Pre-CCW:
Concealed Carry Readiness & Qualification Prep
Prepare Before You Qualify
3-Hour Preparatory Handgun Training | Legacy Firearms Academy
Getting ready for a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit involves more than knowing how to shoot. You also need to understand the qualification process, have suitable carry equipment, and demonstrate safe handgun handling and concealed-holster skills.
Pre-CCW: Concealed Carry Readiness & Qualification Prep is designed to help you evaluate your current abilities, identify areas that need attention, and prepare for your official CCW training and firearm qualification.
Who Should Take This Class?
Pre-CCW is designed for prospective CCW applicants who want to prepare before attending their official CCW training and qualification.
This class may be a good fit if you:
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Are considering applying for a California CCW permit.
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Want to understand what to expect during the firearm qualification.
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Have handgun experience but limited experience drawing from a concealed holster.
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Want to assess your foundational shooting skills before official training.
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Need to determine whether your handgun and concealed-carry equipment are suitable.
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Prefer to identify potential skill gaps before committing to the next stage of training and pursuing certification.
You do not need to assume that you're ready—or that you're not ready. The purpose of this class is to help you assess your current skills and determine what may need additional attention.
What You'll Learn and Practice:
The 3-hour class focuses on four areas of concealed-carry readiness: understanding the process, evaluating equipment, developing safe concealed-holster skills, and assessing foundational shooting competency.
1. Understand the CCW Process
Learn about the general CCW application, training, and qualification process so you have a clearer understanding of the steps ahead.
Topics include:
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The role of required CCW training and firearm qualification.
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Common qualification expectations.
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Why preparation and familiarity with the qualification format matter.
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How your issuing agency's requirements affect your preparation.
The goal is to help you understand what to prepare for—not to replace the instructions or requirements of your issuing agency.
2. Review Your Handgun and Carry Equipment
Your equipment should support safe, consistent handgun handling and concealed carry.
During the class, you'll review the suitability of your handgun and carry equipment for continued CCW training.
Topics may include:
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Handgun suitability and familiarity.
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Concealed-carry holster selection and fit.
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Safe holster use and handling.
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Equipment considerations that can affect your ability to perform required skills safely.
Students should arrive with the equipment specified by LFA before class. Contact the academy if you're unsure whether your current setup is appropriate.
3. Develop Safe Concealed-Holster Skills
Concealed-holster handling introduces skills and safety considerations that may not be covered in a typical introductory handgun class.
The class introduces and assesses foundational skills related to safely accessing and presenting a handgun from a concealed holster.
You'll work on:
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Safe handling practices.
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Understanding the relationship between concealment, holster design, and handgun access.
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Foundational concealed-holster presentation.
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Identifying habits or equipment issues that may need further practice.
The emphasis is on safety, consistency, and preparation for the skills expected during official CCW training and qualification.
4. Assess Foundational Shooting Skills
You'll have an opportunity to assess your shooting competency at common CCW qualification distances.
The assessment is intended to help identify areas that may need improvement before your official qualification.
Areas of focus include:
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Accuracy and consistency.
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Safe firearm handling during live-fire exercises.
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Familiarity with shooting at different distances.
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Understanding the demands of a structured qualification course.
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Recognizing when additional practice may be beneficial.
This is a readiness assessment, not an official CCW qualification or a guarantee that you'll pass your issuing agency's test.
Preparing for Santa Clara County CCW Qualification
If you're pursuing a CCW permit through the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, understanding the published firearm proficiency requirements can help you prepare more effectively.
The Sheriff's proficiency form specifies qualification with each firearm to be listed on the permit and requires a concealed-holster draw during live fire.
The published standard includes:
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Target: B-27 target, 8-ring scoring standard.
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Passing score: At least 25 hits out of 30.
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Distances: Shooting strings at 15, 7, and 5 yards.
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Additional requirement: A 5-yard strong-hand-only string.
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Attempts: A maximum of two attempts per firearm.
Pre-CCW provides an opportunity to assess foundational skills relevant to these types of qualification demands before attending official training.
Please note: Issuing-agency requirements and forms may change. Applicants should confirm the current requirements directly with their issuing agency. Pre-CCW does not guarantee qualification or replace any required course, assessment, or official proficiency test.
What to Expect During the Class:
Pre-CCW is a 3-hour preparatory training session combining instruction, equipment review, and skills assessment.
The class is intended to help you leave with a clearer understanding of:
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Your current foundational handgun skills.
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Your familiarity with concealed-holster handling.
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Whether your equipment is appropriate for continued training.
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Which skills may benefit from additional practice.
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What to consider before attending official CCW training and qualification.
The purpose is not simply to determine whether you can pass a test on a particular day. It is to help you prepare more deliberately for the next stage of your CCW journey.
What Happens After Pre-CCW？
Your next step depends on your current abilities, equipment, and training needs.
Ready to Move Forward?
If your foundational skills and equipment are appropriate, you can continue toward your official CCW training and qualification.
Next step: CCW Certification
Contact LFA for information about the certification course, scheduling, and requirements.
Need More Practice?
If you identify areas that need improvement, additional training may help you develop greater consistency before moving forward.
Consider: Pistol Skill Builder
Instructor-guided live-fire practice can help you refine foundational handgun skills and build consistency. Ask LFA whether this option is appropriate for your current skill level and goals.
Need to Address Equipment Issues?
If your handgun or concealed-carry setup needs attention, take time to resolve those issues before proceeding with training that requires the equipment.
The objective is to help you move forward with an appropriate setup and a clear understanding of what you need to work on.
Important Course Information
Pre-CCW is a preparatory course only.
This class:
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Does not satisfy California's required CCW training requirement.
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Does not constitute an official CCW firearm qualification.
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Does not issue or guarantee a CCW permit.
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Does not guarantee that a student will pass a future qualification.
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Does not replace the requirements established by the student's issuing agency.
Students remain responsible for meeting all applicable application, training, and qualification requirements.
Start Preparing for Your CCW Journey
A little preparation can help you approach your official CCW training with a better understanding of your skills, equipment, and areas for improvement.
Pre-CCW: Concealed Carry Readiness & Qualification Prep
3-hour preparatory class at Legacy Firearms Academy.
Questions about whether this class is right for you? Contact LFA before registering.
Legacy Firearms Academy
Santa Clara County, California
English and Chinese instruction available.