← Course menu
California CCW Class 16 Hour Course | Los Angeles
Initial CCW 16 Hour Class Required by California | LASD / LAPD Approved
Your next step
Choose your dates
Registration open
Compare Initial & Renewal CCW courses → · Explore the Cobra Difference →
Course overview
What to expect
Day One - Classroom / Administrative Instruction - 5 Hours
- Firearms Safety
- Handgun Fundamentals
- Shooting Fundamentals
- Legal Standards
- Current Sensitive-Place Restrictions
- Mental Health Awareness
Day Two - Force-On-Force and First Aid Training - 5 Hours
- Use-of-Force Laws and the Legal and Psychological Impacts of a Post Self-Defense Shooting / Incident
- Use of Force Simulation
- Tactical wound care and Stop the Bleed training
Day Three - Range - 6 Hours
- Live-Fire Proficiency Qualification - 72 rounds for the primary firearm at 3 / 5 / 7 yards
- Live-Fire Proficiency Qualification - 20 rounds each for secondary and tertiary firearms at 5 / 7 yards
- Shooting Fundamentals
- Drawing and Reholstering
- Malfunction Drills
- Movement and Shooting
- Use of Cover Drills
- Close-Quarter Drills
High Instructor-to-Student Ratio
One instructor for every two students, providing substantially more individual coaching, supervision, and feedback than a large-format class.
Experienced Instructors
Training is conducted by experienced instructors with backgrounds that include military service, law enforcement, civilian firearms instruction, and advanced firearms training.
Practical Firearms Training
Students receive practical firearms instruction designed to develop safe handling, proper technique, accuracy, and confidence - not simply classroom instruction.
Small Class Sizes
Classes are generally capped at eight students, allowing instructors to spend more time working directly with each participant.
Important: Cobra Tactical provides firearms training, not legal advice. CCW application, fingerprinting, documentation, fees, timing, and renewal requirements are controlled by the issuing agency and applicable law. Verify current requirements directly with LASD, LAPD, or your issuing agency before submitting your renewal.
Learning objectives
*In accordance with AB-1078 and P.C. 26150
Students will be able to:
- Understand and demonstrate safe firearm handling / storage / transportation
- Demonstrate safe and effective shooting techniques
- Develop strong marksmanship fundamentals
- Safely and effectively move while shooting
- Understand and demonstrate firearm maintenance
- Understand CCW Legalities
- Address Incident Aftermath
- Be aware of mental health and resources, particularly in relation to firearms
- Demonstrate First Aid/Tactical Wound Care/Stop the Bleed tactics for self and others
Required gear on each day
Day 1 (5 Hours) - Classroom
- Government Issued ID (Driver's License)
- Up to three (3) of the specific handguns intended for CCW use
Day 2 (5 Hours) - Classroom
*wear clothes that you would not mind getting simulated blood on*
- Writing material for notes (not mandatory)
- Water and snacks (not mandatory)
Day 3 (6 Hours) - Range
- Same three (3) handguns approved on Day 1 (Legally Transported)
- Ammo (see below)
- Eye Protection
- Hearing Protection (Electronic is Preferred)
- Holster (for Each pistol - Highly encouraged / Not Mandatory)
- Minimum 1 magazine per firearm (recommended 3 minimum)
- Adequate Belt (Cobra Tactical recommends Kore Essentials)
- Speed-loader
- Close-toed shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Any required medication
- Other range/weather appropriate attire
Ammunition
- Min 300 rounds for first pistol
- 50 rounds for second pistol
- 50 rounds for third pistol