California CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor
California DOJ accepts several qualifying instructor credentials. We offer an NRA-based training pathway.
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
Official DOJ CCW Instructor Resources
California DOJ CCW Instructor requirements, qualifications, and application procedures are established by the California Department of Justice and may change. Review the official DOJ website for current instructor requirements.
Southwest Training Center is a private training provider and is not a government agency. Licensing requirements, application procedures, fees and regulations are established by the applicable government agency and are subject to change. Please consult the official agency website for current requirements.
Two Separate California DOJ Instructor Certifications
California has two distinct Department of Justice instructor certifications. This page covers only the CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor (BOF 1034). The Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Program DOJ Certified Instructor (BOF 037) is a completely separate certification.
Being FSC-certified does NOT automatically make someone a CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor, and vice versa. Each program has its own application, qualifications, and official requirements.
California CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor
To become a California CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor, you must:
1Obtain a valid California Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE must be renewed annually.
- A)
Submit a live scan: (We offer live scan services on site!)
Get Current COE / Live Scan Information From CA DOJ ↗ - B)Create an account or log in to: California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) must complete live scan first!
2Meet one of the DOJ's accepted instructor qualifications from an approved training entity. Examples include BSIS, POST, CHP/CDCR, NRA Law Enforcement, and NRA Instructor disciplines. For the complete and current list, review the official DOJ website.
- NRA Law Enforcement Instructor: NRA Law Enforcement Training Courses
- NRA Instructor (Pistol, PPITH, PPOH): Search NRA Training Catalogue
3Pass a live-fire qualification. Within six months before applying, you must successfully complete a live-fire qualification administered by another qualified instructor. You cannot administer your own qualification.
The qualification uses a standard B-27 target and includes safe weapon practices, a serviceable holster with magazine pouch, and timed shooting exercises. See the live-fire qualification course of fire on our DOJ CCW Firearms Qualification page.
4Submit the DOJ application. After obtaining your COE and qualifying instructor credential, complete the BOF 1034 – CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor Application. There is no DOJ application fee, although the COE has associated fees.
- o
Do not rely on a stored copy — download the current BOF 1034 application directly from the California DOJ forms page.
Get Current BOF 1034 From CA DOJ ↗ - !The instructor who witnessed your qualifications will need to sign this form. Bring it with you to the live fire qualification.
California DOJ accepts several qualifying instructor credentials.
Southwest Training Center offers an NRA-based training pathway. Click the links below to book your classes.
Don't see a date for a course you'd like to attend? Call us at 310-650-6896 - we often have the next date already in the works! We also offer private instructor training.
SOUTHWEST TRAINING CENTER RECOMMENDED NRA PATHWAY
To become an NRA instructor, you must:
- Attend the Basic Courses
- Complete Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
- Pass the Instructor Courses
DOJ accepts several qualifying credentials
California DOJ accepts several different qualifying instructor credentials (BSIS, POST, CHP/CDCR, NRA Law Enforcement, and NRA Instructor disciplines, among others). Our NRA pathway is one option — it is not a requirement for every DOJ applicant. The pathway completes Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor as one accepted credential.
The training route will consist of (9 Days):
- Basic Pistol — 1 Day
- BIT — 6 Hours / 1 Day
- Pistol Instructor — 1 Day
- Personal Protection Inside the Home (PPIH) — 1 Day
- PPIH Instructor — 1 Day
- Personal Protection Outside the Home — 2 Days
- PPOH Instructor — 2 Days
NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
The first step to becoming an NRA Certified Instructor. This course covers the NRA instructional methodology, teaching philosophy, and the policies and procedures required to teach NRA courses. BIT is a prerequisite for all NRA instructor-level disciplines.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Instructor
Builds on BIT to certify instructors to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course. Covers instructional techniques for marksmanship fundamentals, safe handling, and pistol operation. A prerequisite for the Personal Protection instructor disciplines.
NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor (PPITH)
Certifies instructors to teach defensive pistol skills for in-home protection. Covers instructional techniques for marksmanship fundamentals, defensive shooting skills, and the legal aspects of self-defense. Successful completion is required before taking PPOH Instructor.
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor (PPOH)
An NRA instructor certification accepted by California DOJ as a qualifying credential for CCW instructor approval. Certifies instructors to teach concealed carry and defensive shooting skills outside the home, including holster draw, presentation, and advanced defensive tactics.
CA DOJ CCW Instructor Application Assistance
Already NRA-certified? We assist certified instructors with the California DOJ CCW Instructor application process, documentation, and submission guidance to help you get approved to teach CCW courses in California.
Book ConsultationCA DOJ CCW Instructor Live Fire Qualification
The DOJ-required live-fire qualification for CCW instructor applicants. Administered by a qualified instructor on our range using the standard B-27 target course of fire. Bring a serviceable holster, magazine pouch, and at least one reload. You cannot administer your own qualification.
Requirements to Become a California CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Be a lawful, non-prohibited person able to possess firearms
- Hold a valid California Certificate of Eligibility (COE), renewed annually
- Meet one of the DOJ's accepted qualifying instructor credentials (BSIS, POST, CHP/CDCR, NRA Law Enforcement, or NRA Instructor disciplines — our recommended NRA pathway is one option)
- Pass the DOJ live-fire qualification administered by another qualified instructor
- Submit the BOF 1034 – CCW Program DOJ Certified Instructor application
Instructor courses are taught by our NRA Training Counselors. Successful students receive an NRA Instructor certification, which is one of several qualifying credentials accepted by California DOJ for CCW Program instructor approval.
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"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
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