qualification conducted at a shooting range. Following course registration, you will receive a Zoom link for the Zoom sessions, and upcoming availability for shooting range sessions. Shooting range sessions are typically held weeknights and weekends following the in-person classroom session. Course Schedule: Day 1 (Jan. 12, 5:30PM - 10:30PM): Live-Virtual Session (Zoom) Day 2 (Jan. 13, 5:30PM - 10:30PM): Live-Virtual Session (Zoom) Day 3 (Jan. 15, 5:30PM - 10:30PM): *In-Person Classroom Day 4 (TBD): **1-Hour Range Session *In-Person Classroom location: Compass Art Center 10335 Kensington Pkwy Kensington, MD 20895 **A separate scheduling link will be emailed to you following course registration. Sessions are available at Gilbert Indoor Range in Rockville and Maryland Small Arms Range in Upper Marlboro. Please read through the Policy and FAQ sections for additional policies and requirements. Completion of this course also satisfies the training requirement set forth by Maryland State Police for obtaining a Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL). A separate certificate of completion can be provided upon request.