
STEP-UP TO CERTIFICATION: 6-WEEK FIREARMS SAFETY, JUDGMENT & PRACTICAL HANDGUN TRAINING

- Sat, Sep. 5, 2026
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sat, Sep. 5, 2026
- $549
- In-Class Time40 Hour(s)
- Range Time6 Hour(s)
What You'll Learn
Step-Up to Certification: 6-Week Firearms Safety, Judgment & Practical Handgun Training
Step-Up to Certification is more than a one-day concealed carry class. It is a structured six-week firearms development program for students who want to build the knowledge, practical skills, judgment, and confidence necessary for responsible firearm ownership and concealed carry.
Students receive approximately 38–46 hours of progressive classroom, practical, and range instruction, depending on individual and group progression. Training is conducted in a small-group environment, with enrollment limited to six students to allow meaningful instructor observation, coaching, correction, and individual development.
Throughout the program, students progress through:
Beginner Firearms Fundamentals — Develop proper grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, firearm manipulation, and safe handling while establishing a strong foundation for continued development.
Core Firearms Safety & Responsible Decision-Making — Go beyond memorizing safety rules by learning to consistently apply them while developing situational awareness, preparedness, judgment, and personal responsibility.
Practical Handgun Development — Build upon foundational skills through progressively more challenging practical exercises. Students learn to recognize performance issues, apply corrections, improve consistency, and develop skills that extend beyond simply passing a qualification.
Virginia CHP Training Requirements — Complete the applicable firearms training necessary to support an application for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit while developing a broader understanding of the responsibilities associated with carrying a firearm.
Dedicated Range Development — Apply classroom and practical instruction during two supervised range sessions, typically approximately three hours each. Students receive direct coaching and opportunities to demonstrate, reinforce, and further develop the skills introduced throughout the program.
The program typically meets twice per week during the instructional phase, with progression based on demonstrated development rather than simply completing a predetermined number of classes.
The certificate is an important milestone. Development is the objective.
Students leave the program with more than documentation of completed training. They leave with a stronger foundation in firearm safety, practical handgun skills, situational awareness, judgment, preparedness, and responsible decision-making—and a clearer understanding of what continued development should look like after the course ends.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation, Rescheduling & Attendance Policy At Firearms Safety First, LLC, we are committed to providing every student with a professional, well-prepared training experience. Classroom preparation, instructor scheduling, range reservations, and course materials are coordinated in advance. Because of this, cancellations and last-minute schedule changes directly impact course quality and the ability to serve other students. By registering for a course, students acknowledge and agree to the following policies: • Administrative Fee: All cancellations and approved reschedules are subject to a $75 administrative fee. • 48-Hour Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled course start time are not eligible for a refund. • No Shows: Students who do not attend their scheduled course without prior approval will forfeit all tuition and are not eligible for a refund or credit. • Rescheduling: One reschedule may be requested, subject to the $75 administrative fee. Requests received within 48 hours of the scheduled class will be treated as cancellations. • Student Preparedness: Students who fail to complete required pre-class instructions, fail to bring required equipment or documentation, or otherwise arrive unprepared to participate may be considered a cancellation or no-show at the instructor's discretion. • Third-Party Costs: Range fees, ammunition, targets, facility fees, and other third-party expenses are non-refundable once incurred. Firearms Safety First, LLC understands that genuine emergencies can occur. Requests involving documented emergencies or military orders may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the instructor. Any exception granted for one student does not establish a precedent for future requests. By completing registration and payment, students acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Cancellation, Rescheduling & Attendance Policy.
What We'll Teach
Basic and Advanced Skills
A number of basic and advanced skills designed to take your skill level beyond the building blocks introduced in Lesson Three, and dramatically elevate your speed, accuracy, and enjoyment at the range.
Additional Notes from Your Instructor
Schedule Structure Step-Up to Certification is a six-week progressive training program. Students typically meet twice per week during the classroom and practical instructional phase, receiving approximately eight hours of instruction per week. The program includes approximately 38–46 hours of classroom, practical, and range instruction, depending on student and group progression. Classroom and practical instruction covers firearm fundamentals, core safety principles, responsible firearm handling, legal responsibilities, situational awareness, preparedness, judgment, decision-making, and practical handgun skills. The program also includes two dedicated live-fire range sessions of approximately three hours each. Range-session duration may vary based on class size and student progression. Enrollment is limited to six students to support individual observation, coaching, correction, and progressive skill development. Requirements & Expectations All required electronic waivers for both Firearms Safety First, LLC and the training range must be completed before applicable classroom or range participation. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. All firearms brought into the classroom must arrive unloaded and secured, with ammunition stored separately unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Students are expected to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to participate in each scheduled training session. Firearms safety rules and instructor directions will be strictly enforced throughout the program. Unsafe conduct or serious/repeated safety violations may result in immediate removal from training. Removal for a safety violation may result in dismissal from the program without refund. Because skills and concepts build progressively throughout the six weeks, regular attendance is important. Students who miss instruction may be required to complete make-up or remedial training before progressing to subsequent portions of the program. Payment Options & Enrollment A payment plan is available for students who prefer to divide the program cost into installments. A deposit is required to reserve a seat, and the remaining balance must be paid according to the agreed payment schedule. Because enrollment is limited to six students, a seat is not considered reserved until the required deposit or full payment has been received. Payment arrangements must be established before the program begins. Failure to make scheduled payments may result in suspension from training until the account is brought current. Any range fees, ammunition, firearm rental, or other student-supplied equipment costs not specifically included in the program price remain the responsibility of the student. Cancellation, Rescheduling & Attendance Policy Students requesting cancellation or rescheduling must provide at least 48 hours' notice before the scheduled start of the program to be eligible for a refund or transfer, subject to Firearms Safety First, LLC policy. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled start of the program are non-refundable. Once the six-week program has begun, missed sessions do not automatically qualify for a refund. Students should notify the instructor as soon as possible when an unavoidable absence occurs so that available make-up or remediation options can be discussed. Failure to attend a scheduled session without notice may result in forfeiture of that session.
Upcoming Class Dates for
Step-Up to Certification: 6-Week Firearms Safety, Judgment & Practical Handgun Training
8 Upcoming
Live, Self-Defense Lessons For Everyone
Parents, Teachers, Concerned Citizens, Business Professionals, Churchgoers, and anyone who wants to keep themselves and others safe
What to Bring
- FMJ
- Long Pants
- Thick Belt
- Close-toed Shoes
- Brimmed Hat
- Handgun
- Water / Beverage
- Lunch
- Pen & Notebook
- Eye & Ear Protection
- Extra Magazines
- Magazine Pouch
- Speed Loader
- Range Bag
- Holster
- Snap Caps
What is Provided
- Curriculum Textbook
- Targets
- Snap Caps
- Speed Loader
- Holster
Training Powered By:
We Educate. We Train. We Save Lives.
- Ongoing training to keep your family safe
- Next steps you can take in your training to ensure you are prepared
- Plus: Live Q&A with USCCA-Certified Instructors