Derek Dwuma
Instructor # 2969543 | Certified Shooters LLC
Certified with the USCCA since 11/6/2022
Certification Renewal Date 11/6/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Range Safety Officer
- Emergency & First Aid
My Biography
Derek Dwuma – Certified Firearms Instructor and Owner of Certified Shooters MD
With years of dedicated experience in firearms instruction and safety, Derek Dwuma, owner of Certified Shooters MD, brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to every course he teaches. As a Certified Firearms Instructor for Maryland and Washington, D.C., Derek has developed a reputation for his thorough, engaging, and practical approach to firearms training. Known for his attention to detail and hands-on guidance, Derek goes beyond standard instruction to ensure each student gains a solid foundation in both safety and defensive strategy.
Certified Shooters MD offers a comprehensive range of courses, from the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit to the Handgun Qualification License (HQL), self-defense fundamentals, and specialized training in the legal use of force. Each course is designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to be confident, responsible, and legally compliant firearm owners. Instructor Derek provides personalized, real-world training, fostering a learning environment where safety and readiness are paramount.
As a USCCA-certified instructor, Derek combines technical expertise with a passion for teaching, equipping students with the tools needed to protect themselves and their loved ones. Whether you’re new to firearms or looking to deepen your skill set, Derek’s approach ensures you receive the highest quality instruction at Certified Shooters MD. Join Derek for a training experience that prioritizes your safety, preparedness, and success.
Request a Class
This 16-Hour Course includes: Application requirements, Safe Gun Handling Rules, Pistol Parts & Operation, Ammunition knowledge & selection, Cleaning & Maintenance, Holster selection, Firearms Laws, Use of Deadly Force, Mindset, Interactions with law enforcement, and Live Fire Session. This intensive, state-mandated 16-hour training doesn’t just meet Maryland’s wear-and-carry permit standards—it prepares you for real-world scenarios. Under the skilled leadership of Instructor Derek, students gain crucial skills in safe handling, strategic decision-making, and defensive tactics. Certified Shooters MD delivers more than certification; we instill confidence and a deep understanding of legal and practical responsibilities.
This Basic Firearm’s Safety Training Course combined with the Maryland State Police ad-on moduals will satisfy Maryland’s requirements for the HQL. The class shall consist of a minimum of four (4) hours of instruction and will affirm the applicant’s safe operation of a firearm which will require a course of fire. Your Handgun Qualification License will include instruction on: State firearm Laws, Home Firearm Safety, Firearm overview of the proper operation and safe handling of a handgun, cleaning and maintenance, the loading and unloading of ammunition, and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatic handguns. A course specific agenda will be provided at the beginning of class.This is a HQL course that is Mandatory for the State of Maryland to purchase a firearm.
Students will learn how to build a personal and home protection plan and be prepared to face a multitude of threats. Students will also learn how to protect and themselves and their families. Developing a personal & home protection plan is a key component of not only preparing for how we should (or might) react if confronted by a violent crime, but also how we might avoid violent crime in the first place.
This class will introduce you to a wealth of information on different types of self-defense firearms including handguns, home defense shotguns, and the AR-15 platform. This class provides an easy to understand explanations of the common terms used so frequently. The goal of this lesson is to de-mystify what can sometimes feel like a topic reserved for experts.
This class will introduce students to tips and tricks while exploring the different kinds of self defense gear and gadget and why each is important. Students will discover what gears may be right for them before making a purchase. We will discuss gun vaults, holster, lights, lasers and more
If you’re seeking a hands-on learning experience that incorporates drills, Defensive Shooting Fundamentals is the class for you. One of the biggest benefits of DSF is that you’ll be setting a foundation to build your armed self-defense training from.
This class will cover the important legal topics concerning self-defense, including the laws governing the legal use of force inside/outside of the house. Students will gain an understanding of the laws related to armed self-defense.
Renew your Maryland Wear & Carry Permit with this required 8-hour course designed to keep you compliant and confident. Taught by Instructor Derek, this session reviews critical firearm safety, updated laws, and defensive techniques. It includes a live-fire qualification to ensure your skills meet state standards. Certified Shooters MD provides the expert guidance you need to renew your permit with ease and maintain readiness for responsible carry.
This course, led by Instructor Derek, is designed to give you a solid foundation in the key areas of firearm safety, shooting techniques, and the legal responsibilities of carrying a concealed firearm. You’ll gain a deep understanding of your options for firearms, ammunition, holsters, and maintenance, as well as important topics like situational awareness and the ethical decision-making process involved in using deadly force. We’ll also dive into conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies to help you stay calm and prepared in any situation.
By the end of the class, you’ll walk away with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to carry your concealed firearm responsibly and safely, making sure you're always ready to protect yourself and others.
his 4-hour renewal course is required to maintain your D.C. Concealed Pistol License and ensures you remain up to date with current firearm laws and best practices. Led by Instructor Derek, this class covers the legal responsibilities of concealed carry, ethical decision-making, and any recent changes to D.C. firearm regulations. You’ll review key skills such as marksmanship, situational awareness, and conflict de-escalation while completing the live-fire qualification required for license renewal. By the end of this course, you’ll leave prepared, confident, and compliant, ready to continue carrying responsibly in the District of Columbia.
This 16-Hour Course includes: Application requirements, Safe Gun Handling Rules, Pistol Parts & Operation, Ammunition knowledge & selection, Cleaning & Maintenance, Holster selection, Firearms Laws, Use of Deadly Force, Mindset, Interactions with law enforcement, and Live Fire Session. This intensive, state-mandated 16-hour training doesn’t just meet Maryland’s wear-and-carry permit standards—it prepares you for real-world scenarios. Under the skilled leadership of Instructor Derek, students gain crucial skills in safe handling, strategic decision-making, and defensive tactics. Certified Shooters MD delivers more than certification; we instill confidence and a deep understanding of legal and practical responsibilities.
