Colorado House Bill 24-1174: New CCW Training Requirements

Author: Graham Dunne

House Bill 24-1174, passed in 2024, took effect on July 1, 2025. It changes Colorado’s concealed handgun permit (CHP) rules, especially the training required for applicants and instructors. Key changes under the new law include:

• Verified Instructors Statewide: All CHP classes (for new permits or renewals) must be taught by a Verified Instructor, which means an instructor vetted by a Colorado county sheriff’s office. Once verified in one county, an instructor is recognized statewide.
  
  
• In-Person, Longer Classes: No more online-only courses – training must be face-to-face. New permit applicants now need at least 8 hours of class (up from the old 2–3 hours). Renewing permit holders must take a refresher class of at least 2 hours.
  
  
• Live-Fire & Written Tests: Every CCW class must include a live-fire shooting qualification (50 rounds) and a written exam (70% minimum score). Training certificates expire much sooner – within 1 year for new permits and 6 months for renewals.
  
  

What It Means for Colorado Gun Owners

If you’re applying for a new Colorado concealed carry permit, be prepared to invest more time and effort. After July 1, 2025, new applicants must complete an in-person, full-day (8-hour) handgun safety course with a Verified Instructor. You need to complete this training, then take a written test and demonstrate your shooting skills at the range to earn your certificate.

If you already have a CHP and need to renew, you now must show proof that you passed a refresher training class within 6 months of your renewal date. That refresher course must be at least 2 hours, in-person and cover recent law changes as well as a shooting qualification.

Verified Instructors: Your Class Counts Statewide

The law mandates Verified Instructors, who must be vetted by a sheriff’s office: they need to hold a valid Colorado permit and be certified by a nationally recognized firearms training organization. Once approved, they become verified and are listed in that county. Verification from one county is accepted across the state. (For example, Ragnar Tactical’s instructors are verified in Arapahoe County.)

Ragnar Tactical: Leading the Way Under HB 24-1174

The new requirements may seem daunting, but Ragnar Tactical is uniquely equipped to help you succeed. Here’s why our training is the best choice for Colorado CCW applicants and permit holders:

• Experienced, Real-World Instructors: Our instructors were police academy instructors and have extensive law enforcement and military backgrounds. This experience means we offer much more than a textbook class. We provide practical insights on safety and Colorado law that many courses overlook, such as what to do if you’re stopped by police while armed or use lethal force to defend yourself.
  
  
• Comprehensive Skills Practice: Our basic concealed carry course (Level 1 Handgun) goes far beyond the minimum. In about 5½ hours of hands-on instruction, you’ll practice marksmanship drills, tactical reloads, clearing malfunctions, one-handed shooting, and close-quarters defense – skills that ordinary “CCW 101” classes often neglect.
  
  
• Extra Value for Renewals: We don’t believe a bare-minimum 2-hour refresher is enough to keep you sharp. That’s why we offer renewing permit holders our full Level 1 course at a $50 discount. For $150, you get a complete refresher class and range session as if you were a new student, so you stay confident and current while meeting your renewal requirement.
  
  

Carry with Confidence Under the New Law

Colorado’s updated concealed carry law raises the training bar – but with the right preparation, you can meet the requirements and become a more confident, responsible gun owner. Ragnar Tactical will guide you through these changes so you get the most out of your training.

Don’t be intimidated by the new rules – see them as an opportunity to improve. With Ragnar Tactical’s verified instructors and expert classes, you’ll be fully prepared to carry safely and legally under HB 24-1174.

Ready to train? Contact Ragnar Tactical or visit our course calendar to sign up for a class. We’ll help you earn your permit or renewal the right way so you can carry with confidence in Colorado.

About the author:

Sergeant Dunne is a former Marine and police officer, with 30 years of service. He has served as a SWAT operator and sniper, and was a full time academy instructor for 8 years. A police Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross recipient, he is founder and lead instructor for Ragnar Tactical.