News Information

Effective immediately new instructors are not required to attend the DPS Firearms-Safety Instructors Course

New instructors must have successfully completed one of the following:

    * ALEOAC/AZ POST (Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board) - Arizona Basic Police Firearms

       Instructor Certification

    * NRA Police Firearms Instructor Development School

    * NRA Law Enforcement (Security) Firearms Instructor Development School

    * NRA Personal Protection Instructor rating AND NRA Pistol Instructor rating (IVA and IPA)
    * NRA Law Enforcement Tactical Handgun Instructor

    * NRA Law Enforcement Handgun/Shotgun Instructor

    * Federal Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Training Program (FITP) AND Complete the 8 hour basic CCW  

       course.

Procedure

To Become an Instructor Without a Permit:

Training organizations are required to submit all applications for instructors.

How to Become a CCW Instructor With a CCW Permit:

    * Complete the required NRA courses or AZ POST/ALEOAC Firearms Instructor Course and submit a copy of the certificate along with your CCW Instructor application

    * Attend the initial CCW class (8 hrs) and ensure the instructor fills out the back side of the application

    * Submit an application to become a CCW instructor to the CWPU accompanied by your completion certificates (CCW initial class AND NRA or AZ POST/ALEOAC Firearms Instructor), applicable fee (see fe schedule on CCW homepage), fingerprint card, and a letter from the training organization you will work for that states you will be an instructor for that organization.

To Become a CCW Instructor With a CCW Permit:

Training organizations are required to submit all applications for instructors, see the Registration Request form.

1. If you meet the basic requirements for instructors and wish to obtain both a permit and instructor certification, check both the "New (or Renewal, if applicable) Permit Application" and "Training Instructor Approval Application" boxes on the front of the application. If you already have a permit and desire to apply for instructor certification, check only the "Training Instructor Approval" box on the application.

Note: When submitting NRA proof of instructor training, submit the official documentation of training issued by the NRA, not certificates of completion from your instructor or the school you attended. Completion documents issued by an instructor or school are unacceptable and must be forwarded to the NRA for issuance of the official instructor certification. AZ POST and Federal Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors must submit a copy of their completion certificate. If necessary due to time constraints, you may contact the NRA for a letter that verifies you have completed their program and have been accepted. The CWPU will temporarily accept this letter until the certificate becomes available.

2. Complete the remainder of the application. If you already have a permit, do not enter any information on the rear of the application. If you do not have a permit, you must show evidence that you have attended the initial class OR you must apply for a permit and instructor certification. The initial training must have occurred within the last 12 months. Regardless, ensure the CCW instructor completes the back side of the application after attending the initial class.

3. You must be fingerprinted utilizing the "Applicant" fingerprint card provided. The organization may offer fingerprinting services or you may be required to locate a provider. Some police agencies provide this service for a small fee (DPS does not). Call your local agencies for inquiries. Regardless of who completes the fingerprint card, the prints must be clear and distinct. Do not place tape over the top of the prints!